Factual
BBC Worldwide clinches new VOD deal in South Korea
MUMBAI: On the second day of BBC Worldwide’s Showcase in Liverpool, BBC Worldwide Asia has inked a Video on Demand (VOD) deal with BTV, an IPTV service in South Korea provided by one of the country’s largest telco operators, SK Broadband.
The two year deal comprises over 600 hours of content ranging from drama, factual and natural history titles.
This is the first time SK Broadband has procured BBC dramas for their TVOD service, and the first time BBC’s programmes will be available on the service. It is also the first time SK Broadband has acquired BBC landmark natural history titles including Africa and Life Story.
Dramas that will be made available to BTV’s VOD subscribers include War and Peace, a modern reworking of Leo Tolstoy’s epic masterpiece following the lives of three privileged aristocrats starring Lily James, Paul Dano and James Norton; Doctor Who (S9), which sees Peter Capaldi returning alongside with Jenna Coleman and guests including Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams, after his record-breaking debut series as the Doctor. More available drama series on BTV’s VOD services will be announced later.
BBC Worldwide in Northeast Asia general manager Soojin Chung said, “We are committed to bringing great quality programming to viewers in Korea. SK Broadband is a valued partner and we are excited to be working with BTV to bring award winning and the best programmes from the BBC to their VOD subscribers, to watch them at their convenience.”
“We are excited to further develop our partnership with BBC Worldwide Asia to provide high quality programming to our BTV subscriber. With content from BBC Worldwide, we are confident that the VOD service on BTV will help to cement SK Broadband’s status as the leading IPTV service in South Korea,” added SK Broadband head of media business HQ You Chang Wan.
As the largest distributor of TV programming outside of the US, BBC Worldwide Showcase sees the BBC’s commercial arm generate programme sales on behalf of the BBC and independent producers providing a major boost to British television exports.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
