GSB – Double The Potential

Granada Gold has seen its potential audience increase to almost double that of its previous by leasing a transponder from Kinnevik, the Scandinavian broadcaster. The securing Astra 1A satellite transponder means that almost five million households will be able to receive the channel in the autumn if the cable carriage deals are finalized with a further 1.1 million for cable homes. It was originally estimated that only around two or three million would be able access the channel with the older Astra 1D. Granada Gold see this as an opportunity to match UK Gold’s distribution strategy.

GSB’s services transmitted on the Astra 1A will feature “quality classic programmes” such as “Classic Coronation Street” and the mens late-night channel “Granada Men and Motors”.

Steve Morrison, Chairman of GSB and Chief Operating Officer of Granada Media Group quotes;

“In securing the Astra 1A transponder, the Granada channels will be accelerated into the maximum number of satellite and cable homes. This is a wonderful send off for our seven channel package.

The broadcasting plans will be unveiled by GSB on June 4, 1996 at The London Studios with Stuart Prebble, GSB’s Chief Executive, and other senior staff revealing plans for the channels. Official launch is expected to be in the autumn.

BSkyB is also planning to launch another batch of channels in the autumn which includes a Warner Brothers cartoon channel, a pay-per-view sports channel and Virgins music channel. These are expected to be launched on Astra before the end of the year.