Ukraine’s leading cable network, Volia, and BBC Worldwide today announced an agreement to broadcast BBC PRIME in the Ukraine. Effective immediately, BBC PRIME is being distributed through subsidiary network, InterVideo Kiev, bringing a constant flow of worldclass BBC entertainment programming to the Ukraine for the first time ever.

Announcing the agreement, BBC Worldwide Director of Channels EMEIA Wayne Dunsford, said, “This is an exciting development for BBC Worldwide as we take our first step into the Ukraine broadcast market, where cable television is poised for rapid development. We look forward to being at the forefront of this growth as we bring some of the best of British television to Ukrainian screens.”

Volia President, Sergey Boyko, said, “Cable television shows great potential in the Ukraine so introducing such a prestigious channel from the BBC is a strong step forward for our business. BBC PRIME brings a worldclass selection of programming to our channel line-up.”

Launched in 1995, BBC PRIME is the BBC’s international entertainment channel broadcast to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, via cable and satellite to over 11 million subscribers in over 100 countries and territories. BBC PRIME is among the most popular pan-European channels, relative to its distribution. In terms of weekly viewership relative to 24-hour home distribution, the EMS 2002 survey showed that BBC PRIME ranks fourth among all pan-European channels.

Other Central and Eastern European markets already covered by BBC PRIME include Russia, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia and Poland.

BBC PRIME

BBC PRIME broadcasts over 2200 hours of new programming each year, including Parkinson, Top of the Pops, EastEnders, The Weakest Link and BBC LEARNING (the BBC’s unique overnight educational service). This flagship British cable channel shows the best of the award-winning programmes from the BBC - the world’s leading programme maker. English subtitles are offered for over half of all programmes on the channel.

Volia

Volia is a leading provider of high quality information, communication and entertainment services for home users and corporate clients. Volia offers analogue cable television (Volia Cable), digital television (Volia Premium TV) and high-speed internet access via cable (Volia Broadband). Volia's cable network currently serves more than 530,000 households in Kiev. The company currently employs over 650 staff.