A+E Networks to launch Blaze on Freeview
August 18, 2016
A+E Networks UK will launch Blaze on Freeview in the UK and Ireland on September 20th.
Entertainment chanel Blaze is a new brand from A+E Networks and its first global free-to-air brand, slated initially for the UK. The channel will be carried on the Freeview platform and on Sky. Blaze will simultaneously launch as a TV Everywhere (TVE) service, offering live streaming and catch up viewing on mobile and tablet for both iOS and Android.
At launch, Blaze will offer Freeview viewers episodes of popular series such as Pawn Stars, Mountain Men and American Restoration, as well as crime series The First 48 and Unusual Suspects.
Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director, EMEA, A+E Networks, said: “Our new entertainment brand is a great addition to A+E Networks’ portfolio and reflects our strength as a global media company. We are proud to launch Blaze as our first free-to-air channel in the UK.”
Heather Jones, UK General Manager at A+E Networks, said: “I’m really excited about the launch of Blaze. It’s great that we can offer free-to-air audiences the chance to enjoy many of A+E’s hit shows, with much of the content new to Freeview. Blaze’s name and identity were created to celebrate the spirit of the extraordinary characters featured on the channel. We are thrilled that Blaze will also include a digital launch as a full TVE service, so viewers can watch and catch up with their favourite shows wherever they are and whenever they want.”
Guy North, Managing Director at Freeview, added: “We’re delighted to be bolstering our channel line up with Blaze. The new channel will provide even more choice for our viewers who want to enjoy the very best entertainment without paying a monthly subscription.”