13 December 2011 Last updated at 11:52 ET

BBC World News channel to reach Comcast homes

Watch a one-minute news summary from BBC World News

The BBC's global news channel, BBC World News, will be seen in millions more US homes as part of a deal with one of the largest US cable providers.

The Comcast deal means nearly 15 million homes will have access to BBC World News before the end of 2012.

The channel already broadcasts in over 200 countries, using BBC newsgathering operations in more than 70 locations.

Its schedule includes an award-winning daily US-focused programme, World News America, hosted by Katty Kay.

The channel is currently only available in about six million US homes, mostly in New York City and Washington DC.

Comcast Xfinity subscribers in Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Portland, northern California, Michigan and western New England will receive the channel this year, the BBC said.

BBC Director of Global News Peter Horrocks called the agreement an "important breakthrough" and said US audiences would value the BBC's "global perspective".

"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. We will aim to bring Comcast viewers the best of BBC journalism, providing trusted information and in-depth global analysis."