UK version of US public service broadcaster to launch on BSkyB digital satellite service next month

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

PBS, the US public service broadcaster, has appointed Channel 4 to handle advertising sales for its new UK channel.

The broadcaster, which launched in 1969 and claims audiences larger than CNN and HBO in the US, will begin airing PBS UK on BSkyB's digital satellite service next month.

PBS UK, which will launch with the strapline "where television matters", will offer science, history and current affairs programming. Channel 4 already acts as the sales house for UKTV's 10 TV channels.

"In the States, PBS is well-loved and trusted for its award-winning programming, so it was essential for us to select a company capable of delivering a high quality viewing experience throughout the ad breaks as well," said Richard Kingsbury, general manager of PBS UK. "There's an obvious fit between our two brands and we're delighted to be represented by Channel 4."

PBS, which airs Sesame Street in the US but is unlikely to run children's shows in the UK, will focus on non-fiction programming.

Programming will include science show Nova; Prohibition, a five-part documentary by Ken Burns; and Frontline, a weeknight current affairs strand.

Jonathan Allan, Channel 4's new sales director, said PBS has a natural synergy with the UK PSB. "In becoming their sales house we're helping bring the best public service programming from the US to a UK audience," Allan added.

He added that the deal reinforces Channel 4's position as the premium sales house for high quality public service content.

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