BBC Studios has announced that its premium drama brand, BBC First, will launch for the first time in Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia from 1 April 2019.
The channel will be available through the A1 Telekom Austria Group subsidiaries A1 Croatia, A1 Slovenia and one. Vip platforms and will also extend the footprint of the channel in Central and Eastern Europe following its successful debut in Poland last October.
Programming includes Andrew Davies’ landmark adaptation of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, Luther, Ripper Street, Silent Witness, Maigret and Doctor Who.
Salim Mukaddam, Vice President and General Manager CEE, BBC Studios said: “British drama has seen a surge in popularity in recent years owing to its original storytelling and outstanding talent on and off screen.
“BBC First is uniquely placed in the market as the destination for viewers seeking out this world-class, yet uniquely British drama series, all in one place.
“I am looking forward to bringing it to more homes across CEE.”
“We see content and entertainment as a critical element of our multi-screen customer experience and it’s in the core of transforming our offerings from connectivity into personal experiences,” said Gernot Rasch, Director Marketing & Operations, A1 Telekom Austria Group.
“Thus we are particularly happy and proud to be the first one in our markets to offer our customers BBC First and its exquisite stories and plots.”