UKTV to launch Blighty, Eden

UKTV has confirmed that its People and Documentary channels will be the first in its factual lineup to be rebranded.

As with its entertainment channels, which morphed from UKTV Gold and UKTV Drama into Watch, G.O.L.D. and Alibi, People and Documentary will become Blighty and Eden respectively in early 2009.

"Eden and Blighty will shake up and re-invigorate the factual section of the EPG with clearly defined channel brands that deliver very compelling promises to viewers," said UKTV controller Matthew Littleford. "The re-brands will ensure UKTV becomes as well known for its factual content as it is for Dave and Watch and establish us as the factual market leaders in pay TV.

"Blighty captures the spirit of contemporary Britain and all its nuances. This is a country where our national dish is chicken tikka massala, where graffiti sells for a small fortune and where an Essex couple get 50,000 visitors to a Hindu shrine in their spare bedroom."

The name Eden was chosen because it "gives viewers the opportunity to gorge on breathtaking programmes that celebrate the sheer magnitude and wonder of our world," added Jane Mote, UKTV's director of factual, lifestyle and new media.