Virgin Media has confirmed plans to launch a new linear TV channel. Known as Virgin 1, the new channel will screen a mix of commissioned and acquired programming including the now obligatory user generated content, and broadcast on a number of platforms.
Virgin 1 will launch later this year on both the cablenet and the Freeview DTT platform. Virgin already has Freeview capacity for FTN, launched by predecessor Flextech Television, and broadcasting a mix of the original content from the broadcaster’s other channels including Bravo, Trouble and Living. The description could equally be applied to the new channel.
It is not known whether Virgin 1 will be offered to BSkyB, following the very public spat over the carriage of Sky’s basic channels.

"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins.
Connected TV Forecasts NEW REPORT. The number of TV sets connected to the Internet will reach 551 million by 2016 for the 40 countries covered in this report from Digital TV Research, up from 124 million at end-2010. The report states that this translates to 20% of global TV sets by 2016, up from only 6% at end-2010. Published in November 2011, this 83-page PDF report is the most geographically comprehensive to ever be published.