Viacom is to launch male-skewing
US channel Spike TV, home to shows such as Bar Rescue, on Freeview.
The
broadcaster, which acquired Channel 5 for £450m in May, will replace
entertainment channel Viva with Spike TV in the first quarter of 2015, although
its channel slot is yet to be decided. Viva will continue to air on pay-TV
platforms Sky and Virgin Media.
Spike TV will carry a raft of US factual
formats including Eyeworks USA-produced Bar Rescue, which currently
airs on 5*, as well as repeats of Channel 5 factual series such as Cowboy
Builders and Police Interceptors.
The channel will be overseen by C5
which has kicked off a hunt for a channel manager to report to director of
programmes Ben Frow.
Viacom is also hoping to secure distribution on
Virgin Media and Freesat for Spike TV and plans to use the UK launch as a
stepping stone to further international launches.
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