BBC Studios says it’s now sold more than 300 hours of programming to African broadcasters, including flagship titles Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II and Hustle.
Since the start of 2018, the BBC’s commercial arm has struck deals with MultiChoice’s pay TV platform DSTV NOW, South Africa’s public service broadcaster SABC and SVOD service Iflix.
The DSTV NOW deal for an “eclectic mix of music and arts programming” includes Last Night Of The Proms, Art of Scandinavia, Shakespeare Uncovered and Il Divo: A Musical Affair: Live in Japan.
Meanwhile SABC has snapped up over 80 hours of programming, including global hits Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II, Top Gear S24 and pre-schooler’s favourite Go Jetters, all of which will premiere for the first time in the territory on free-to-air television.
Iflix has struck its second deal with BBC Studios, taking over 100 hours of drama and comedy programming for Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa), with Citizen Khan S1 – S5, Hustle S1 – S8, Undercover, The Aliens, The Refugees and Undercover.
Joel Churcher, Vice President and General Manager for Africa, BBC Studios said, “Africa is a really exciting place to be in the television industry right now.
“We are seeing new and existing broadcasting platforms go from strength to strength.
“We are thrilled with the opportunities in the market that help us to bring the BBC’s award winning programming ranging from blockbuster natural history documentaries to educational children’s content, to a wider audience across the continent.”