Smithsonian Channel Bolsters U.K. Reach

ViacomCBS Networks UK has enhanced the reach of the Smithsonian Channel, moving it up over 40 slots in its electronic program guide (EPG).

Smithsonian Channel launched in the U.K. in February 2019 on Sky, Virgin, Freeview and Freesat. The channel became part of a combined ViacomCBS after last month’s merger of Viacom and CBS and joins a U.K. portfolio that includes free-to-air Channel 5 and pay-TV brands MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.

Smithsonian Channel will move from its present EPG slot of 99 on Freeview to its new EPG position of 57. The move is set to boost Smithsonian Channel’s audience in the U.K. and coincides with a 45-percent expansion of its DTT availability in U.K. homes when it changes transmission mux (from T2 to T1) on the same date, reaching around 90 percent of the U.K. population.

Smithsonian Channel’s U.K. footprint continues to see steady month-to-month growth since launch, more than doubling its viewership in both total day and primetime (as of November 2019). Notable top performing programs include Pacific War in Colour and Mystic Britain.

The channel is additionally set to launch on Channel 5’s streaming platform, My5, in the coming weeks. This marks Smithsonian Channel’s first foray into streaming in the UK market, reaching audiences with high-quality factual entertainment across platforms and devices.

“We are thrilled to deepen our footprint in the U.K. as it’s been truly inspiring to see Smithsonian Channel’s programming resonate so strongly with international audiences,” said Tom Hayden, president of Smithsonian Networks. “We remain committed to sharing our powerful storytelling capabilities through premium content across traditional and emerging platforms globally. I am proud that Smithsonian Channel is a preeminent voice that viewers can trust around the world.”