MUMBAI: The BBC has announced that its radio service BBC World Service will become available across Australia on Foxtel Digital's new Air audio system from 14 March 2004.

The beeb issued a release stating that this was the first time that BBC World Service will be available through DTH satellite and digital cable television in Australia. Subscribers to Foxtel Digital's channel line-up will be able to hear the Beeb's news bulletins and award-winning programming of the station in CD quality stereo sound.

BBC World Service claims to be attracting audiences of at least 150 million listeners each week. It claims to be rapidly developing into a multimedia broadcaster for all of its 43 language services.

BBC has stated that it sees digital DTH platforms as a key long term provider of high quality services to widespread audiences. BBC World is already available on Foxtel's digital platform. Foxtel's audio service has 30 digital channels