UKTV History to become Yesterday

UKTV History will be rebranded Yesterday early next year, it was confirmed today.

A rebrand of UKTV's factual channel portfolio was confirmed in August, with UKTV People and UKTV Documentary already scheduled to turn into Blighty and Eden respectively.

Yesterday will shift the emphasis of UKTV's history channel onto modern events, with series such as Seven Ages of Rock and The Alan Clark Diaries being sprinkled into the programming mix along with new acquisitions including International Terrorism.

"Yesterday sets out to redefine what a history channel can be about," said UKTV controller Matthew Littleford. "We promise to deliver a channel packed with shows that offer a more inclusive, accessible and entertaining approach to the past. This change adds to the excitement already created by our new brands Eden and Blighty and together our three new Factual channels will be a major draw for audience into the documentary section of the EPG."

Richard Kingsbury, currently the channel head of UKTV History and UKTV Food, will continue in the role to lead Yesterday through its relaunch.

Jane Mote, UKTV's director of factual, lifestyle and new media, said: "There has been an explosion of interest in personal history recently witnessed by the growth of genealogy and the popularity of nostalgia based programmes. Yesterday will be a place where viewers can indulge in the past without apology. The greatest stories, greatest music and greatest characters of the past are captured here in all their glory."