PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 2011 – BBC Worldwide Channels has inked a deal to launch the award-winning pre-school English-language channel, CBeebies, on SKYCABLE. This marks the first time the channel, targeted at preschoolers six and under, is seen in the Philippines.
SKYCABLE is the largest pay-TV company in the Philippines. It was established by the Lopez and Central CATV group of companies, and is one of ABS-CBN Corporation’s subsidiaries.
“The inaugural launch of CBeebies in the Philippines is an important one for our long term growth strategy in Asia.” said Mark Whitehead, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BBC Worldwide Channels Asia. “Growing our business in the Philippines is a priority for us in Asia, and quality programming is a linchpin to our success.”
Some of the top-rated programmes on CBeebies include In the Night Garden, a calming live action series from the makers of Teletubbies, which has won ‘Best Pre-School Live Action Series’ at the BAFTA Children’s Awards for three years running. Charlie and Lola, a cartoon animation about two siblings growing up together, has picked up BAFTAs for ‘Best Children’s Television Show’ and ‘Best Script’ whilst Mister Maker, an arts and crafts programme, was nominated for ‘Best Presenter’ at the BAFTA Children’s Awards 2009.
“SKYCABLE is very pleased to have a partnership with BBC Worldwide Channels to provide high quality programming on our pay-TV platform. We are confident that CBeebies will help us to make SKYCABLE’s line-up even stronger and more competitive," said Claudia G. Suarez, head of Program Packaging and Merchandising, SKYCABLE Corporation.
Outside of the Philippines, CBeebies is broadcast in South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa and a Hispanic version of the channel is available in the USA.
CBeebies is on SKYCABLE Channel 126. It is included in the SKYCABLE Platinum – the Metro Pack or can be added individually to the channel line-up of any SKYCABLE subscription pack through SKYCABLE Select.
