BBC America - Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our frequently asked questions section. Please choose a question. If you don't find the information you need here you might also try our site map.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is BBC AMERICA?
BBC AMERICA is a digital cable and satellite channel dedicated to bringing audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring razor-sharp comedies, provocative dramas, life changing makeovers and news with a uniquely global perspective. BBC AMERICA's programming pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more.

How can I get the channel?
BBC AMERICA is available on digital cable systems throughout the U.S. and via satellite on DIRECTV (1-800-531-5000 or www.directv.com) and Echostar's DISH Network (1-800-333-3474 or www.dishnetwork.com).

DIRECTV channel 264
DISH Network channel 135

If BBC AMERICA is not available in your area, please contact your local service provider and request the channel. Our experience shows that the more operators hear from their customers, the more likely they are to add the channel to their system.

How do I order videos/DVDs?
BBC AMERICA proudly offers a broad array of products including 1,000+ cutting-edge and award-winning DVDs, videos, books, audio books, music and collectibles developed around top BBC brands. We recommend browsing the at BBC AMERICA Shop for your desired title(s).

Additionally, with questions about product availability or issues regarding a product you've purchased from BBC AMERICA Shop, we recommend contacting their Customer Service department directly, either by telephone at 1-800-216-1222 or by e-mail at customerservice@bbcamericashop.com.

Is BBC AMERICA available in Canada?
Canada has its own BBC channel, BBC Canada, as well as the recently-launched BBC Kids, created in partnership with Canadian entertainment company, Alliance Atlantic Communications. With questions regarding BBC Canada or BBC Kids, please contact feedback@bbccanada.com or by telephone at 416-967-1174.

Why does BBC AMERICA carry advertisements when the BBC in the UK does not?
In the UK, the BBC is funded by British TV licensing fees. However, by law, the BBC is not allowed to use this money to fund channels outside the UK, therefore BBC AMERICA is reliant on advertising sales. Without advertisements, we would not exist.

When will BBC AMERICA introduce closed captioning?
As of January 2006, BBC AMERICA is proud to announce that all of our programming line-up features closed captioning, in accordance with digital cable and satellite channel guidelines. We are aware of how important closed captioning is to many of our viewers and are pleased to offer this service.

Actor biographies and fan clubs
BBC AMERICA does not publicly distribute actor biographies or maintain fan club information. However, we recommend directing your search to the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com).

How are TV ratings determined?
An independent company called Nielsen Media Research (www.nielsenmedia.com) collects information about the number of people watching each televised program from a random selection of homes. This information is used by all broadcast & cable television networks in the U.S. and provides the television industry with viewer demographics and program ratings. The Nielsen ratings are available on a subscription-only basis.

Career opportunities with BBC AMERICA

BBC AMERICA is based in New York, NY. If you are interested in career opportunities with BBC AMERICA, please submit your resume via our "Jobs" page.

What is BBC AMERICA On Demand?
BBC AMERICA On Demand is a fantastic way to enjoy BBC AMERICA's award-winning programming at your convenience. It allows you to view shows again and again with the ease of full VCR functionality. BBC AMERICA's On Demand schedule can be found here.

When does the news air?

BBC AMERICA gives viewers access to the BBC's extensive news gathering organization taking them beyond the sound bite directly to the heart of events and issues around the globe. With over 2,000 journalists, 250 foreign correspondents and more than 50 overseas news gathering bureaus, the BBC brings unparalleled commitment to quality news coverage.

BBC World News America with anchor Matt Frei is the BBC's first U.S.-facing news broadcast airing every weeknight on BBC AMERICA at 7:00 pm/10 pm ET.

Where is EastEnders available?
As of June 2004, EastEnders is available on EchoStar's DISH Network, a leading satellite TV service. For more information, please call EchoStar's DISH Network directly at 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Why have you dropped my favorite show from the schedule?
As a digital cable and satellite channel dedicated to bringing audiences exciting and ground-breaking programming, BBC AMERICA competes in a commercial environment where ratings and resulting advertising must be a consideration. Without funds generated from advertising, BBC AMERICA could not exist, and therefore schedule changes are sometimes necessary.

However, the more likely reason why you may not see your favorite program on BBC AMERICA is that the current series has ended. Please remember that British TV shows are made in much smaller quantities and much shorter seasons than those produced in the U.S.

The good news is, if you have missed an episode or two along the way, don't worry. BBC AMERICA usually licenses its series for three years and therefore is able to encore each program several times. If your favorite isn't playing at the moment, there's a good chance you'll have another opportunity to enjoy it in the near future. Please continue to check BBCAmerica.com for current programming details and the schedules of your favorite programs.

How can I obtain a BBC AMERICA schedule?
BBC AMERICA is proud to offer up-to-date, 24-hour programming schedules online. Programs are displayed in both weekly and daily printable grids - or you can search for a specific program by name. In addition, our daily schedule is also available in several cable and satellite guides, including Satellite Direct, as well as in national newspapers such as the New York Times and USA Today. Alternatively, we recommend contacting your cable company or service provider for subscription details to their own publications.

How can I find out when a particular program will air or repeat on BBC AMERICA?
Go to the SHOWS A-Z page for a complete alphabetized list of all programs presently airing or about to air on the channel. From there, make your program selection and click on the title to be taken to that program's homepage. Then, click on the link MORE SHOW TIMES. This will bring up a pop-up window with a listing of all immediate airdates times of this program, along with a brief episode description.