About UKTV
UKTV network FAQs
What is UKTV?
Attracting 33 million viewers each month, the network consists of nine distinctive and innovative TV channels – UKTV Gold, UKTV History, UKTV Style, Dave, UKTV Drama, UKTV Documentary, UKTV Food, UKTV People and UKTV Gardens – offering a broad range of quality programming across entertainment, lifestyle and factual programming. UKTV will be launching 3 new channels in October called G.OL.D (replacing UKTV Gold), Alibi (replacing UKTV Drama) and Watch (brand new channel). Each channel has a website - they can all be accessed through uktv.co.uk and there is a standalone Homes website uktvhomes.co.uk
Who owns UKTV?
The UKTV joint ventures between BBC Worldwide Ltd and Virgin Media were established in March 1997 and are owned 50:50 in terms of both economic and voting interest. It is a fully independent company.
What channels do you show on Freeview?
UKTV currently offers Dave and UKTV History on Freeview.
Are you planning on putting any UKTV channels on Freesat?
Not currently, we are committed to our Pay TV strategy. If you want to view our other 8 channels you need to subscribe to a cable or satellite provider.
Why is UKTV not on Freesat when it launches?
Pay TV remains at the core of our business strategy. The only channels available for free are Dave and UKTV History via Freeview.
When are you next showing (insert programme title)?
Please refer to our TV listings which are published six weeks ahead of transmission on the press website.
How do I submit a programme idea (if not working for an independent production company)?
It's great that you have a new programme idea. It is hard to progress ideas unless you are connected to an independent production company. Please contact the independent producer’s association PACT (http://www.pact.co.uk/) who can advise you on how to progress a programming idea.
How do I submit a programme idea (if I work for an independent production company)?
It's great that you have a new programme idea. Please email commissioning@uktv.co.uk. The commissioning team will get in touch with you if they wish to progress the idea.
How do I get UKTV?
The nine UKTV channels are available on Virgin or Sky. UKTV History and Dave are also available on Freeview while UKTV Gold and UKTV Style are available on Top-Up TV. Find out more about how to get them from uSwitch.com which compares the packages available in your area
Where does UKTV get its programming from?
The success of UKTV is based on its programming including award-winning shows from the BBC and an increasing number of original commissions and acquisitions.
The network’s unique relationship with the BBC gives it a ‘first look’ at its programmes for secondary broadcast in the UK. The network is dedicated to providing a quality channel platform environment for the best content producers, including some of the UK’s top independent programme makers.
Why isn’t (insert programme title) on anymore/why have you moved its time?
We need to keep looking at which programmes our viewers are enjoying and at what times and to make sure we are offering the best possible programming mix. Unfortunately sometimes this means we have to move the times we show a programme and sometimes it means we are no longer transmitting a programme.
Why do you keep changing the names of your channels?
The multi channel TV market is very competitive and we’ve decided to give our channels names that resonate with our viewers and ensure that each channel stands out and stands for something. We hope it will make it easier for you to find the programmes you want to watch quickly and easily.
Are you re-branding your entire network?
We are still in the process of reviewing the portfolio but the aim is to completely re-brand all of our channels over the next 12-18 months. This will be executed in three main phases. In Q4 of this year we will be restructuring and expanding our entertainment portfolio. In Q1 of 2009 we plan major changes to our factual portfolio and in Q2 of 2009 we will be doing the same to our lifestyle channels.
How did UKTV decide on the new names for its channels?
We’ve undergone one of the biggest and most comprehensive research exercises for a broadcaster. We’ve talked to over 3900 people, tested 60 concepts so far, both qualitatively and quantitatively and used this audience insight to create and shape our new names and channel propositions.
Are you dropping the UKTV name?
No. UKTV will continue to be our company name but we will shift the communication focus to our new individual channel brands.
Will Richard and Judy be on a new channel?
Yes. Richard and Judy are the king and queen of telly and a fantastic signing for UKTV. Their new primetime show will form the backbone of Watch.
What will the series be like?
We can’t give too much away at the moment; you’ll have to wait until we reveal the new series in the autumn. But, we are working very closely with Richard and Judy to create a compelling, ambitious TV entertainment show with high production values and that still has all the bits you love - the Book Club, the big celebrity interviews and the real life stories – but we also want to introduce a real life campaigning element. But there are lots more surprises up our sleeve. This will be Richard and Judy as you’ve never seen them before!
When will your first book club happen?
It is too early to go into specifics but keep checking justwatch.co.uk (from September 17) for updates!
Can you announce any other channels you are re-branding?
We are still in the process of reviewing the factual and lifestyle channel offerings but it is too soon to reveal our thinking as we are still in the research phase.
Why do you edit programmes down instead of making the slot longer?
We like to start programmes on the hour or at particular junctions, and sometimes in order to do this we need to edit programmes. But we are careful not to remove any material that contributes to the storyline
Complaints about bad language (post 9pm)
In most cases, use of language is key to the overall tone of the show. When there is bad language in a programme we will always show it in an appropriate slot and when necessary warn before the start of the show
Complaints about bad language/inappropriate behaviour (pre watershed)
We take all complaints about bad language or offensive behaviour very seriously. It would help us to know the details of any such complaint and we will refer the matter to our compliance team immediately
Please stop showing that promo!
We understand promos can be repetitive but we deem it necessary to show them on a regular basis to communicate messages to our audience. However we do not show them more frequently than the industry average. We hope it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the show and we hope it introduces new shows to you
Why do announcers sometimes cut into the programmes?
We are very sorry about this technical fault and will ensure that our continuity department are notified immediately.
I want to get in touch with one of your presenters (ie charity request, photograph request etc)?
UKTV commissions or buys its own programmes but we don’t make our own which means we can’t forward on your requests directly to UKTV talent and unfortunately we don’t have direct access to pictures or autographs. The internet might be able to help you search for your favourite celebrities details.
Why do responses to questions reference a company called BSS?
Your feedback is very important to us, to be able to answer your queries quickly and efficiently, UKTV has employed a company called BSS to act on its behalf. If BSS is unable to answer a question, it will forward to UKTV to seek an appropriate response. All feedback is seen by UKTV.
Attracting 33 million viewers each month, the network consists of nine distinctive and innovative TV channels – UKTV Gold, UKTV History, UKTV Style, Dave, UKTV Drama, UKTV Documentary, UKTV Food, UKTV People and UKTV Gardens – offering a broad range of quality programming across entertainment, lifestyle and factual programming. UKTV will be launching 3 new channels in October called G.OL.D (replacing UKTV Gold), Alibi (replacing UKTV Drama) and Watch (brand new channel). Each channel has a website - they can all be accessed through uktv.co.uk and there is a standalone Homes website uktvhomes.co.uk
Who owns UKTV?
The UKTV joint ventures between BBC Worldwide Ltd and Virgin Media were established in March 1997 and are owned 50:50 in terms of both economic and voting interest. It is a fully independent company.
What channels do you show on Freeview?
UKTV currently offers Dave and UKTV History on Freeview.
Are you planning on putting any UKTV channels on Freesat?
Not currently, we are committed to our Pay TV strategy. If you want to view our other 8 channels you need to subscribe to a cable or satellite provider.
Why is UKTV not on Freesat when it launches?
Pay TV remains at the core of our business strategy. The only channels available for free are Dave and UKTV History via Freeview.
When are you next showing (insert programme title)?
Please refer to our TV listings which are published six weeks ahead of transmission on the press website.
How do I submit a programme idea (if not working for an independent production company)?
It's great that you have a new programme idea. It is hard to progress ideas unless you are connected to an independent production company. Please contact the independent producer’s association PACT (http://www.pact.co.uk/) who can advise you on how to progress a programming idea.
How do I submit a programme idea (if I work for an independent production company)?
It's great that you have a new programme idea. Please email commissioning@uktv.co.uk. The commissioning team will get in touch with you if they wish to progress the idea.
How do I get UKTV?
The nine UKTV channels are available on Virgin or Sky. UKTV History and Dave are also available on Freeview while UKTV Gold and UKTV Style are available on Top-Up TV. Find out more about how to get them from uSwitch.com which compares the packages available in your area
Where does UKTV get its programming from?
The success of UKTV is based on its programming including award-winning shows from the BBC and an increasing number of original commissions and acquisitions.
The network’s unique relationship with the BBC gives it a ‘first look’ at its programmes for secondary broadcast in the UK. The network is dedicated to providing a quality channel platform environment for the best content producers, including some of the UK’s top independent programme makers.
Why isn’t (insert programme title) on anymore/why have you moved its time?
We need to keep looking at which programmes our viewers are enjoying and at what times and to make sure we are offering the best possible programming mix. Unfortunately sometimes this means we have to move the times we show a programme and sometimes it means we are no longer transmitting a programme.
Why do you keep changing the names of your channels?
The multi channel TV market is very competitive and we’ve decided to give our channels names that resonate with our viewers and ensure that each channel stands out and stands for something. We hope it will make it easier for you to find the programmes you want to watch quickly and easily.
Are you re-branding your entire network?
We are still in the process of reviewing the portfolio but the aim is to completely re-brand all of our channels over the next 12-18 months. This will be executed in three main phases. In Q4 of this year we will be restructuring and expanding our entertainment portfolio. In Q1 of 2009 we plan major changes to our factual portfolio and in Q2 of 2009 we will be doing the same to our lifestyle channels.
How did UKTV decide on the new names for its channels?
We’ve undergone one of the biggest and most comprehensive research exercises for a broadcaster. We’ve talked to over 3900 people, tested 60 concepts so far, both qualitatively and quantitatively and used this audience insight to create and shape our new names and channel propositions.
Are you dropping the UKTV name?
No. UKTV will continue to be our company name but we will shift the communication focus to our new individual channel brands.
Will Richard and Judy be on a new channel?
Yes. Richard and Judy are the king and queen of telly and a fantastic signing for UKTV. Their new primetime show will form the backbone of Watch.
What will the series be like?
We can’t give too much away at the moment; you’ll have to wait until we reveal the new series in the autumn. But, we are working very closely with Richard and Judy to create a compelling, ambitious TV entertainment show with high production values and that still has all the bits you love - the Book Club, the big celebrity interviews and the real life stories – but we also want to introduce a real life campaigning element. But there are lots more surprises up our sleeve. This will be Richard and Judy as you’ve never seen them before!
When will your first book club happen?
It is too early to go into specifics but keep checking justwatch.co.uk (from September 17) for updates!
Can you announce any other channels you are re-branding?
We are still in the process of reviewing the factual and lifestyle channel offerings but it is too soon to reveal our thinking as we are still in the research phase.
Why do you edit programmes down instead of making the slot longer?
We like to start programmes on the hour or at particular junctions, and sometimes in order to do this we need to edit programmes. But we are careful not to remove any material that contributes to the storyline
Complaints about bad language (post 9pm)
In most cases, use of language is key to the overall tone of the show. When there is bad language in a programme we will always show it in an appropriate slot and when necessary warn before the start of the show
Complaints about bad language/inappropriate behaviour (pre watershed)
We take all complaints about bad language or offensive behaviour very seriously. It would help us to know the details of any such complaint and we will refer the matter to our compliance team immediately
Please stop showing that promo!
We understand promos can be repetitive but we deem it necessary to show them on a regular basis to communicate messages to our audience. However we do not show them more frequently than the industry average. We hope it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the show and we hope it introduces new shows to you
Why do announcers sometimes cut into the programmes?
We are very sorry about this technical fault and will ensure that our continuity department are notified immediately.
I want to get in touch with one of your presenters (ie charity request, photograph request etc)?
UKTV commissions or buys its own programmes but we don’t make our own which means we can’t forward on your requests directly to UKTV talent and unfortunately we don’t have direct access to pictures or autographs. The internet might be able to help you search for your favourite celebrities details.
Why do responses to questions reference a company called BSS?
Your feedback is very important to us, to be able to answer your queries quickly and efficiently, UKTV has employed a company called BSS to act on its behalf. If BSS is unable to answer a question, it will forward to UKTV to seek an appropriate response. All feedback is seen by UKTV.
Your Comments
- kathH8782 wrote on 20 Oct 2008 at 06:53 PM
Why have you taken all the good soaps and dramas off. Things like the two ronnies and dick emery might have been good in there day but not now. - Something to say? Add a comment...
- See all posts
