|
BC-based Knowledge Network has purchased the assets of BBC Kids from Shaw Media and BBC Worldwide.
Subject to ratification by the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission), the new joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Knowledge Network will see operation and management of BBC Kids transfer from Shaw Media in Toronto, ON to the Knowledge Network in Burnaby, BC.
The companies say that BBC Kids will not go off air during this transition. Knowledge Network intends to continue operating BBC Kids under the same terms and conditions as those in effect under its current license, providing top tier educational and entertaining programming for children and youth ages 2-17 years.
New revenue streams brought about by such operations will also facilitate Knowledge Network's expansion to High Definition (HD) service.
"In 2008, the Province invested $2.7 million to upgrade Knowledge Network from analogue to digital and expand content delivery to Internet and mobile platforms," said Mary McNeil, Minister of Citizens' Services and Minister responsible for the corporation. "It is because of this investment the Knowledge Network has the ability to support an additional channel, creating new partnership and growth opportunities here in B.C."
New employment will be created at Knowledge Network to manage day to day operations of the BBC Kids channel. Knowledge Network says it will also expand its engagement with independent editors, talent, and digital media producers to support new projects and initiatives.
BBC Kids will be operated through a subsidiary of Knowledge Network, the Knowledge West Communications Corporation.
The BBC is a known global leader in the development of premium, responsible children's content for viewers 2-17. Knowledge Network, a publicly funded, commercial-free environment, has a dedication to public education programming which aligns with the trust and integrity associated with the BBC and the BBC Kids brand. Knowledge Network will deliver a robust programming line-up for the BBC Kids channel, with content from Canada, the UK, and around the world supported by marketing campaigns aimed at growing viewership and subscribers.
Currently, BBC Kids is a joint-venture with Shaw Media, a leading Canadian media corporation. Shaw Media remains a valued partner of BBC Worldwide Canada.
"Since 2001, BBC Kids has offered quality children's entertainment to Canada's youngest viewers and youth alike," Hilary Read, COO of BBC Worldwide Canada, said. "I'd like to thank Shaw Media for their dedication to the BBC Kids brand through the years, and steadfast support during this transition. I look forward to working with Knowledge Network, a company that shares our commitment to superior children's content, on this excellent joint-venture that will provide BBC Kids key opportunities in the marketplace and the perfect environment to truly spread its wings."
"Knowledge Network is honoured to be working with the BBC, a respected brand the world over and a leader in the creation of quality programming for children," added Rudy Buttignol, President and CEO of Knowledge Network Corporation. "Our goal is to extend the success we've had with Knowledge Network in British Columbia to the BBC Kids channel across Canada. This joint-venture with the BBC is a great opportunity to revitalize BBC Kids. We will strengthen the channel by making significant investments in programming, and re-launch it as a commercial free service for young Canadians."
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide Canada, located in Toronto was first established in 1952 and incorporated as a Canadian company in 2002. The company's activities in Canada include joint-venture channels BBC Canada, and BBC Kids, program distribution, ad sales for bbc.com and the newly established digital distribution business. The company is also a minority shareholder in Canadian production company, Temple Street Productions.
A viewer-supported public broadcaster, Knowledge Network provides commercial-free creative documentaries, arts and culture, and children's programs from Canada and around the world, by commissioning, pre-licensing and acquiring documentary and children's content for broadcast on Knowledge Network and Knowledge.ca.
Source: Mediacaster, 01/18/2011
|