The
changing face of BBC TV and Radio
All
of the BBC's digital channels can now be accessed for free on Freeview,
the new digital terrestrial television service. Widening the availability
of the BBC's services is in line with the BBC's remit to drive digital
take up in the UK.
The Freeview package includes the BBC's eight digital television
channels - BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBC Choice, BBC FOUR, CBeebies, CBBC,
BBC News 24 and BBC Parliament - plus interactivity from BBCi and
seven BBC radio networks - BBC Radio Five Live, Five Live Sports
Extra, 1Xtra, 6 Music, BBC World Service (in English), BBC Asian
Network and the soon-to-be-launched BBC 7.
The
launch of Freeview provides viewers and listeners with another way
to access the BBC's digital channels. This means there are now three
ways to access the BBC's digital services: satellite, cable and
Freeview (DTT).
Greg
Dyke, Director-General BBC, said: "Today is an important day
in the development of British television with the launch of Freeview
- a new digital platform which means that 75% of homes in Britain
will now be able to receive digital television completely free.
"It's
also a big step forward for the BBC, making all of the BBC's digital
television, interactive and radio services available to many more
people at no extra cost."
Andy
Duncan, Director BBC Marketing & Communications, said: "Freeview
is a fresh start for digital terrestrial television in the UK -
providing a simple way for people way to see all the BBC's digital
channels.
"Over the coming weeks, a heavyweight BBC marketing campaign
will inform viewers and listeners of the exciting digital services
available from the BBC and how you can get them."
Peter
Davies, Director BBC Strategy & Distribution, said: "We
have done a lot of work over the past few months to ensure that
as many people as possible can receive the new service.
"As
a result, 75% of homes in the UK will be within the coverage area
of all of the Freeview channels, although some will need a new aerial
to receive the service.
"The
Freeview website (www.freeview.co.uk)
allows viewers and retailers to check whether they live in a coverage
area." (The BBC is not responsible for the content
of external internet sites)
Information
regarding the BBC's digital channels and how to access them can
be found on
www.bbc.co.uk/digital.
Notes
to Editors
Freeview is managed by a consortium - DTV Services Ltd - comprising
the BBC, Crown Castle and BSkyB as equal partners.
Freeview
is a simple way to get digital television. It offers UK homes up
to 30 digital channels (tv and text), plus interactivity and 12
radio networks, all free and delivered to televisions through rooftop
aerials.
Related Stories
BBC World Service on Freeview digital line-up (27.10.02)
Freeview to launch on
30 October (03.10.02)
BBC and Crown Castle
name "Freeview" (19.08.02)
BBC and Crown Castle
to champion digital for everyone (04.07.02)
BBC and Crown
Castle submit complementary applications for digital terrestrial
television licences (13.06.02)
www.freeview.co.uk
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