BDB, All Set For Launch
British Digital Broadcasting is celebrating today, having learnt that it has been awarded the three digital terrestrial TV licences that it bid for. “This is a great day for British television,” said Michael Green, chairman of BDB, “viewers can look forward to 30 channels, including at least 15 from BDB, all with better pictures and better sound. We have an excellent team in place and planning is well underway. We launch next year.”
BDB will offer at least 15 channels, some will be newly created such as Carlton Films and channels from the BBC/Flextech joint-venture, and others are more well established. BSkyB will continue to supply the basic and premium channels set out in BDB’s application to the ITC. There will be 12 channels offered with a basic subscription package, these are:
Carlton Select – Original and classic British drama, special events and programmes from Carlton Food Network.
Granada Plus: Entertainment, comedy and drama, including Coronation Street and other British TV classics.
Horizons: A selection of the BBC’s nature, science, history and technology programmes together with a children’s service in the morning.
Sky 1: A selection of family entertainment combining comedy, drama and documentary programmes.
Carlton Films: A new channel with films and made-for-TV movies.
Granada Good Life: A dedicated lifestyle channel covering health, fitness, interior design, gardening, cooking and motoring.
Showcase and Style: The best of BBC1 and BBC2 together with the latest in food and fashion programmes.
Public Eye: A new channel showing drama, movies and documentaries all linked by the theme of law and order , incorporating Sky News in the mornings.
Granada TV Shopping: A new shopping channel with a strong British flavour offering viewers the chance to stroll around a virtual department store.
Carlton Entertainment: A new channel featuring children’s, drama, comedy and talk programmes.
Granada Sports Club: A new dedicated service for football and music fans with in-depth coverage of the top football clubs and a night time music service.
One TV: A visual Radio One for pop music fans of all ages, featuring presenters who already have a loyal following on Radio One.
There will also be three premium channels on offer, these are:
Sky Movies and The Movie Channel: Films from around the world.
Sky Sports: The best of British sport.
BDB is also in advanced discussions with British Interactive Broadcasting, owned by BT, BSkyB, Midland Bank and Matsushita Electric, to provide interactive services like home-shopping and banking.
BDB: 0171 663 6363