BBC, BBC Worldwide And PBS Strike New Deal

The BBC, BBC Worldwide and American public service broadcaster PBS have struck a new deal to develop and deliver a range of new programming.

The partnership will create content across a range of factual genres including natural history, science, history, religion and the arts.

The deal will encompass around eight to ten new programming specials across approximately 20 hours a year, with content in the first year including a new series for BBC One, Earth's Natural Wonders. The programme will take viewers on a landmark tour of Earth, discovering connections between some incredible places and the life and death struggles of the animals and humans that inhabit them.

Other programmes in the deal include the remarkable story of one of the 'dinosaur finds of the century', Waking Giants, presented by Sir David Attenborough; and Super Nature: Flight Revealed, which uses cutting edge technology to reveal the secrets of flight - one of nature's greatest innovations.

Natalie Humphreys, BBC Controller of Factual and Daytime Production, said: "PBS shares our commitment for impeccable editorial standards and our passion to be inventive in how we tell stories and to deliver new insights to audiences. These shared values make it a pleasure to work together."

Matt Forde, Executive Vice President TV Sales and Co-Productions, BBC Worldwide North America, said: "This deal allows BBC and PBS to develop and deliver a wealth of the highest quality multi-genre factual content - which will entertain and inspire audiences across the country.

"Our organizations have a long standing relationship in bringing the best of British content to American audiences, with critically acclaimed titles like Sherlock and Call The Midwife and this is the perfect foundation on which to extend this partnership into the factual space."

Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Audience Programming, PBS, says: "As two of the world's leading public media organizations, we are thrilled to partner with the BBC to expand the range of exceptional programming available to our stations and their audiences.

"PBS and the BBC share similar public service missions and the same commitment to producing entertaining and educational programming of the highest quality. We look forward to a long and successful partnership bringing the best from both organizations to the table."