BBC World News on Comcast's Xfinity TV

MUMBAI: The BBC has announced a new deal to launch BBC World News, in markets across the US through Comcast‘s Xfinity TV.

By the end of 2011, the channel will be available in Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Portland, as well as across Northern California, Michigan and Western New England. BBC World News will launch in additional Comcast markets next year.

BBC World News has the largest audience of any BBC channel in the world, broadcasting in over 200 countries and territories worldwide with access to more than 70 international newsgathering bureaus globally. BBC World News is expected to be in nearly 15 million US homes by end of 2012.

The channel will bring US audiences high-quality international news, as well as documentaries, lifestyle programs and interviews. Its programming includes the daily newscast, BBC World News America, anchored by Katty Kay.

BBC‘s director of global news Peter Horrocks called the agreement "one of the most important breakthroughs for the BBC‘s international commercial news channel, as it extends its global footprint."

"This deal represents huge progress for BBC World News in the most competitive television marketplace in the world. We know that US viewers increasingly value the smart and impartial international journalism provided by the BBC.

"The BBC and BBC World News are uniquely positioned to offer this via our multilingual, multimedia journalists based around the world. From the changing markets in Europe and Asia to coverage of the Middle East, we know our audiences highly value this global perspective. We will aim to bring Comcast viewers the best of BBC journalism, providing trusted information and in-depth global analysis."

BBC Worldwide America executive VP network distribution Sandy Ashendorf said, "The BBC is renowned for its journalistic integrity and audiences are increasingly hungry for an impartial view on global affairs. We are pleased that XfinityTV is bringing its customers a new and fresh perspective through these BBC World News channel launches. We think this is a significant step towards changing the conversation about news in the US."

Comcast senior VP, GM of video services Marcien Jenckes said, "Our goal is to bring Xfinity TV customers the best and most-current content, and the addition of BBC World News to our line-up is a perfect example of how that is being accomplished.

"We‘re continually enhancing our Xfinity TV service and are pleased to be able to work with the BBC to provide a broad array of international programming to meet the diverse interests of our customers."

The announcement comes as the BBC is strengthening its focus on news targeted for the US.

Earlier this month, it announced the appointment of Dick Meyer as Executive Producer for the BBC‘s news services in America. He will take direct editorial oversight of television and online content produced for US audiences, and coordinate coverage across all platforms, including BBC World News.