Freesat Gets BBC Trust Approval

The BBC Trust has given the BBC approval to go ahead with the launch of a nationally available free-to-view satellite platform.

Freesat, a joint venture with ITV, has an anticipated launch date of Spring 2008 and will offer up to 200 channels plus digital satellite interactivity and high definition capability.

Mark Thompson, BBC director-general, said: “The BBC’s objective in launching Freesat is to support Digital Switchover by providing another way for licence payers to receive digital television channels and radio services, subscription free from the BBC and ITV.

“Its primary purpose is to drive digital take-up in analogue homes, particularly in those areas which are out of digital terrestrial coverage.

“Freesat also offers a trusted free-to-view digital upgrade path that gives licence payers all the benefits of digital television (notably high definition capability) guaranteed free of subscription.”

Michael Grade, ITV Executive Chairman, said: “Freesat will build on the success of Freeview by offering viewers a simple and cost effective way of upgrading to digital TV. By filling in the current gaps in Freeview coverage, Freesat will ensure that a free-to-air, no strings attached option for accessing digital TV is available to the whole of the UK ahead of digital switchover.

“By offering HD capability we will future proof Freesat if, as expected, high definition television continues to capture the imagination of UK viewers.”

The BBC and ITV have been working with a range of manufacturers, retailers and installers to develop Freesat and make it attractive to consumers.

The proposal for a nationally available free satellite platform offered by the BBC working with other public service broadcasters was supported in the Government’s White Paper on the BBC Charter.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk