Freeview launches two new channels

by MediaWeek, Media Week 16-Jan-03

Freeview launches two new channels

Freeview has unveiled two new channels this week.

The DTT platform, for which an estimated 40,000 set-top boxes were sold this Christmas, debuted Flextech's Ftn and UKTV's UK Brightideas.

Ftn went live on DTT yesterday. The launch is intended as a taster of Flextech's other channels which include Bravo, LivingTV, Trouble and Challenge.

UKTV's UK Brightideas - also launched yesterday - will sit alongside UK History on Freeview and will be a lifestyle
channel showcasing existing programming from the UKTV portfolio, as well as new programming covering homes, gardens, food and lifestyle.

Bidup TV, the interactive auction TV channel, is also expected to join the DTT platform soon.

Bidup TV is finalizing a carriage agreement with Crown Castle that will see the brand launch on Freeview. Bidup TV parent Situp TV owns the shopping properties Screenshop 1 and 2.