Five looks into launch of Freeview movie channel

by Nicola Clark, Marketing 04-Apr-07

Five is considering launching a movie channel to boost its presence on Freeview.

Industry insiders say the proposal is part of the broadcaster's review
of its presence on the platform. It already runs two digital channels as
well as its terrestrial channel.

A spokesman for Five refused to comment on the plans, but admitted: 'We

are looking to expand our family of digital channels.'

The decision would make Five the latest terrestrial broadcaster to
launch a movie channel; Channel 4 has had considerable success with
Film4, while ITV is widely expected to launch a movie channel this
summer. ITV Movies is expected to replace the now-defunct ITV Play
channel.

RTL-owned Five launched two digital free-to-air channels, Five US and
Five Life, last year. Five Life, which is aimed at female viewers, got
off to a poor start, with its debut last October attracting an audience
of just 44,500 - a 0.1% share of the available audience - the worst-ever
figures for a terrestrial spin-off channel launch (Marketing, 7
February).

Last October, Five hired former managing director of Flextech Television
Lisa Opie as managing director of content. The move led to the departure
of director of programmes Dan Chambers.

- 500 movies, one living room, page 19.