PBS America launches FTA on Freesat

PBS America is joining Freesat from the end of this month, giving the platform’s users access to its line-up of documentaries and current affairs programming.

From the end of October PBS America will start as a free-to-air service and join the Freest EPG. Until now, the channel was encrypted on the Sky platform. It will be available on a UK spot-bem on the Astra position at 28.2 degrees East.

Its arrival on the platform is being celebrated with the premiere of the Oscar-nominated Last Days in Vietnam on Sunday November 1, at 8pm UK time.

Paul Gilshan, director of marketing and communications at Freesat, said: “With over 200 channels on offer to our viewers, we’re always pleased to bring a wide range of compelling programming to the UK free-to-air market and, with PBS America now joining Freesat, the line-up just got even better giving viewers the opportunity to watch award-winning factual programming, totally subscription-free.”

Showing programmes from America’s Public Broadcasting Service, the channel first launched in the UK on November 1, 2011 and already available to Sky and Virgin Media homes.