BBC Gets Go Ahead for Freesat

LONDON, April 27: The BBC has been given approval by the BBC
Trust to launch a nation-wide free-to-view satellite offering, currently known
as Freesat, in association with ITV.

Freesat will provide standard definition and high-definition
channels, beginning in the spring of 2008. It will offer up to 200 channels,
with interactive capabilities and a DVR, subscription-free.

BBC Director-General Mark Thompson noted: "The BBC's
objective in launching Freesat is to support digital switchover by providing
another way for license payers to receive digital television channels and radio
services, subscription free from the BBC and ITV. Its primary purpose is to
drive digital take-up in analogue homes, particularly in those areas which are
out of digital terrestrial coverage. Freesat also offers a trusted free-to-view
digital upgrade path that gives license payers all the benefits of digital
television (notably high definition capability) guaranteed free of subscription."

ITV’s executive chairman, Michael Grade, added:
"Freesat will build on the success of Freeview by offering viewers a
simple and cost effective way of upgrading to digital TV. By filling in the
current gaps in Freeview coverage, Freesat will ensure that a free-to-air, no
strings attached option for accessing digital TV is available to the whole of
the U.K. ahead of digital switchover. By offering HD capability we will future
proof Freesat if, as expected, high definition television continues to capture
the imagination of U.K. viewers."

The BBC and ITV are currently in discussions with other
broadcasters about joining the joint venture.