A+E launching UK FTA channel
May 18, 2016
Marking A+E Networks’ second free-to-air (FTA) launch of 2016, A+E Networks UK (a joint venture between A+E Networks and Sky) is to launch a new FTA entertainment channel in the UK this autumn on Freeview, following a long-term DTT capacity deal with UK digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplex operator SDN. The channel name and content line-up will be revealed later this summer.
This deal marks A+E Networks’ second FTA channel launch in 2016, which the company says further underscores its ability to operate hybrid pay-TV and FTA businesses in key global markets. The global media company rolled out Lifetime as a FTA channel in Turkey to 20 million homes in April 2016.
“We are thrilled to build on our strong UK business with the launch of a new A+E channel to the 20 million households on the Freeview platform,” said Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa. “Under the accomplished leadership of Heather Jones, General Manager UK, we look forward to bringing our unique content to new audiences in one of the biggest media markets in the world.”
“We are pleased to be welcoming A+E Networks to Freeview and look forward to continue working with them in the future as they develop their free-to-air offer,” added Tim Cadbury, SDN’s General Manager
In the UK, A+E Networks’ channel portfolio includes HISTORY, Lifetime, Crime + Investigation and H2, available on pay-TV platforms Sky, Virgin, BT and TalkTalk.