Discovery Channel Set For Freeview Launch

Discovery Communications is set to launch a new channel brand in the UK next year, after buying a Freeview slot at auction.

The broadcaster, which currently owns channels including Animal Planet and The Discovery Channel, will offer the channel free of charge as it attempts to step away from its pay-TV model, according to reports.

Content on the new channel is expected to include factual, entertainment and lifestyle programming as well as new bought-in content.

Discovery plans to cross-promote its other channel offerings on the platform, in a bid to boost its brands in the fast-growing Freeview environment.

The broadcaster reportedly made a multi-million pound investment for the position on the Freeview platform.

Arquiva, which operates two of the six multiplexes that make up the Freeview platform, is currently in the process of auctioning off one more slot, which is likely to be completed by the end of 2008.

Discovery’s announcement comes just after Ofcom revealed that the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have been allocated slots on Freeview, to provide HD services from the end of next year (see Ofcom Allocates Freeview HD Slots To BBC, ITV And Channel 4).

Discovery: www.dsc.discovery.com/