Virgin To Launch +1 Channel For Ftn

Virgin Media TV is launching a +1 service for its free-to-view entertainment channel Ftn this month, with Ftn to rebrand as Virgin 1 in the Autumn.

The timeshifted service will be available on Virgin Media and satellite platforms from 9 August. Virgin says that it expects the wider reach to increase viewing figures for Ftn by approximately 20%.

The relaunch of Ftn as Virgin 1 follows the loss of the Sky One from the Virgin Media platform in a dispute over the carriage of the satellite broadcaster’s basic channel package (see Virgin Media And Sky: The Story So Far).

Shows already announced for Virgin 1 following its launch include US dramas The Riches and The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

Jonathan Webb, managing director of VMtv, said: “Ftn has performed superbly since we made a strategic decision last year to increase investment in the channel ahead of its rebrand to Virgin 1.

“The time-shifted +1 channel will capitalise on its growing audience figures and prepare the way for a Virgin 1 timeshift. As well as appealing to viewers, the +1 channel will be vital to our advertisers as we aim to deliver Virgin 1 viewing figures comparable to LIVING within a year of launch.”

Virgin Media is due to release results for the second quarter of 2007 tomorrow, with some reports claiming that it lost as many as 60,000 subscribers in Q2 (see Virgin Could Shed Another 60,000 Subscribers).

Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com