Discovery Signs Up To Distribute BBC World News In U.S. (But It May Not Be Easy)

Good news for international news fans: BBC World has signed a long-term partnership agreement with Discovery Communications to distribute BBC World News in the U.S.

“U.S. consumers are ready for this unique news service – one that provides an impartial, global perspective on domestic and world events,” Bill Goodwyn, president of affiliate sales and marketing for Discovery Networks says. “We look forward to working with our distribution partners to deliver this compelling content in a 24/7 channel.”

> Broadcasting & Cable says “Discovery will try to gain carriage for the international news network at a time when cable and satellite companies are already strapped for bandwidth and skeptical about viewers’ appetite for international news…Discovery has no carriage deals to announce as of yet for the network, but a company representative said distributing BBC World News is ‘a high priority’ for its affiliate sales group, which is in talks with cable and satellite providers.”

> “BBC World News will be the sole international news channel in Discovery’s distribution portfolio, at a time when research studies show a significant increase in demand from U.S. audiences for international news,” today’s press release says.

> “Discovery already distributes BBC America, which has been running promos inviting viewers to call their cable or satellite provider and request the addition of BBC World to their channel lineups,” Digital Spy notes.

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