Channel 5 is launching a new channel that will draw on content from My5, its on demand service of the same name.
It replaces Channel 5+24 and joins a portfolio that includes Spike, 5STAR and 5USA, as well as Channel 5 itself.
The channel plans to be topical and relevant by featuring the most popular recent programmes across all platforms, catch-up and TV boxed sets.
James Tatam, Director of Digital Media & Commercial Development, Channel 5 said: “Taking My5 into the linear space is an exciting development following the success of our video-on-demand service, which has enjoyed rapid growth since rebranding in February. Through a mix of sharp and responsive scheduling, curated and thematic content, and data from our TV channels, on-demand platform and social media, viewers can now discover the most popular content on My5 via both TV and on-demand and choose how they want to watch.”
There are only so many ways you can skin a cat and My5 is a clever take on the staggercast channel and one that Channel 4 has explored through its 4seven.
Plus One channels – in the case of Channel 5+24 a period of 24 hours – remain popular and linking with a catch-up service will help build audiences in both directions.
The My5 channel will be available free-to-air on a number of platforms, including Freeview, Freesat, Sky TV, Virgin Media, YouView, BT and TalkTalk with further platforms to be confirmed.
