Sky Arts confirms Freeview launch

Sky Arts confirms Freeview launch

Postby dutchman » Tue Jul 28, 2020 3:02 pm

Sky flexes its public service broadcasting credentials with Freeview launch this September, but on-demand programmes from Sky Arts will continue to be exclusive to Sky and Now TV subscribers

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Coinciding with the free-to-air switch, the channel will launch a new slate of original programmes, including new monthly arts and culture show Sky Arts Late and a new series that sees Danny Dyer explorer the works of Harold Pinter.

As part of the broadcaster’s commitment to the arts, bursaries worth £30,000 each will see leading figures from the arts support and mentor diverse and emerging new artists.

The free-to-air move was welcomed by Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage who said she was “delighted” that Sky Arts was “opening up its vast array of programming to the nations’ living rooms”.

An exact launch date in September and availability on other free-to-air platforms has not yet been confirmed. RXTV Info has approached both Sky and Freeview for comment.

While the main Sky Arts channel will become free-to-air, Sky and Now TV customers will continue to have exclusive access to catch-up and on-demand content, as part of their subscription, in the same way that on-demand programmes from Sky’s Pick and Challenge channels are available to subscribers only.

The launch comes as Ofcom prepares to review public service broadcasting in the UK, with Sky previously highlighting how it sees itself as providing a public service, without having the status and benefits of a public service broadcaster.

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