Channel 5 Satellite Deal Imminent

Channel 5 has said that a deal in which it would secure carriage on major satellite systems is imminent. David Elstein, chief executive of the new channel, said at the weekend that a satellite deal was being negotiated and it would be finalised “within two weeks.” It is also known that C5 is in the process of securing carriage deals with local cable companies.

Gaining space on satellite and cable systems is now imperative for Channel 5 since it would greatly increase the station’s coverage, overcoming the poor or non-existent reception in many areas. Mr Elstein has said in the past that he expects the station to reach 45 million people after twelve months, which is around 70% of the UK population.

Press reports now indicate that Channel 5 is planning a deal with the Astra satellite system, rather than BSkyB, as was widely expected given Mr Elstein’s CV. This would provide the channel with around 2 million extra viewers at an annual cost of around £4 million.

…Astra has told BSkyB that although its satellites will not launch in time to carry the broadcaster’s 200 digital channels, which are set for an Autumn launch, it will provide transitory carriage on some of its other satellites.

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