BBC Worldwide Channels today announced the launch of its first wholly-owned, Spanish-language channel in the United States. CBeebies, the BBC-branded channel dedicated to preschoolers, will be available through DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH), the third largest pay-TV provider in the U.S.

 

DISH Network, which is currently available in 13.78 million homes in the U.S., will make CBeebies accessible to all subscribers of its DishLATINO package and newly-launched DishMEXICO package on Channel 848.

 

The channel will be a live feed of BBC Worldwide's Latin American version of the channel, which launched in Mexico in August 2008.

 

Darren Childs, Managing Director BBC Worldwide Channels commented: "The introduction of a Spanish version of CBeebies into the U.S. Hispanic market is a momentous achievement for BBC Worldwide Channels in this hugely competitive territory.

 

"As well as complementing BBC AMERICA, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, it means that we're able to reach out to millions of Americans for whom Spanish is their first language."

Jessica Rodriguez, BBC Worldwide's VP Channels, Latin America said: "CBeebies has captured the hearts of millions of children across the globe, and I'm thrilled that we're introducing it into this important market through DISH Network.

 

"The channel provides a safe environment in which children can 'learn through play', and I'm sure it will be as popular with preschoolers and their parents in the U.S. Hispanic market as it is in other territories."

 

"DISH Network is always exploring ways to bring new and exciting programming to the ever-expanding Latino community in the U.S.," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network.

 

"We are very pleased to add CBeebies to our DishLATINO and DishMEXICO packages, providing Latinos families exclusive access to some of the best selection of young children's programming."

 

CBeebies is currently the UK's No. 1 children's preschool channel. The channel's mix of live-action programming, animation and storytelling provides a unique schedule to aid in the social, emotional and personal development of preschoolers.

 

CBeebies has had a rapid launch schedule around the world.  In addition to the Hispanic feed for Mexico and the U.S., the channel has also launched in Africa, Australia, Poland, India and across Asia in the last 12 months. 

Chris Charlton

 

Notes to Editors:

About DISH Network Corporation
DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation's third largest pay-TV provider and the leader in digital television, provides approximately 13.78 million satellite TV customers as of Sept. 30, 2008 with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight consecutive years.

 

DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP®722 HD DVR, which received the Editors' Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition, subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD.

 

DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company.

 

Visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

 

 

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