BBC Studios and UK commercial broadcaster ITV are launching streaming service BritBox in Australia later this year.
The ad-free subscription platform, already launched in the US, the UK and Canada, will launch as a 50/50 joint venture between the two businesses. The cost of a subscription hasn't been announced.
Further details on content and price will be released soon, however BBC Studios says the launch of BritBox won’t impact any content deals it has with Foxtel, as well as Fetch.
“There‘s a real opportunity to build on the momentum and brand that has been established in North America and to make BritBox part of BBC Studios’ future strategy in Australia,” says Fiona Lang, BBC Studios AUNZ general manager.
“Complementing our existing partnerships in the region, BritBox will draw on our vast combined catalogue of acclaimed British content and will deliver it directly to Australian audiences via a proven and seamless streaming service.”
Foxtel recently renewed its long-standing relationship with BBC, which provides it with various British drama, entertainment, documentaries, natural history, news and kids programming.
“Much more of that programming is available on demand than ever before and through popular BBC channels including BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC UKTV, BBC World News and CBeebies,” a Foxtel spokesperson says.
A local team will be recruited, including a country manager, to lead the BritBox service in Australia.
“It’s great to have a new route to market in Australia for ITV’s best loved British content,” says Augustus Dulgaro, ITV Studios executive vice president, Asia Pacific sales and distribution, global entertainment.
“We know the powerful combination of UK producers and distributors that the BritBox brand represents has been a consumer hit elsewhere and we look forward to bringing it to Australian fans in 2020.”
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