BBC Worldwide launches VOD service with Tata Sky

This gives subscribers in eight metros access to the best of BBC's drama and comedy via 'BBC On-Demand', a branded property on Tata Sky's platform. Viewers can also access it online.

BBC Worldwide has launched its first VOD (video on demand) offering in India. The deal with Tata Sky, a DTH provider, comprises subscription video on demand (SVOD) and true video on demand (TVOD) services and gives subscribers in eight metros in India, access to the best of BBC's drama and comedy via BBC On-Demand, a branded property on Tata Sky's platform. Viewers can now also access it online via their TVs, PCs, tablets and mobiles.

Programmes that will be available on the service include 'Luther', 'The Honorable Woman' and 'Burton and Taylor'. The company is kickstarting the block with classic hits like 'Yes, Prime Minister', 'Citizen Khan' and 'Being Erica'.

Myleeta Aga, SVP and GM of BBC Worldwide in India, says, "In a study commissioned by BBC Worldwide earlier this year, we found that quality of content, British humour and a love of original British dramas were the top reasons why people, including Indians, enjoy British television programmes. We are very excited to be working with Tata Sky to bring these award winning and high quality programmes, many never before seen in India, to Tata Sky's subscribers, where they can access them anytime, anywhere."

Paolo Agostinelli, chief content officer at Tata Sky, comments, "We are very pleased to be partnering with BBC Worldwide to launch BBC On-Demand. Viewing habits and customer needs in the industry are evolving as fast as ever. We are committed to remain the best choice in the country when it comes to premium entertainment, which means we must be able to offer top branded content and the best viewing experience, including increasingly popular time-shifted and device-shifted binge viewing content. We are confident that this is only the start of a very fruitful relationship with BBC."