York and Yorkshire Beamed Across the Globe
01/07/2009
One of BBC's most experienced and respected presenters, Michael Peschardt, will be visiting York tomorrow (Thursday 2nd July) to film for his series Peschardt's People - a programme which has become a centrepiece of the BBC World schedule aimed specifically at engaging the huge proportion of frequent international travellers who watch the channel. The series has proved a great success, with BBC World News now having broadcast 100+ Peschardt's People programmes since its launch in 2006.Visit York, along with partners Welcome to Yorkshire and England's North Country have been working to ensure this high profile presenter gets the best out of his filming schedule in York and the county. The documentary style programmes each feature a guest from the Asia Pacific region, who take Michael to places around the world that have had an impact in their lives.
Yorkshire's guest is ethnic Chinese - Diane Wei Liang - a best- selling novelist whose wildly successful books reflect the culture of modern contemporary China. Wei Liang sees York and Yorkshire as a special place she likes to discover the history of - a place so different to her childhood home in China.
John Yeomans Chairman of Visit York said, ‘We're delighted Michael Peschardt is filming here in York. These programmes are shown globally across the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe and Africa as well as throughout the Asia Pacific region. Millions of viewers tune in to BBC World every week and money simply can't buy this kind of exposure for the city. It's fantastic news which will help boost York's profile across the globe.'
Staying at the Park Inn, the VIP guests will be filming at many of the city's iconic landmarks including the Shambles, York racecourse, the city walls and York Minster. Harrogate, Ilkley and Haworth will also feature on the film crew's itinerary, the Ilkley Literature Festival being another great interest for Wei Liang.
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said, ‘BBC World News is renowned as one of the most trusted international news and information channels. This, combined with such impressive audience figures means global exposure for Yorkshire. We look forward to offering a warm Yorkshire welcome to Michael and his film crew.'
More than 78 million people watch BBC World across the globe each week. BBC World is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and reaches 274 million households (141 million 24-hour homes) and more than 1.3 million hotel rooms. It is also available on 46 cruise liners, 36 airlines and 18 mobile phone platforms. ENDS