BBC seals drama sales in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian terrestrial broadcasters have snapped up 500 hours of BBC Worldwide programming – with drama series the predominant genre sold.

Rapid TV News reports BBC’s latest customers comprise Kompass TV in Indonesia, ntv7 in Malaysia, and MediaCorp in Singapore, as well as Thailand’s digital terrestrial MON029 and third-party content aggregator STG Mediaplex.

“Historically, our partners in the region are primarily interested in our natural history programmes from the BBC’s acclaimed Natural History Unit. In the past year, in addition to the steady demand for our natural history programmes, we’ve seen an increasing demand for BBC dramas,” said Monty Ghai, SVP & GM South East Asia, BBC Worldwide.

“The success of British dramas like Sherlock in the region has brought the spotlight to BBC’s drama slate as viewers now recognise the quality and originality of British drama.”

Singapore’s MediaCorp will now access BBC Worldwide’s English language channels, Channel 5 and a-OK (arts on okto), with titles including Orphan Black and Fleming – The Man Who Would Be Bond.

In Thailand, viewers will be treated to Sherlock, starring Emmy winners Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson, and period crime drama Ripper Street.