Virgin Media Unveils New Channels
Virgin Media has unveiled a range of new kids, entertainment and movie channels for its television line-up. The channels – from CSC Media Group Ltd (CSC) and Sparrowhawk Media Group – launch this month.
From today, Virgin Media TV customers will be able to enjoy Diva TV and Movies 24+, from Sparrowhawk Media Group. Diva TV airs variety and talk shows such as Late Show With David Letterman, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Rachael Ray. Additionally, classic CBS Paramount daytime soap The Bold and the Beautiful makes its return to British television exclusively on Diva TV.
Movies 24+ joins Movies 24 on Virgin Media, showing a mix of made-for-tv movies, including comedies, thrillers and action movies, as well as romance. Rather than just a plain time-shifted channel, Movies 24+ offers viewers an alternative schedule to its sister channel, showing the same content but at varying times of the day.
True Movies from CSC Media also launched last week. Nominated for the Broadcast Awards ‘Best New Channel of 2005’, True Movies has a particular focus on true-to-life drama and romance films and made-for-tv movies, including classic movies from the 80s and 90s.
True Movies joins Pop and Tiny Pop which both launched earlier in the month. Pop caters for 4-9 year old boys and delivers a mix of cartoons and pop music, hosted by Rorry the Dragon and his sidekick cat, Purrdy. Pop’s cartoons include Sonic Underground and Transformers as well as a mix of music. The channel also features reviews of the latest movies, DVDs and videogames.
Tiny Pop is a complementary channel for pre-school children, with a mix of cartoons hosted by the three Cheeky Monkeys. Popular shows include Wheels On The Bus, The Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake.
Malcolm Wall, chief executive officer of content at Virgin Media, commented: “Virgin Media appeals to a broad audience and we’re delighted to bring these channels to our growing TV line-up. Kids, and movie fans, as well as those that enjoy great talk shows will love the new programmes these new channels will bring.”
Virgin Media recently launched a new entertainment channel, Virgin 1, in an an attempt by Virgin to combat the loss of Sky One, which disappeared from its platform when the two companies were unable to resolve a dispute over the pricing of the satellite broadcaster’s basic channel package (see Virgin 1 Gets October Launch Date).
Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com