Channel Five signs deal with BBC to extend rural reach via Freeview

[SAT-WORLD]

Channel Five has struck a deal with the BBC to extend the availability of its main network, which features programmes such as Neighbours and Home and Away, on digital terrestrial television service Freeview to rural households.

Five's main network will be broadcast on the BBC's Freeview Multiplex B when switchover begins in the Border region - covering Cumbria and the Scottish borders - next month.

This means that Five shows such as CSI, House and Australian soaps Neighbours and Home and Away will be available as widely in rural areas around the country on Freeview as the other four public service broadcasting networks - BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and Channel 4.

This deal with the BBC should allay fears about a lack of reach for Five on Freeview.

The Five network is currently broadcast on the ITV-owned SDN multiplex, which is not available in many areas and contributed to fears that rural viewers would get a limited number of channels in a "Freeview-lite" scenario.

This arrangement with the BBC is a short-term one until a wider reorganisation of Freeview spectrum late next year to allow ITV, the BBC and Channel 4 to launch high definition services.

As part of the spectrum reorganisation Five will continue to be made available with the same reach as the other PSB networks.

Source:Guardian.co.uk