Michael Palin to promote 'Sahara' at BBC Showcase

Michael Palin has journeyed to Brighton to unveil 'Sahara', his latest adventure series, to the world’s television programme buyers at BBC Showcase.
Palin’s much-anticipated new series sees him facing one of the world’s greatest challenges – crossing the world’s largest desert from the rock of Gibraltar to Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and beyond. Palin’s previous adventures – 'Full Circle with Michael Palin', 'Pole to Pole' and 'Around the World in 80 Days' have all been licensed around the globe to more than 50 countries.
BBC Worldwide’s US-based sales team have concluded a major pre-sale agreement for Sahara with US cable network Bravo. The channel has also acquired other Palin series as part of the agreement.
Hosted by BBC Worldwide, the main commercial arm of the BBC, and now in its 26th year, BBC Showcase continues to be the world’s largest television programme market hosted by a single broadcaster, and this year has attracted a record 460 buyers from around the globe – an increase of 20 per cent on last year. Deals initiated at the market generate an estimated £40 million annually for BBC Worldwide.
BBC Worldwide Chief Executive Rupert Gavin said: “The year-on-year success of BBC Showcase clearly demonstrates the strength of the BBC in the international market – no other broadcaster in the world has the range of programming, in terms of quality and diversity, to attract so many international buyers for such an event. It is a great bonus having Michael at the event this year – his presence and enthusiasm will greatly encourage buyers to sign up for his stunning new series.”
BBC Worldwide, www.bbcworldwide.com
(GB)