Channel 4 Gears Up For Biggest Ever Brother

Channel 4 will launch the sixth series of Big Brother tonight, marking the broadcaster’s largest ever cross platform, multimedia execution of the long running reality franchise.

The new series will see Channel 4’s New Media division rekindle its relationship with Real Networks to launch a 24-hour online channel for the programme, as well as a mobile portal, complete with video feeds, operated by mobile content firm, Volantis.

The broadcaster’s online operations will allow viewers to purchase a “SuperPass” to view the content, including on-demand highlights clips in addition to live coverage.

Amongst the surprises awaiting those entering the famous house in London’s Elstree Studios tonight are heat-seeking cameras, designed to unearth night-time fumbles underneath duvets, see-through walls, outdoor showers and an “unlucky” 13th housemate.

Channel 4 will also launch its digital entertainment channel, E4, on the Freeview platform tonight, along with its time shifted counterpart, E4+1, to provide round the clock coverage of the housemates to as wide an audience as possible (see E4 Set For Freeview Launch Next Month).

The new series of Big Brother will be all important to Channel 4, eager to build on the success of the show’s fifth outing last summer in order to maintain viewers appetite for the format. The show’s last series bowed out with a record audience of 9 million viewers last August, as Portuguese transsexual Nadia romped to victory, winning the programme’s £63,500 prize fund (see Big Brother Finalé Attracts Record 9 Million Viewers).

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com