BBS 3
Television channel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BBS Channel 3 is a Bhutanese public television channel dedicated to education and lifelong learning. It operates as a non-commercial, not-for-profit broadcaster under His Majesty's Secretariat and is the only channel of its kind in Bhutan.
| Type | Royal Project/Non-Commercial and Not-for-Profit National TV Channel |
|---|---|
| Country | Bhutan |
| Broadcast area | Bhutan |
| Headquarters | Thimphu, Bhutan |
| Programming | |
| Languages | Dzongkha English |
| Picture format | 1080p HDTV |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Autonomous Body |
| Parent | His Majesty's Secretariat |
| History | |
| Launched | 13 October 2021 |
| Links | |
| Website | bbs3 |
Background and establishment
The channel was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to concerns about the impact of nationwide lockdowns on children and youth. His Majesty The King, concerned about the welfare of citizens confined to their homes, directed the creation of a dedicated educational broadcast channel. The channel was conceptually modelled on the BBC's Channel 4 in the United Kingdom.
BBS Channel 3 first broadcast on 13 October 2021, a date selected to mark the 10th Royal Wedding Anniversary of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan. Upon launch, it became Bhutan's first fully high-definition (HD) television channel; a significant milestone for a non-commercial, non-profit Royal Project channel operating without advertising revenue.
Operations
Although the channel shares a name with the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) and receives technical assistance from it when required, BBS Channel 3 operates as an independent entity with separate management and staff. The channel is based at the Kuzoo FM grounds in Thimphu and is staffed by a team of 14. The median age of the staff is 25 years and almost all are De-suups (national service volunteers).
The channel broadcasts continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with its content catalogue refreshed monthly. It transmits terrestrially within Bhutan via a link through the South Asia Satellite. The channel also receives support from the Department of School Education, Ministry of Education and Skills Development in the form of shared audiovisual equipment.
Content
Programming on BBS Channel 3 comprises three categories: content acquired through copyright licensing agreements, free-to-air content sourced from video platforms and educational institutions worldwide, and original productions developed by the channel's in-house team. All content is selected and produced in alignment with the channel's educational mandate.