BBC World Service Statement

Contact:
Bill Gray
Phone: (651) 290-1543
bgray@americanpublicmedia.org

BBC World Service Statement

BBC World Service has announced today that, subject to contract, American Public Media has been selected as the preferred distributor of BBC World Service English radio to public radio stations in the United States for the next five years.

This announcement follows a procurement process triggered by the end of the current distribution agreement.

BBC World Service radio has been distributed by PRI (Public Radio International) for more than 20 years. More than 500 local public radio stations use BBC content - mainly news and current affairs programming. Arrangements for the distribution of existing co-production programmes such as The World are unaffected by today's announcement.

Subject to the necessary approvals, the new arrangements will come into force on [1 July] 2012 once final contract negotiations are complete.

Richard Porter, Controller, English, said: "BBC World Service radio has been enjoying record audiences in the US and we are delighted to be working with American Public Media to ensure that more US listeners have access to the BBC's impartial international journalism and programming across public radio in the US."

"I appreciate the support that Public Radio International (PRI) have given to BBC World Service in the US over the years, and we will continue to work with them on our co-productions, including The World."