Al Jazeera English Scores Freeview Slot

LONDON: The news and current affairs channel Al Jazeera English is set to launch on Freeview July 1, reaching more than 80 percent of U.K. homes.

The English-language network is already carried in the U.K. on Sky and Freesat. Worldwide, it reaches more than 200 million homes. On Freeview, it will broadcast live from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., delivering news and current-affairs shows from its studios in London, Washington, D.C. and Doha. The slate includes Frost Over the World, Witness, The Rageh Omaar Report and Listening Post.

Wadah Khanfar, director general of the Al Jazeera Network, commented: "Providing content to the widest possible audience, free of charge, is part of Al Jazeera’s ongoing mandate and mission. With a large network of bureaus, and with unique access to under reported regions across the world, Al Jazeera English will bring a much needed international perspective to this important and diverse region.”

Al Anstey, director of media development for the Al Jazeera Network, added: “The U.K. remains an extremely important market for Al Jazeera. Freeview provides us with the platform to show our award-winning news and programming across the country. We know there is an audience for Al Jazeera English in the United Kingdom and we look forward to expanding our service throughout the country.”