Defunct subscription TV channel
Television channel
BBC First was an entertainmentsubscription television channel broadcasting inAustralia . It was the localized version of the internationally availableBBC First . The channel was wholly owned and operated byBBC Studios .[ 1] [ 2] [ 3]
On 17 April 2013, it was announced that theBBC had forged a new exclusive deal withAustralian subscription television providerFoxtel , which would see a new channel launched that would feature comedy and drama content, with programming screening as close to their originalUK transmission as possible.[ 2]
The following day it was announced that this deal resulted in the end of a 50-year-old deal with Australianfree-to-air broadcasterABC , which they were not consulted about.[ 4] [ 4] [ 2] [ 5]
It was later announced the new channel would be named BBC First, a new global brand that would roll out in 2014, with Australia being the first location to launch the new channel.[ 3] [ 3] [ 6] [ 7]
On 1 February 2015, BBC First launched onAustralian IPTV serviceFetch TV – ending Foxtel's exclusivity.[ 8] [ 9]
On 14 February 2017, BBC First was available in HD for Fetch TV customers.[ 10]
The channel exited Foxtel and Binge on 31 July 2024.[ 11] [ 12]
The channel targets affluent people between 25 and 54 years old, with a specific target demographic of women aged 40–54.[ 13]
Original programming [ edit ] Acquired programming [ edit ] ^ "BBC Worldwide and Foxtel unveil new channel name" (Press release). BBC Worldwide. 18 October 2013. Retrieved3 May 2014 .^a b c Knox, David (17 April 2013)."New BBC Drama channel headed to Foxtel" .TV Tonight . Retrieved3 February 2014 . ^a b c Knox, David (19 October 2013)."BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August" .TV Tonight . Retrieved3 February 2014 . ^a b Knox, David (18 April 2013)."BBC quits 50-year deal with "disappointed" ABC" .TV Tonight . Retrieved3 February 2014 . ^ Knox, David (17 October 2013)."BBC dramas "No delay from the UK" .TV Tonight . Retrieved3 February 2014 . ^ Knox, David (26 May 2014)."BBC First to launch on August 3rd" .TV Tonight . Retrieved2 July 2014 . ^ Knox, David (2 July 2014)."Foxtel channel changes" .TV Tonight . Retrieved2 July 2014 .When BBC First launches on the Drama & Lifestyle tier on August 3rd it will be available on Channel 214 in standard definition and Channel 117 in HD. ^ Knox, David (9 December 2014)."Fetch TV adds BBC First" .TV Tonight . Retrieved19 December 2014 . ^ Perry, Kevin (9 December 2014)."Big Blow for Foxtel as they lose exclusive rights for premium drama channel BBC First" . Nelbie. Archived fromthe original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved19 December 2014 . ^ "Fetch" .Facebook . 14 February 2017. Retrieved30 June 2024 .^ Knox, David (6 June 2024)."BBC First channel to exit Foxtel / Binge" .TV Tonight . Retrieved24 June 2024 .BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC News and CBeebies will leave Foxtel and Binge from 31 July. ^ "Fetch TV and BBC Studios extend their multi-channel partnership" (Press release). Sydney:Fetch TV . 6 June 2024. Retrieved24 June 2024 .^ Ward, Miranda (6 June 2014)."New Foxtel channel BBC First starts promotional push with campaign from Droga5" .Mumbrella . Retrieved9 January 2016 . ^ Daley, Paul (25 June 2015)."Banished review – it's the blackfellas who are banished from BBC drama" .The Guardian Australia . Retrieved9 January 2016 . ^a b c d e f Knox, David (19 October 2013)."BBC First channel to launch on Foxtel in August" .TV Tonight . Retrieved9 January 2016 . ^a b c d e f g Knox, David (27 March 2014)."Curtain up on BBC First" .TV Tonight . Retrieved9 January 2016 . ^a b Knox, David (27 March 2014)."Curtain up on BBC First" .TV Tonight . Retrieved14 May 2014 . ^ "February: 150+ new and returning shows, movies and sport events" .Foxtel . 6 February 2015. Retrieved6 February 2015 .^ Purcell, Charles (28 January 2016)."New This Week (Feb 1): The 100, Selling Houses Australia, Dickensian, Auckland Nines and live sport" . The Green Room. Archived fromthe original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved28 January 2016 . ^ Knox, David (14 July 2014)."Returning: Episodes" .TV Tonight . Retrieved19 January 2015 . ^ Knox, David (18 August 2015)."Returning: Episodes" .TV Tonight . Retrieved12 April 2016 . ^ Holas, Nic (12 September 2014)."You Need To Watch Maggie Gyllenhaal In 'The Honourable Woman' .Junkee . Retrieved9 January 2016 . ^ Ma, Wenlei (15 December 2015)."Luther season four will screen in February in Australia" .news.com.au . Retrieved9 January 2016 . ^ Purcell, Charles (2 January 2016)."NEW on JAN 4: 40+ new shows including Tiny House Australia, Project Runway and live sport" . The Green Room. Archived fromthe original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved3 January 2016 . ^a b Knox, David (5 November 2015)."Foxtel Upfronts 2016: Local thrillers, Lifestyle & US Drama" .TV Tonight . Retrieved5 November 2015 . ^ Higgins, D (30 March 2015)."APRIL on FOXTEL: Game Of Thrones, Mad Men, Wentworth, Deadline Gallipoli and 200+ other new shows" .The Green Room . Foxtel. Retrieved31 March 2015 .
UK channels UK nations Services and UKTV International andDefunct
Entertainment Lifestyle Religious Home Shopping Movies Foxtel Movies Action Aussie Classics British Cinema Comedy Drama Family Greats Hits Premiere Pulp Romance Sport News Documentary Kids and family Music Specialty Defunct
