BBC Worldwide will lauch two new channels on Foxtel and will take equity control of the UKTV channel as part of a strategic alliance between the broadcasters.

That will take the UK Government owned service's channels on Foxtel to five in 2009, the companies said today.

 BBC will introduce documentary channel BBC Knowledge and CBeebies, which will show educational programs for pre-schoolers, during 2009.

That will be in addition to BBC HD, launched this month, BBC World News, and UKTV, which the broadcaster is buying from Foxtel and FremantleMedia.

Foxtel currently has a 60 per cent stake in UKTV while FremantleMedia owns 20 per cent. BBC already owns the other 20 per cent.

"British programming is extremely popular with Australian audiences and this agreement will provide our subscribers with access to the best of BBC Worldwide's outstanding portfolio of global channels,'' Foxtel chief executive Kim Williams said.

 Sydney-based Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation, which holds a 50 per cent stake, News Corporation (parent company of the publisher of NEWS.com.au), with 25 per cent, and Consolidated Media Holdings, also holding 25 per cent.