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BBC First (Australian TV channel)

From Alfawiki
BBC First Australia
Company typeSubscription television channel
IndustryTelevision broadcasting
Founded2014-08-03
FateCeased broadcasting on Foxtel and Binge on 2024-07-31; replaced by BBC Drama on Fetch TV
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia
ParentBBC Studios

BBC First functioned as a subscription-based television channel in Australia, managed by BBC Studios as the region-specific iteration of the global BBC First brand.

History

On 17 April 2013, the BBC entered into an exclusive agreement with Australian pay-TV operator Foxtel to introduce a channel dedicated to comedy and drama programming, broadcast closely aligned with original UK air dates. This arrangement brought an end to a five-decade collaboration with the free-to-air network ABC, which was not involved in the negotiations. Existing 'grandfathered' series on other broadcasters remained unaffected by this change. New shows debuting on BBC First were subject to a minimum delay of 12 months before appearing on Australian free-to-air platforms.

Launched on 3 August 2014 under the BBC First global brand initiative, the channel debuted in both standard and high definition formats exclusively on Foxtel. The exclusivity ended when BBC First became available on IPTV provider Fetch TV starting 1 February 2015. Subsequently, Fetch TV introduced HD streaming for BBC First subscribers in February 2017.

Broadcasting of BBC First on Foxtel and Binge concluded on 31 July 2024. Following this, BBC Drama replaced it on Fetch TV as part of an expanded multi-channel collaboration between Fetch TV and BBC Studios.

Programming

The channel was designed to appeal primarily to affluent adults aged 25 to 54, with a particular emphasis on women aged between 40 and 54.

Original programming

Acquired programming

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