UKTV is considering the launch of two new channels dedicated to nature and comedy respectively, according to this week's Broadcast.
The stations, which have the (unsurprising) working titles 'UK Nature' and 'UK Comedy', are being mulled over by the Flextech/BBC joint-venture, and could be on air before the end of the year.
UK Nature would draw on the BBC's vast natural history programming archive, the magazine reports, with a lineup consisting of shows such as The Life of Mammals and Wildlife on One. There are believed to be some concerns, however, that its offering might clash with that of UK Horizons, which has a similar slate.
UK Comedy, meanwhile, would bring back the comedy element of the now deceased Play UK into its own channel, with programmes including The Office, Goodness Gracious Me and Shooting Stars. There are similar concerns the impact UK Comedy would have on UK Gold, which adopted most of Play UK's comedy programmes after it closed down. One idea is that UK Gold could be repositioned as a general entertainment and and drama station.
Meanwhile, a decision on another potential channel, UK DIY, is expected "by the Spring".
The stations, which have the (unsurprising) working titles 'UK Nature' and 'UK Comedy', are being mulled over by the Flextech/BBC joint-venture, and could be on air before the end of the year.
UK Nature would draw on the BBC's vast natural history programming archive, the magazine reports, with a lineup consisting of shows such as The Life of Mammals and Wildlife on One. There are believed to be some concerns, however, that its offering might clash with that of UK Horizons, which has a similar slate.
UK Comedy, meanwhile, would bring back the comedy element of the now deceased Play UK into its own channel, with programmes including The Office, Goodness Gracious Me and Shooting Stars. There are similar concerns the impact UK Comedy would have on UK Gold, which adopted most of Play UK's comedy programmes after it closed down. One idea is that UK Gold could be repositioned as a general entertainment and and drama station.
Meanwhile, a decision on another potential channel, UK DIY, is expected "by the Spring".
