UKTV Drama Channel to launch on Freeview – July 8

UKTV, the company behind TV channels Dave and Yesterday, has today unveiled its plans for a new drama channel on Freeview called “Drama”.
The channel is set to launch on 8th July 2013. The channel number has not been confirmed, but Drama is likely to be using the bandwidth currently taken by Dave Ja Vu, which was temporarily brought back to Freeview on a full-time basis in January. There has been no word as yet about any distribution on satellite and cable services.
Drama will go head-to-head with ITV3 on Freeview airing a “diverse range of critically-acclaimed shows featuring stellar talent, many of whom have gone on to join Hollywood’s elite.”

The channel will feature shows such as Pride & Prejudice, The Cinder Path, Sharpe, Tipping the Velvet, Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Cranford and Lark Rise to Candleford.
“Drama is targeted at a different audience demographic than our other highly successful free-to-air channels, Dave, Yesterday and Really”, said Emma Tennant, Controller of UKTV. “ The channel is aimed at people who simply love drama and want to watch critically-acclaimed shows that have absolutely defined the landscape of British television. I am very passionate about the subject and discussing the programmes that will create Drama’s schedule has just been brilliant fun. I’m genuinely excited about the launch of Drama both as a viewer and as Controller.”
While Adrian Wills, General Manager of Drama, added: “Drama lovers’ prayers have been answered. This channel represents the best drama content within the genre and we are confident that viewers will enjoy these celebrated shows.”