BBC Studios has announced the BBC News channel live stream in Australia will be available digitally on BBC.com and the BBC app this winter.
The channel’s launch allows audiences across Australia to catch up on the latest live headlines at any time and wherever they are through the BBC’s digital platforms. The option to ‘watch live’ will appear directly on the BBC homepage.
The livestream is the newest addition to the BBC’s digital transformation, following the launch of the new BBC.com site and BBC app globally.
Fiona Lang, general manager at BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, said the BBC News livestream on BBC.com and the BBC app is an important step forward for the company’s evolving business in Australia.
“BBC News is the number 1 international online news brand accessed daily in Australia and so it’s exciting to be able to offer unrestricted access to the BBC News channel via our own platforms in the coming months, expanding its reach, the viewer experience, and the advertising offer yet further,” she said.
In May, the BBC announced it would be launching BBC Verify US, a dedicated unit to counter disinformation in preparation for the 2024 US Presidential Election.
The new US unit, based out of Washington D.C., will use a range of forensic investigative skills and open-source intelligence capabilities.
Jamie Chambers, vice president, advertising and BBC news distribution, ANZ at BBC Studios told Mediaweek that the US election is one of the biggest stories of the year, and resonates in Australia.
“Our expanded presence in the US and our breadth of coverage means that the BBC is perfectly placed to connect these events with our Australian audiences,” he said.
“We know that Australians turn to the BBC at times of global importance, and these are also key moments for advertisers across our platforms.
“Brands can safely capitalise on these unique levels of engagement thanks to our developed approach to brand safety, that leverages rigorous editorial controls together with smart technology.
“Combined with the newly launched BBC.com and BBC app products, audiences and advertisers will benefit from an enhanced and more integrated experience when following this key story.”
See also: BBC launches unit to counter disinformation ahead of 2024 US Election