BBC World Service radio will become available across Australia on FOXTEL Digital’s new FOXTEL Air audio system from 14 March 2004.
This is the first time that BBC World Service will be available through direct to home satellite and digital cable television in Australian cities. Subscribers to FOXTEL Digital’s channel line-up will be able to hear the station in CD quality stereo sound, 24 hours a day.
Miles Palmer, Head of BBC World Service Business Development, said: “BBC World Service seeks to be available to listeners in an increasingly diverse multimedia world – and on the most convenient platform for them. We see Digital DTH platforms as a key long term provider of high quality services to widespread audiences.”
Michelle Rowland, the Australasian Representative of BBC World Service, added: “This agreement will ensure that BBC World Service radio will reach a greater number of potential listeners in Australia than ever before. It is significant because it means that we can expand further into parts of the country that have not previously been able to access the station in digital quality sound.”
The inclusion of BBC World Service on FOXTEL Digital complements the availability of BBC World television, the BBC’s commercially funded 24-hour international news and information channel, which will also be seen on the new platform.
BBC World Service is available on short wave in Australia.
FOXTEL Director of Digital Patrick Delany said: “The BBC World Service is a well-known and credible brand and we are delighted that we can now offer this channel to our FOXTEL Digital subscribers as one of the 30 digital quality audio channels on the FOXTEL AIR service.”
BBC World Service is a member of the AIB.