BBC America and AT&T U-Verse TV signed a renewed carriage agreement that includes launching the high-definition version of the channel.
BBCA’s HD channel joins AT&T’s U-200 package on channel 1188 as of tomorrow (Oct. 24) and remains on channel 188 in standard definition. On Nov. 19, the channel assignments move to 1122 for HD and 122 for SD, the network said.
The HD launch comes ahead of November’s programming related to the 50th anniversary of sci-fi classic Doctor Who. On Nov. 23, a special in the series, The Day of the Doctor, will be broadcast simultaneously to millions of viewers worldwide in a global simulcast. The channel also plans marathon airings of the series and related specials in November.
“AT&T U-verse TV is delighted to continue carrying BBC America and offering the shows that we know our subscribers want,” Richard Levine, vice president of content at AT&T, said in an upcoming release.
Sandy Ashendorf, executive vice president of network distribution at BBC Worldwide, America, said in the release: “We’re having a record-setting year and are very pleased to continue and expand our relationship with AT&T U-verse. Now, subscribers will be able to experience in high definition, as the creators intended, Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary festivities, as well as our lineup of award-winning originals, landmark natural history series and the very best in British programming.”
Overall, BBC America is distributed in 81 million U.S. homes, according to Nielsen.
