The deal marks BBC Worldwide’s first format sale in the country
Singapore, 18 December 2013 – BBC Worldwide has announced that hit entertainment TV format Dancing with the Stars has been licensed to Cambodian Broadcasting Service Co,Ltd (CBS). The series will air on CTN, Cambodia’s most watched terrestrial channel.
The announcement marks the debut of Dancing with the Stars in Cambodia. It is also BBC Worldwide’s first format sale in the country.
One of BBC Worldwide’s most popular global brands, Dancing with the Stars has been icensed in 49 countries, and a version of the show has been seen in over 75 countries, with over 220 series to date. Local versions of Dancing with the Stars air in countries as diverse as Lebanon, India and Russia. The brand has also extended into live events, gaming and digital properties. In Asia, the format has been sold in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, South Korea and two versions in India. In India, the sixth and latest season of the Hindi version, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa achieved its best audience figures to date for Colors. The grand finale pushed the show to the top of weekend programming nearly doubling the ratings from 2012.
“Cambodia is an important market in the growth of our business in Asia,” said Mark Whitehead, SVP & GM South East Asia and Channels Lead, BBC Worldwide, Asia. “Earlier this year, we launched BBC World News, BBC Lifestyle and BBC Knowledge in the country. With this new deal, we hope to introduce Cambodian viewers to more quality content from the BBC. Dancing with the Stars has been a huge global success and we are confident that the local format will take on the same reception with the viewers there.”
“We are extremely excited to be able to work with BBC Worldwide on Dancing with the Stars. Being able to adopt this internationally successful BBC format reinforces our strength and capabilities as a network. We hope that this is just the start of a fruitful long-term relationship with BBC Worldwide,” said Mr Bernard Anthony, General Manager of Cambodian Broadcasting Service Co, Ltd.
CBS will take on the production of the show. The series is set to premiere in mid 2014.
– ends –
Further information:
Jeanne Leong
Director, Communications BBC Worldwide Asia
Tel: (65) 684952992
Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com
About BBC Worldwide Ltd
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide exists to support the BBC public service mission and to maximise profits on its behalf. It does this through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also builds the reach and reputation of the BBC brand overseas and champions British creativity.
In 2012/13, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £156m and headline sales of £1,116m and returned £156m to the BBC.
For more information on BBC Worldwide, visit http://www.bbcworldwide.com/
About Cambodia Broadcasting Service (CBS)
Cambodian Broadcasting Service Co, Ltd (CBS) is a private company operating 3 Khmer language channels, CTN, MyTV and CNC with a nationwide market share of approximately 50%.
CTN launched in 2003 and has been ranked the No 1 Cambodian channel with market share of approximately 30% over the past 10 years
MyTV is a modern channel for age group 18-40 launched in 2009. It is ranked number 2 in Cambodia, with current nationwide market share of approximately 15-18%
CNC is the only 24 hour news channel in Cambodia. Launched in 2012, it holds a market share of approximately 2-4%
CBS ‘s vision is to bring the best entertainment & up to date news to the Cambodian audience, all the time.