BBCWW confirms Lat Am channels

BBC Worldwide has confirmed plans to launch channels in Central and South America, as revealed by C21 last month, inking a deal with Televisa Networks to launch two BBC-branded entertainment channels in Mexico.

The roll-out of the first channels – BBC Entertainment and preschool children’s channel CBeebies – in Mexico later this year marks the first time the BBC’s wholly-owned global channels have entered the Latin America market.

Darren Childs (left), BBC Worldwide Channels MD, said: “The joining together of two leading broadcasters marks a milestone for BBC Worldwide’s channels business.

“Not only does this deal allow us to reach a massively important Latin American audience with the best BBC content, it also sees the final piece of BBC Worldwide Channels’ strategy fall into place – giving us a BBC-branded presence on every inhabited continent.”

Bruce Boren, CEO of Televisa Networks, added: “We are very proud to partner with such a great company as the BBC and are excited to be able to offer new channels in two such important categories. This new offering will strengthen our existing line-up and help Televisa Networks further establish its leadership in the marketplace.”

The launches come after BBC Worldwide last month announced plans to launch its channels in Australia, partnering with Foxtel to launch BBC Knowledge and CBeebies channels in 2009.