MEDIACOM-RELEASE-BBC-WORLDWIDE
BBC WORLD UNVEILS A NEW LOOK AND A NEW SCHEDULE
To Entertainment & Business Editors
Sydney, 31 March 2000/Medianet International-Asianet/-- BBC World is to launch a new look and a new programme schedule
from 3 April 2000, aimed at capturing more of the growing international news market.
The change of image will provide a consistent identity with the BBC's domestic news channels, which have been re-branded
during the past year, whilst also effectively communicating the overall channel identity of BBC World. A new set and
graphics, utilising warm red and cream colours, and contempory identity music will reinforce BBC World's reputation as a
modern, innovative and acessible global broadcaster.
BBC World's new look has been developed by the leading brand consultancy Lambie-Nairn, which was also responsible for
the rebranding of the BBC's other news channels. Sharon Wheeler, Director of Marketing for BBC World, comments: "The new
graphics are extremely contempory, whilst maintaining the integrity and quality of the channel. To coincide with these
changes we also look forward to unveiling a new advertising campaign for BBC World, which will be rolled out
internationally, again from 3 April."
During weekdays, the new schedule is built around comprehensive half-hour global news programmes - on the hour, around
the clock - containing all the most up-to-date news, interviews, business reports, sports results and weather from the
BBC's award-winning team of forecasters.
On the half hour, viewers can enjoy award-winnig current affairs, documentary and lifestyle programmes. New programmes
this season include Click Online - bringing the latest on the Internet, new media and related electronic and technical
advances, including e- commerce - and the fortnightly Australaia Direct. Additional, exteneded editions of World
Business Report and Asia Today will also feature in the new schedule, each weekday.
At the weekend, the schedule will combine international news bulletins on the hour and a range of the BBC's finest
factual programmes. Important breaking news-stories will continue to be covered in-depth at all times, both on weekdays
and at weekends, overriding the schedule when necessary.
Patrick Cross, BBC World's Managing Director, comments: "The new schedule will enhance the channel's appeal to both
audiences and advertisers, in that it is highly news focused and relevant to viewers at any time of the day, anywhere in
the world. BBC World has a reputation for journalistic excellence and, as one would expect of the BBC's flagship
international channel, its news coverage will continue to be of the highest quality, drawing on its unsurpassable
broadcast news gathering capibilities."
BBC World is available in New Zealand through Saturn. 31 March 2000
RELEASED BY MEDIACOM