Turner to launch UK free-to-air channel

Turner Broadcasting UK is launching a new general entertainment free-to-air channel, truTV – it’s first venture into the UK free-to-air market.

The 24-hour channel will be available on the UK digital-terrestrial platform from early August, airing a range of unscripted shows including Fear Factor, Hardcore Pawn: Chicago, Killer Karaoke, Container Wars, South Beach Tow, Redneck Island and Ink Masters.

In addition to DTT, the channel will also be available on the Freesat and Youview platforms.

truTV is currently available in the US market, where it reaches 93 million homes.

“truTV shows real-life comedy featuring incredible characters in real-life situations, a formula that is enjoying ever-increasing popularity worldwide,” said Anthony Lukom, Turner UK’s general manager.

“We are extremely excited to be carving out a place for this unique proposition as a dedicated free to air channel in the UK. The channel will also widen Turner Broadcasting’s general entertainment portfolio, extending our reach to 26 million homes in the UK. We look forward to further building our channel strategy in this market.”