Specialist channels in the genres of horror and romance are to launch on Sky Digital this August, according to Media Week.

Tony Hazell, a former director of God TV, is spearheading the launch of the 24-hour stations through his independent transmission company NTX.

The Romance Channel will be aimed mainly at women, whilst The Horror Channel will feature horror films and programmes. Programming for both channels will on the whole be acquired, although a small amount of material will be original. "Any in-house production will be mainly biographies and specials," said Hazell.

NTX is currently in discussions with Carlton's Digital Media Sales about handling advertising for the channels.