Two New Channels on BFBS Television
On Saturday 2nd May, BFBS launches two new TV channels, BFBS3 KIDS and a movie channel on BFBS4.
BFBS3 KIDS will start at 0500 CET and run throughout the day until 1800. It will comprise series for older children; six hours of CBeebies from the BBC; and, of course, BFBS TV's own Room 785, which moves over from BFBS1.
"An added advantage of moving all children's programming to BFBS3 KIDS," says Controller of BFBS Television, Helen Williams, "is that it creates more room on BFBS1 in the day for shows like Gok Wan's Fashion Fix, Deal Or No deal, Come Dine With me, and Grand Designs. Which should please the wives and mums.
"Later in the summer, when we've sorted out a few server-capacity issues, we'll be adding the evening element to BFBS3, which will be factual entertainment and documentaries and will start at 1800CET straight after the kids' stuff finishes. "
The second new channel launching on Saturday 2nd May is BFBS4 - the movie channel. This will comprise two films a night, every night, at 1900 and 2100 CET, which will repeat around the clock in operational areas.
Helen Williams explains: "We wanted to put the movies on at fixed times, so you don't need to check the listings. If you fancy sitting down and watching a film, you know there'll be one starting bang on 7 o'clock, and another at 9pm. The only deviation from this will be on Saturday nights when we'll schedule longer movies, or squeeze in a third film."
"I know these new channels have been a long time coming - our Technology team have had all sorts of unforeseen problems to overcome, but they're here at last, with the final element coming along to complete the picture in the next two or three months."
Saturday 2nd May is going to be a big day on BFBS TV - two new channels, the Army v Navy rugby from Twickenham, and the live launch of The BFBS Big Salute 2009!
The Services' Sound & Vision Corporation, the charity behind BFBS Radio and Television is funding the new channels to enhance Forces' welfare.