BBC Studios is expanding its free streaming television (FAST) channel offering in Europe with four new launches on Pluto TV.
In addition to the existing Top Gear FAST channel available on Pluto TV in the Nordics, three new Top Gear FAST channels are launching over the coming months. The first is Top Gear: Classics, showcasing the highest rated Top Gear episodes featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Top Gear: Challenge will feature the show’s best quests while Top Gear: Road Trips will follow the hosts on their adventures around the world.
In Spain, Pluto TV has also launched a FAST channel dedicated to British period drama, Call The Midwife. The channel will feature episodes from series one through to five as well as a selection of Christmas specials.
Top Gear channels have previously launched on Pluto TV in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy, and join the BBC Studios existing portfolio of FAST channels: Doctor Who in Spain, Italy, France and Germany, BBC Drama in Spain, Italy and France, as well as BBC Food, BBC Travel and BBC History in Germany.
In the EMEA region, Top Gear FAST channel is also available exclusively in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands on Samsung TV+, in Spain on Samsung TV+ and Rakuten TV, and in the Middle East on MBC.
Kasia Jablonska, Director of Digital and On-Demand for EMEA at BBC Studios, said: “BBC Studios’ rich catalogue has enabled our rapid growth in the FAST space and evolving partnership with Pluto TV.”
Katrina Kowalski, Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions, said: “At Pluto TV, we are continuously finessing our FAST strategy, aimed at pre-empting what our viewers want next, and the launch of these curated channels does just that, while further demonstrating our commitment to bringing premium entertainment content to our audience all over the world.”
Versa Studios names Sarah McGettigan as Head of Sales
UK film and television facilities group Versa Studios has appointed Sarah McGettigan as Head of Sales.
President Trump signs order to cut funding for Voice of America
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to cut back the government-funded news organisation Voice of America (VOA).
Avid adds three senior executives to leadership team
Avid has announced three appointments to its executive leadership team.
ITV, BBC agree four-year Six Nations rugby deal
BBC Sport and ITV have agreed a new four-year deal for the Men’s Six Nations, which will keep the rugby competition on free-to-air television until 2029.
Cinesite secures $215m funding package
VFX and animation studio Cinesite has secured a new long-term funding package of $215m to support its continued operations, technological innovation and strategic expansion.
