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BBC First (Australian TV channel)

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BBC First
Logo used from 2022 to 2024.
Broadcast areaAustralia
Programming
Picture format576i (16:9 SDTV)
1080i (16:9 HDTV)
Ownership
OwnerBBC Studios
Sister channels
History
Launched3 August 2014; 10 years ago (2014-08-03)
Closed31 July 2024; 3 months ago (2024-07-31)
Links
Websitehttp://www.bbcaustralia.com/channels/first/
Availability
Streaming media
Foxtel GoChannel 117
Fetch MobiChannel 114
Bingebinge.com.au

BBC First was an entertainment subscription television channel broadcasting in Australia. It was the localized version of the internationally available BBC First. The channel was wholly owned and operated by BBC Studios.[1][2][3]

History

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On 17 April 2013, it was announced that the BBC had forged a new exclusive deal with Australian subscription television provider Foxtel, which would see a new channel launched that would feature comedy and drama content, with programming screening as close to their original UK transmission as possible.[2]

The following day it was announced that this deal resulted in the end of a 50-year-old deal with Australian free-to-air broadcaster ABC, which they were not consulted about.[4] Despite the new exclusive deal with Foxtel, it does not affect 'grandfathering' agreements whereby series that are currently broadcasting on other networks are not affected and will remain on their current network.[4] The programming that is shown on the new channel will not air on Australian free-to-air for at least 12 months after its first airing, if ever.[2][5]

It was later announced the new channel would be named BBC First, a new global brand that would roll out in 2014, with Australia being the first location to launch the new channel.[3] The Australian channel is available in linear format and in high definition, launching on 3 August 2014.[3][6][7]

On 1 February 2015, BBC First launched on Australian IPTV service Fetch TV – ending Foxtel's exclusivity.[8][9]

On 14 February 2017, BBC First was available in HD for Fetch TV customers.[10]

The channel exited Foxtel and Binge on 31 July 2024.[11] BBC Drama, a new channel, replaced BBC First on Fetch TV.[12]

Programming

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The channel targets affluent people between 25 and 54 years old, with a specific target demographic of women aged 40–54.[13]

Original programming

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Acquired programming

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References

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  1. ^ "BBC Worldwide and Foxtel unveil new channel name" (Press release). BBC Worldwide. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Knox, David (17 April 2013). "New BBC Drama channel headed to Foxtel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  3. ^ a b c Knox, David (19 October 2013). "BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  4. ^ a b Knox, David (18 April 2013). "BBC quits 50-year deal with "disappointed" ABC". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  5. ^ Knox, David (17 October 2013). "BBC dramas "No delay from the UK"". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  6. ^ Knox, David (26 May 2014). "BBC First to launch on August 3rd". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  7. ^ Knox, David (2 July 2014). "Foxtel channel changes". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2 July 2014. When BBC First launches on the Drama & Lifestyle tier on August 3rd it will be available on Channel 214 in standard definition and Channel 117 in HD.
  8. ^ Knox, David (9 December 2014). "Fetch TV adds BBC First". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  9. ^ Perry, Kevin (9 December 2014). "Big Blow for Foxtel as they lose exclusive rights for premium drama channel BBC First". Nelbie. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  10. ^ "Fetch". Facebook. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  11. ^ Knox, David (6 June 2024). "BBC First channel to exit Foxtel / Binge". TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 June 2024. BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC News and CBeebies will leave Foxtel and Binge from 31 July.
  12. ^ "Fetch TV and BBC Studios extend their multi-channel partnership" (Press release). Sydney: Fetch TV. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  13. ^ Ward, Miranda (6 June 2014). "New Foxtel channel BBC First starts promotional push with campaign from Droga5". Mumbrella. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  14. ^ Daley, Paul (25 June 2015). "Banished review – it's the blackfellas who are banished from BBC drama". The Guardian Australia. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  15. ^ a b c d e f Knox, David (19 October 2013). "BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g Knox, David (27 March 2014). "Curtain up on BBC First". TV Tonight. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  17. ^ a b Knox, David (27 March 2014). "Curtain up on BBC First". TV Tonight. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  18. ^ "February: 150+ new and returning shows, movies and sport events". Foxtel. 6 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  19. ^ Purcell, Charles (28 January 2016). "New This Week (Feb 1): The 100, Selling Houses Australia, Dickensian, Auckland Nines and live sport". The Green Room. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  20. ^ Knox, David (14 July 2014). "Returning: Episodes". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  21. ^ Knox, David (18 August 2015). "Returning: Episodes". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  22. ^ Holas, Nic (12 September 2014). "You Need To Watch Maggie Gyllenhaal In 'The Honourable Woman'". Junkee. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  23. ^ Ma, Wenlei (15 December 2015). "Luther season four will screen in February in Australia". news.com.au. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  24. ^ Purcell, Charles (2 January 2016). "NEW on JAN 4: 40+ new shows including Tiny House Australia, Project Runway and live sport". The Green Room. Archived from the original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  25. ^ a b Knox, David (5 November 2015). "Foxtel Upfronts 2016: Local thrillers, Lifestyle & US Drama". TV Tonight. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  26. ^ Higgins, D (30 March 2015). "APRIL on FOXTEL: Game Of Thrones, Mad Men, Wentworth, Deadline Gallipoli and 200+ other new shows". The Green Room. Foxtel. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
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