MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide Channels has inked a deal to launch the pre-school English-language channel, CBeebies, on Philippines pay TV operator SkyCable.
This marks the first time the channel, targeted at preschoolers six and under, is seen in the Philippines.
SkyCable was established by the Lopez and Central CATV group of companies, and is one of ABS-CBN Corporation’s subsidiaries.
BBC Worldwide Channels Asia senior VP, GM Mark Whitehead said, “The inaugural launch of CBeebies in the Philippines is an important one for our long term growth strategy in Asia. We are excited to have SkyCable, the country’s number one provider of pay-TV services, as our partner.”
“Growing our business in the Philippines is a priority for us in Asia, and quality programming is a linchpin to our success,” he continued. “We have acquired a stable of award-winning and acclaimed pre-school titles that are customised to appeal and suit the developmental needs of distinct age groups. CBeebies delivers a safe, non-violent, interactive experience designed by developmental experts to promote imaginative play, social interaction, language skills and educational values.”
Some of the top-rated programmes on CBeebies include In the Night Garden, a calming live action series from the makers of Teletubbies, which has won ‘Best Pre-School Live Action Series’ at the Bafta Children’s Awards for three years running.
Charlie and Lola, a cartoon animation about two siblings growing up together, has picked up Baftas for ‘Best Children’s Television Show’ and ‘Best Script’ whilst Mister Maker, an arts and crafts programme, was nominated for ‘Best Presenter’ at the Bafta Children‘s Awards 2009.
SkyCable head of programme packaging and merchandising Claudia G. Suarez said, “SkyCable is very pleased to have a partnership with BBC Worldwide Channels to provide high quality programming on our pay-TV platform. We are confident that CBeebies will help us to make SkyCable’s line-up even stronger and more competitive."
Outside of the Philippines, CBeebies is broadcast in India, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa. A Hispanic version of the channel is available in the US.
