PBS America is joining Freesat from the end of this month, giving the platform’s users access to its line-up of documentaries and current affairs programming.
From the end of October PBS America will start as a free-to-air service and join the Freest EPG. Until now, the channel was encrypted on the Sky platform. It will be available on a UK spot-bem on the Astra position at 28.2 degrees East.
Its arrival on the platform is being celebrated with the premiere of the Oscar-nominated Last Days in Vietnam on Sunday November 1, at 8pm UK time.
Richard Kingsbury
“Over the last four years we have built a high quality audience for well made American history, science and current affairs programmes,” said Richard Kingsbury, general manager, PBS America.
“We’ve always had a lot of interest from free to air viewers who enjoy quality docs and so it’s wonderful to be able to reach them at last. I’m confident that the Freesat launch will further accelerate the growth of PBS America.”
Paul Gilshan, director of marketing and communications at Freesat, said: “With over 200 channels on offer to our viewers, we’re always pleased to bring a wide range of compelling programming to the UK free-to-air market and, with PBS America now joining Freesat, the line-up just got even better giving viewers the opportunity to watch award-winning factual programming, totally subscription-free.”
Showing programmes from America’s Public Broadcasting Service, the channel first launched in the UK on November 1, 2011 and already available to Sky and Virgin Media homes.
