Discovery History to launch next month

Discovery Networks UK has confirmed plans to launch the Discovery History channel next month on Sky and Virgin Media.

The channel, described as the "UK's only channel dedicated to factual history", will become available on November 7. It will replace Discovery Knowledge, a factual channel that aired a mix of history, archaeological and engineering programmes.

Discovery History will introduce a "broad range "of programmes from expert and amateur contributors on important periods of history, from the ancient civilisations to the Second World War. It will be available at Sky channel 522 and Virgin Media channel 217.

To promote the channel, Discovery Networks will launch an on and off-air marketing campaign focused on some of the key Discovery History presenters, including World War Two enthusiast Harry Harris.

"The launch of Discovery History gives history lovers a destination channel that is the only place in the UK to find factual history 24 hours a day," said Simon Downing, Discovery Networks UK vice president of marketing communications.

"We have a strong lineup of compelling story tellers launching on the channel and we will be showcasing this talent in a marketing campaign that shows the strength of the new channel to viewers."

Speculation is mounting that Discovery Networks will soon launch Discovery 3D after the broadcaster secured a UK broadcast licence for the channel in August.