MX23RW : Friday, November 26 06:43:42| >> :120:63083:63083:

BBC Three cleared to relaunch as TV channel in February

BBC Three cleared to relaunch as TV channel in February
© BBC
Ofcom approves BBC Three's restoration as a linear TV channel from February 1, 2022.

TV regulator Ofcom has given the BBC the green light to relaunch BBC Three as a linear TV channel in February.

The station closed down and transitioned to an online-only proposition in February 2016 but in a surprise U-turn earlier this year, the corporation announced plans to restore the service following the success of shows such as Normal People and RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

The move required approval from Ofcom, who today granted the request on the condition that at least 75% of programmes shown will be original commissions targeted at a UK audience.

BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that Ofcom have now confirmed that BBC Three will be returning to TV screens next year.

"This is a big moment, with the new channel providing a destination for young audiences to discover more content on the BBC.

"We will work hand in hand with iPlayer to provide a broad offering that is representative of the whole of the UK and we will continue to back new talent and bold ideas.

"This approach will bring the audience a distinctive mix of programmes that are there to entertain, inspire and challenge thinking, at a pivotal and exciting time to be young in the UK."

The channel, which will air daily between 7pm and 4am, will launch on February 1, 2022 on Freeview, Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media.

ID:471084:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2020:

Follow us on Twitter @SMEntsFeed and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.


Click here for more stories about Fiona Campbell

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under
Read Next:
BBC Three to air RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under in UK
>

rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Friday, November 26


A Boy Called Christmas: Sky Cinema, from 12am
The origin story of Father Christmas (apparently) featuring the likes of Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones and Sally 'cod and chips' Hawkins

Clash Of The Cover Bands: E!, 9pm
This week, impersonators of Britney Spears and J-Lo go head to head

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!: ITV, 9pm