A new agreement between UKTV and satellite operator SES will ensure that some of the most popular TV channels will remain available on satellite until the end of the decade.

In an announcement made by both companies, it means that Freesat and Sky viewers across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will continue to enjoy some of their favourite TV programming as SES and UKTV agreed to extend their Astra 2 satellite capacity agreement at 28.2 degrees East through the end of the decade.

In addition to the renewed transponder for UKTV’s bouquet of channels, the agreement will give UKTV the flexibility to add additional capacity to expand to more channels in the future.

UKTV is a subsidiary of BBC Studios, itself a commercial subsidiary of the BBC, and currently offers free-to-air channels Dave, Drama, W and Yesterday on Freesat and Sky. High Definition (HD) versions of these channels, and pay TV channels Alibi, Eden and Gold on are available via Sky.

Andrew Kemp, Head of Operations at UKTV noted:

“We have relied on SES for distribution of our video content for many years and we are pleased to extend our agreement with additional services. As we continue to strengthen and invest in our linear business, it is key for us to ensure we have a reliable, high-quality satellite distribution across the UK and Ireland.”

Norbert Hölzle, Global Head of Media at SES added:

“From comedy and entertainment to drama and history, UKTV continues to be a driving force for developing creative and compelling TV content that is innovatively packaged in their iconic channels. This multi-year extension with added services underscores the continued importance of our 28.2 degrees East orbital position, and the on-going strategic value satellite brings to broadcasters as they look to distribute their high-quality content to the broadest audience possible.”