Food Network UK Gets Freeview Block

LONDON: Freeview has dedicated a four-hour prime-time block for airing Food Network UK programming, including hits such as Ace of Cakes.

In the U.K., the channel is already available on Sky and Freesat. The Freeview block adds a further 22.6 million homes to the channel’s British presence. Airing from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the block will feature shows such as Barefoot Contessa, Ace of Cakes and Chopped.

"The addition of first-rate lifestyle and entertainment programming from Food Network UK further strengthens our subscription-free offer and helps to boost Freeview’s leading position in an increasingly competitive market," said Ilse Howling, the managing director of Freeview. “We’re delighted millions of homes will be able to enjoy established names, new faces and a variety of exciting entertainment shows offered by the channel.”

“The launch on Freeview represents an important step forward in our expansion strategy for Food Network in the U.K.,” added Nick Thorogood, the managing director of Food Network for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "We have quickly established Food Network as a unique and diverse lifestyle entertainment channel that provides a fresh approach to food programming, and we are really excited about bringing it to an even larger audience in the U.K."