Millions of Freeview and Sky viewers to receive free TV upgrade next month with a brand new ‘real life’ channel
A BRAND new TV channel is about to grace the screens for millions of Freeview and Sky viewers at no extra cost.
Following a channel cull on Freesat earlier this month, Narrative Entertainment is expanding its GREAT! Network with a new free station.
"With an array of observational series focusing on dramatic real-life events and human stories, GREAT! Real will take audiences to the heart of the action with an exciting, engaging and relatable content mix that perfectly complements our existing brands," Steve Hornsey, Narrative Entertainment’s VP of Movies & Entertainment, said in the announcement.
Arriving in late March, GREAT! Real will be the first channel in the GREAT! Network to broadcast only unscripted content.
It will host shows like Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport; Paddington Station 24/7; Island Medics; Emergency Rescue: Air, Land and Sea; and Coast Guard Alaska.
The exact date it will launch is 20 March.
The network is known for its array of daytime TV classics and fan-favourite movies, such as Murder, She Wrote, M*A*S*H and The Avengers.
Just weeks ago, the broadcaster axed nine channels for Freesat viewers, including six GREAT! branded stations and three POP channels.
Narrative Entertainment didn't explain why the channels were disappearing for Freesat viewers, and not Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media customers.
However, it appears the broadcaster continues to ripen its offering for Freeview and Sky patrons.
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Last year, Narrative Entertainment stepped into the on-demand streaming space with its red button GREAT! Player.
The GREAT! Player hosts tons of free-ad-supported television (FAST) channels for viewers who have gone off paid-for streaming apps.
And it's not the only one on your telly.
As streaming giants Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video hike prices and put previously free features behind paywalls - more people are turning to FAST apps.
FAST apps available in the UK include:
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