E4 plans to go FTA by year's end

Channel 4 is planning to take its digital entertainment channel E4 free-to-air by the end of 2005, the broadcaster confirmed yesterday.

Such a move would open up the channel - currently only available as part of a pay TV package - to millions more viewers via Freeview and Freesat, but also to those with only basic packages on Sky, NTL and Telewest.

C4 confirmed that the FTA plans were part of a "longer term" strategy but sources told the Guardian today that they would likely come to fruition before 2006.

As well as extended coverage of its reality shows such as Big Brother, E4 also airs first runs of Desperate Housewives, The O.C. and Shameless as well as some original series like Fool Around.

Meanwhile, the broadcaster is still on course to launch another digital station, More4, later this spring.