Even with Britbox’s upcoming launch in Australia later this year, Foxtel remains unfazed. As it turns out, BBC and ITV’s imminent streaming launch won’t change anything in Foxtel’s exclusive rights to offer British shows.
BBC Studios recently announced that Foxtel content won’t be affected with Britbox entering the Australian market. In fact, the long-standing partnership between the two companies was recently renewed so Foxtel subscribers can expect to continue watching their favourite British programmes on their screens. With BBC deciding to explore and flourish on its existing partnerships, customers receiving Foxtel’s service don’t need to worry about content overhaul this year.
What is Britbox?
Britbox is the latest 50-50 joint venture between two of the UK’s reputable TV companies and is packed with the greatest British entertainment and news. Hitting the Australian shores this 2020, the new streaming platform is BBC and ITV’s answer to pure, unfiltered British content catalogue.
The announcement of its launch in Oz has somehow generated buzz about the possible removal of BBC content from Foxtel’s lineup of shows. After all, Foxtel did remove Disney Channel and Disney Junior from the kids’ pack following the launch of Disney Plus. BBC Studios assure this isn’t the case.
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BBC content on Foxtel unchanged
In a statement made a few days ago, the UK entertainment company will continue its partnership with Foxtel, ensuring that all content fresh from the UK will remain on Foxtel’s catalogue of drama, documentaries, news, and kids shows.
“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,” said BBC Studios AUNZ general manager Fiona Lang.
“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 confirms the same. British programming can still be accessed on demand through well-known BBC channels, including BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC UKTV, BBC World News and CBeebies. Foxtel has since been a popular choice among TV series enthusiasts, content-wise.
Exclusive access to HBO programming with popular shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld, and its abundant dose of British entertainment through BBC like Peaky Blinders and His Dark Materials, make Foxtel a valuable pick for your entertainment needs.
What will Britbox offer?
With the launch of Britbox underway, a local team will be recruited to manage its service in the country. UK’s latest streaming platform has already been initiated in the UK, in the US, and Canada. Soon it will be available to Australian fans as well, instigating a shake up in Australia’s streaming landscape.
Just late last year, Disney’s own streaming service Disney Plus and Apple’s version of web entertainment in Apple TV+ were also launched. While BBC’s streaming move in Australia has already been confirmed, there’s not yet information on its price, content, and other partnerships. Nevertheless, BBC Studios promises to reveal all the details closer to launch.
