Ideal World has made its return to TV under new owner TJC, which has bought the brand, Freeview channel number and website.
- The new incarnation of Ideal World launched at 6am this morning.
- TJC saved the Freeview channel number at the last minute.
- Ideal World takes over TJC’s former slot on 5USA.
The self-proclaimed home of big brands is back on TV after a dramatic takeover by rival TJC last week.
Ideal World’s administrators sold the rights to use the Ideal World brand, website and Freeview channel to TJC. TJC also bought the channel’s studio equipment. During the summer, TJC also signed up former presenters including Peter Simons and Sally Jacks, who led viewers through the first hours of the ‘new’ Ideal World.
The new owners managed to save Ideal World’s Freeview channel slot at the last minute, by broadcasting a loop containing details of the channel’s return prior to the launch. A 12 week grace period for the channel’s Freeview slot had been due to expire this week with the new owners needing to start broadcasting something in order to avoid the loss of the channel.
- Ideal World will be available on Freeview channel 51 between 7am and midnight daily.
Satellite
It was already too late to save Ideal World’s satellite slot, where TJC have taken the decision to replace TJC Beauty with the new Ideal World.
- Viewers can watch on Sky Satellite 668, or Freesat channel 810.
But Virgin Media viewers won’t be able to tune in to the channel on a full time basis. Ideal World had already surrendered its cable slot before falling into administration. However, TJC will use its former 5USA teleshopping slot to reach more viewers.
Ideal World is available between 6am and 9am on 5USA and an hour later on 5USA+1.
While TJC has handed over its morning 5USA to Ideal World, TJC still has a teleshopping window on GREAT! Movies.
A live stream of the channel is available via the idealworld.tv website.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Ideal World’s administrators are expected to dissolve the remaining elements of the business not sold to TJC.