Updated | A+E Networks has confirmed the arrival of two new free channels, rolling out on Virgin Media O2 and streaming platforms.
- Deal Masters channel to feature shows including Dickinson’s Real Deal and Hardcore Pawn
- History Hunters to feature shows fronted by Tony Robinson, Professor Alice Roberts, Al Murray and Ross Kemp
- Channels rolling out on Samsung TV Plus, Rakuten TV, Amazon Freevee and Virgin Media O2.
A+E Networks EMEA has announced the UK launch of two new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels to its offering.
Firstly, Deal Masters is the ultimate destination for audiences looking for tips on making extra cash. It follows wheeler dealers who use their knowledge and haggling prowess to turn a tidy profit, with shows including Flipping Bangers, Hardcore Pawn, The Liquidator and Dickinson’s Real Deal.
Additionally, History Hunters assembles a crew of some of Britain’s finest historians and beloved celebrities, including Tony Robinson, Professor Alice Roberts, Al Murray and Ross Kemp, to delve into history in exciting ways. Shows at launch include River Hunters, Digging for Britain, Shipwreck Treasure Hunter, Al Murray: Why Does Everyone Hate the English? and Walking Through History.
A+E Networks EMEA already operates a number of traditional broadcast channels in the UK, notably its free-to-air channel Blaze. It also operates the Inside Crime, Mystery TV and World War TV ad-supported streaming channels on various platforms.
Where to watch
Ahead of the rollout of the two channels, A+E Networks has secured distribution on some of the UK’s biggest streaming channel platforms.
Deal Masters and History Hunters will be carried on:
- Amazon Freevee
- Rakuten TV
- Samsung TV Plus
- Virgin Media O2 (not Tivo)
At the time of publication, History Hunters had already landed on Rakuten TV, but had yet to appear elsewhere. Meanwhile, sister channel Deal Masters was yet to commence rollout on any platform.
The channels are available in HD quality, subject to broadband internet connection speeds.
On Virgin Media O2’s TV platform
On Virgin Media O2’s TV platform, viewers will be able to access the two channels (once live) within Virgin Media’s streaming channel range (220-270). They’ll appear alongside A+E Network’s existing streaming channels Inside Crime and Mystery TV.
Virgin Media hasn’t yet confirmed when the services will be added. They’ll become available at no extra cost to existing Virgin Media cable TV and Stream customers. However, they (and all other streaming channels) are unavailable on Tivo boxes.
Corporate comment
Julie Mitchelmore, VP of Digital at A+E Networks EMEA, commented:
“A+E Networks EMEA’s partnerships with leading platforms offer a powerful opportunity to distribute our premium content to new and existing audiences. Thanks to the hard work of a team of passionate experts, our new FAST channels will complement our existing channels: Inside Crime, Mystery TV and World War TV.”
Marc Thornham
[Image: History Hunters channel screengrab]
Updated: 13:57