BBC Revives Digital Terrestrial TV With Freeview Launch
The BBC’s new digital terrestrial service, Freeview, launches today to around 75% of homes in the UK.
The Freeview package consists of a range of digital TV, radio and interactive services, including all eight of the BBC’s digital TV channels and its seven digital radio stations (see BBC And BSkyB Name Free-To-Air DTT Service).
Commercial channels to be carried on the platform include MTV’s 24-hour music channel, The Music Factory (see MTV To Launch The Music Factory On New DTT Platform), Emap’s Big City music channel and ITV2 (see Carlton And Granada To Up Investment In ITV2).
The new service, which replaces the now defunct ITV Digital (see ITV Digital Will Be Sold As ‘Going Concern’), is being launched by a consortium comprising the BBC, BSkyB and Crown Castle (see Free To Air Application Wins DTT Battle).
Commenting on the launch, Greg Dyke, director-general of the BBC, said: “Today is an important day in the development of British television with the launch of Freeview – a new digital platform which means that 75% of homes in Britain will now be able to receive digital television completely free. It’s also a big step forward for the BBC, making all of the BBC’s digital television, interactive and radio services available to many more people at no extra cost.”
Andy Duncan, director of BBC marketing and communications, added: “Freeview is a fresh start for digital terrestrial television in the UK – providing a simple way for people way to see all the BBC’s digital channels. Over the coming weeks, a heavyweight BBC marketing campaign will inform viewers and listeners of the exciting digital services available from the BBC and how you can get them.”
The fact that one in four households will be unable to receive digital terrestrial television may dampen the launch. (see
One In Four Households Will Not Receive New DTT Service www.bbc.co.uk
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