Advanced Television

PBS America launching full Freeview channel

November 15, 2019

PBS America has announced the launch of its first full Freeview channel in the UK. For the first time since its launch in 2011 the PBS America channel will be available in all TV homes from November 20th.

This new channel represents a major consolidation and growth of PBS America’s UK broadcasting presence alongside its other platforms Sky 174, Virgin Media 273, Freesat 155, My5 and Amazon, all available 24 hours a day.

The new Freeview channel will replace the current HD only channel at  91 and will be available across the UK between 1pm and 1pm every day. In addition, the current Freeview HD only channel will move to 93 and will become a 24-hour +1 channel.

First launched in the UK in November 2011, PBS America showcases a diverse range of documentaries and factual programming with a strong focus on history plus a mix of current affairs, culture, science and nature. The channel now reaches 2.5 million viewers a month.

PBS America General Manager, Richard Kingsbury, said: “This is a big moment for PBS America. For the first time since launch we will be available in all homes across the UK. The channel has been particularly strong on Freeview to date so we are optimistic about the expansion into almost 6 million new homes. Our PBS supply line means that we are bringing our audience fresh stories whilst PBS values mean that the programming has the kind of depth and tone that many Freeview viewers appreciate.”

Categories: Articles, Content, FTA