BBC Worldwide and ABC TV renew first-option deal

BBC Worldwide Australia and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have renewed their first-option agreement for a further three years, giving ABC TV viewers the first opportunity to see some of the BBC's programming. The deal allows ABC TV exclusive access to new content across a broad range of genre within the BBC Worldwide catalogue. Some of the first programmes to launch in the new agreement include drama series Call The Midwife, the new detective drama Death In Paradise, the new production of the Dickens’ classic Great Expectations and the new factual series, Fry’s Planet Word and Alone In The Wild.  The deal also sees the returning series of Doctor Who, New Tricks and Luther on ABC TV. Julie Dowding, BBC Worldwide’s sales director for Australasia, said:  “We’re delighted to renew our first-option deal with ABC TV.  It’s a broadcaster that shares many values with BBC Worldwide and it has been a fantastic platform for our quality content over the years.” Brendan Dahill, ABC1 channel controller added: “There is a natural synergy between our audience and the excellent content and high production values of BBC programming.  It is an excellent fit so we are extremely pleased to be continuing our relationship for many years to come.”