BBC America

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BBC America

Launched	March 29, 1998
Owned by	BBC
Slogan	A Little Brit Different
Website	www.bbcamerica.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV	Channel 264
Dish Network	Channel 135
Cable
Verizon FiOS	Channel 169
Comcast	Channel 114
Time Warner Cable	Channels May Vary
Charter	Channels May Vary
Cox Cable	Channels May Vary
Bright House	Channels May Vary

BBC America is an American television network, owned and operated by BBC Worldwide, which was launched on March 29, 1998, available on both cable and satellite. It is one of two BBC branded channels broadcast in the USA - the other being BBC World which broadcasts in New York only.

1 History
2 Distribution
3 BBC World newscasts
4 Programming
5 Original Programming
6 Outside of the US
7 On Demand
8 Examples of Idents
9 See Also
10 External links

[edit] History

Since its launch, in March of 1998, BBC America has carried programming from the BBC and other British television networks, including comedy, drama, and lifestyle programmes. During the daytime, the network shows repeats of comedies such as Benny Hill, home-improvement series like Changing Rooms and Cash in the Attic together with news bulletins from BBC World. The evening schedule is where most new programming appears.

[edit] Distribution

BBC America is distributed in association with Discovery Networks, the United States division of Discovery Communications and parent company of the Discovery Channel, which also handles the affiliate and advertising sales. Unlike the BBC's commercial-free domestic networks, which are supported through the licence fee, BBC America is wholly advertising-supported and its programs are frequently interrupted by commercials. Many comedy programs run in specially formatted 40-minute blocks that allow them to run unedited. Some shows with adult content are edited -- however, rear and top frontal nudity for women have been shown on the channel, as well as some swearing have been allowed. Brief frontal male nudity can also occasionally be observed in shows, mainly the popular Footballers' Wives.

[edit] BBC World newscasts

BBC America simulcasts news bulletins from BBC World with U.S. commercials inserted. Previously, only individual 30 minute bulletins were simulcast — but in October 2005, the network began airing a full three-hour simulcast of BBC World in the mornings (from 6-9 AM ET, 3-6 AM PT). The simulcast consists of 30-minute news bulletins, editions of World Business Report, Sport Today, Asia Today and BBC News Extra, and a one-hour bulletin called World News Today - anchored by George Alagiah. A 30 minute bulletin also airs in the evening at 7-7.30 p.m. ET (4-4.30 p.m. PT), generally presented by Mike Embley in the main London studio of BBC World with Katty Kay in Washington.

During major breaking news situations, the network will sometimes take BBC World's coverage and pre-empt regular programming. The London Bombings in July 2005 were one such example. BBC World is not currently widely available in the U.S. as a separate channel — although the channel announced in 2006 that it was seeking widespread distribution.

[edit] Programming

The network currently airs programs such as:

Note: Programmes marked with * have not originally been broadcast by the BBC but were either original ITV, Channel 4 or Sky One productions.

[edit] Original Programming

BBC America began producing its own shows and joint productions in 2004. This includes Sharpe's Challenge, part of the Sharpe series of TV movies. The series was co-produced with ITV.

[edit] Outside of the US

BBC America is also available in Bermuda on Bermuda CableVision's digital cable TV service.

[edit] On Demand

BBC America On Demand refers to a selection of BBC America programs available as Video on demand programing on many US digital cable systems. These Video on demand programs are usually available for 2-4 weeks before being rotated out. These programs are offered commercial-free though some programs are interrupted for network promos.