BBC
ONE and BBC TWO lend support to launch of BBC THREE
BBC
THREE, the BBC's new digital channel, will launch with an evening's
simulcast on BBC TWO and with some temporary support from the residents
of Albert Square.
EastEnders,
which remains in its usual slot on BBC ONE, will premiere each episode
for a two week period on BBC THREE as part of the launch plans before
reverting to its usual transmission pattern.
Announcing
this key support from BBC ONE and BBC TWO for the launch of BBC
THREE, Jana Bennett, Director of Television, said:
"The
BBC is committed to driving digital take up and that is why I am
happy to bring the strength of BBC ONE and BBC TWO to help show
viewers what else is on offer from the BBC with the launch of our
brand new digital channel, BBC THREE.
"We
are adding extra value by giving digital viewers the chance to see
EastEnders a little earlier for a limited time, and we are giving
all television viewers the chance to sample the launch night of
BBC THREE on BBC TWO.
"BBC
THREE is an exciting, original and contemporary new channel which
we want as many viewers as possible to have the opportunity to experience."
For
the first three weeks following the launch of BBC THREE, BBC ONE
will also showcase the very best of BBC THREE programming late night
on selected evenings.
Post
launch period, BBC ONE will then continue to showcase the best of
BBC THREE one night a week, late night, all year round.
BBC
THREE will launch on Sunday 9 February at 7.00pm and will broadcast
daily from 7.00pm until 4.00am.
It
completes the BBC's portfolio of TV channels for the digital age,
and aims to bring the best public service values to a younger generation
and offer something very different from other digital channels.
Original
and intelligent drama and entertainment will represent the majority
of the output but more than a third of programmes will cover news,
current affairs, education, music and arts.
There
is a commitment to 15 hours of science, religion, ethics and business
per year, a dedicated 15 minute news programme each weekday evening
with hourly bulletins until midnight and a commitment to new talent.
BBC
THREE will be a distinctive and inherently multicultural, interactive
channel with 80% of programming specifically commissioned for the
channel and 90% of programming being made in the UK or Europe.
Notes
to Editors
- The
proposals for BBC THREE were approved by the DCMS on 17 September
2002.
- The
channel will broadcast from 7.00pm until 4.00am each day.
- BBC
THREE joins BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBC FOUR, CBBC and CBeebies as part
of the BBC's portfolio of television channels.
- BBC
THREE and the other BBC digital channels will be available free-to-air
on all digital platforms, including the new digital terrestrial
platform Freeview.
BBC
THREE to launch on 9 February 2003 (19.11.02)
BBC
unveils new logo for BBC THREE (16.10.02)
BBC
welcomes approval for BBC THREE (17.09.02)
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