The Lonely Planet branded programming block will start on BBC Knowledge (DStv 251) in South Africa on 5 November, BBC Worldwide that runs channels like BBC Knowledge, announced today in Britain.
The Lonely Planet block on BBC Knowledge will provide a dedicated home to the channel's travel programming, including the show Free Rein specially commissioned by BBC Worldwide from Lonely Planet's production arm Freehand.
Free Rein will follow Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward as they set out on a travel adventure across The Kimberley in Australia. Following in 2012 is Year of Adventures with Ben Fogle and based on the Lonely Planet book of the same name.
''This dedicated home on BBC Knowledge marks a major step in our development of Lonely Planet as a television brand,'' says Jana Bennett, the president of BBC Worldwide Networks. ''BBC Worldwide will continue to support its growth through these programming blocks and through specially commissioned Lonely Planet productions. We hope that in time, the brand can evolve into a standalone television channel.''
In South Africa and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, the Lonely Planet block will kick off on 5 November on BBC Knowledge with the shows Tribe, Long Way Round and Roads Less Travelled. Other shows to fill the Lonely Planet programming block include Paul Merton in India, Tropic of Cancer with Simon Reeve and Russia: A Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby.
''The Lonely Planet schedule is designed to take our viewers on a journey of exploration and discovery, and we've selected these titles to feed their passion for experiencing the world through travel,'' says David Weiland, the senior vice president for programming and TV channels.
''Along with our own growing roster of original commissions – like Free Rein and Year of Adventures – these programmes will find a natural home in the Lonely Planet block, with a host of engaging personalities and experts to transport viewers right to the heart of a place,'' says David Weiland.
