 Global viewers will be able to learn English from CBeebies |
The BBC is to launch four new TV channels around the world, including BBC Entertainment, offering drama and comedy, and a dual-language CBeebies. The channels, also including BBC Knowledge and BBC Lifestyle, will be available online and on mobile phones as well as in linear channel form.
BBC Entertainment and CBeebies are due to be launched in India first, with the latter in Hindi and English.
BBC Worldwide said it also planned a high definition channel in the future.
The entertainment channel will replace BBC Prime in some countries, initially Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and Thailand.
The channels will be broadcast in local languages, with CBeebies also in English to enable learning of the language.
BBC Worldwide said the expansion of the channels would be decided on a country-by-country basis.
Extensive research was being conducted in countries "to make sure our channels will be relevant and something audiences want to watch", a spokesman said.