New channel promises to bring the ‘largest safari vehicle in the world’ to the UK as millions of viewers will be given unprecedented, up close access to nature in real-time
Starting from today, WildEarth will bring the captivating wonders of the natural world to viewers across the country through Freeview channel 91, via its daily Sunrise and Sunset Safaris from Southern Africa.
WildEarth’s live and interactive shows aim to recreate the thrilling experience of being on a safari vehicle in remote African locations. The focus is on capturing serendipitous moments of unscripted magic, rather than relying on dramatic animal behaviour, to create an emotional connection between viewers and the natural world.
▶ How to watch
- WildEarth launches on Freeview channel 91 on Wednesday 21st June.
- Technical information for installers and advanced users: WildEarth will be broadcast via the SDN/COM4 Freeview multiplex.
Wild Earth is also available on streaming platforms including LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, Rakuten TV and Roku. Logged in viewers can watch and interact with the channel on its website.
What’s on WildEarth?
Programming highlights include SafariLIVE, offering twice-daily live safaris from various African wilderness reserves where you can observe the captivating daily lives, stories, and families of leopards, lions, hyenas, elephants, and rhinos.
Viewers can also immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of LIVE at the Waterhole, where animals gather at watering holes across Africa, revealing moments of intense drama and vulnerability as predators stealthily lurk in the bushes, poised to strike unsuspecting prey.
WildEarth says it also hopes the channel can serve as a “much-needed antidote to the stresses of modern-day life for British people”. It says that “in a world filled with fast-paced schedules, constant connectivity, and urban landscapes, the channel offers a respite—a chance to escape into the tranquil and awe-inspiring natural world, where viewers can momentarily detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the wonders of wildlife.”
Emily Wallington, Co-Founder of WildEarth, expressed her excitement about the partnership with Freeview, saying:
“WildEarth is all about connecting people to nature in a real and unscripted way – in effect we are the largest safari vehicle in the word. This helps viewers to understand nature for what it really is and to see why we need to conserve our beautiful habitats. This partnership with Freeview in the UK is a major step in achieving this as we reach British viewers who love nature and care about the planet.”
▶ Full overview of Wednesday’s Freeview channel changes
SDN Multiplex partnership
WildEarth has landed in the United Kingdom through Freeview on the SDN multiplex. Both SDN and WildEarth are very excited to bring a brand new broadcaster to the UK free-to-air ecosystem. Meanwhile, both companies have worked together to leverage the newest technologies in content gathering in remote locations and bringing them across the world into the UK’s Freeview homes, blending IP gathering and DTT delivery seamlessly.
David Coughtrie, Managing Director SDN & Director Pay TV Distribution at ITV, says:
“The launch of WildEarth on Freeview via SDN brings a whole new kind of broadcasting to viewers at a time when the message of conservation and nature has never been more important. It’s a unique way of using the power of live TV to allow viewers to experience the wonder of an African safari with two way interaction and I’m really excited to be bringing it into British homes.”
Marc Thornham