NHK World HD to launch on Freesat

Freesat has today announced that news channel NHK World will launch in high definition on the subscription-free satellite platform in May.

When it launches, NHK World HD will become the first news channel available in HD on Freesat, offering an international perspective on world news and affairs from the Japanese broadcaster.

NHK World, which is already available in standard definition on Freesat, has built a growing reputation as a trusted news source, particularly during the tragic tsunami and earthquake disasters in Japan.

Alongside breaking news updates, the channel also offers a range of programming covering music, art, cookery, travel, business and science.

NHK World HD will become the fifth HD channel available on Freesat, alongside BBC One HD, the BBC HD Channel, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD.

"This is good news for news viewers and opinion formers across the UK," said Emma Scott, Freesat managing director.

"NHK World HD is a high-quality world news channel and we're delighted to be able to offer this to Freesat viewers, along with our other HD channels, free of charge.

"The channel further strengthens our diverse news genre, which boasts ten channels including BBC News, Euronews, CNN, Al Jazeera English, France 24, Russia Today, CNBC and Bloomberg TV."

Makoto Harada, head of international broadcasting at NHK, added: "First of all, we would like to convey our great appreciation to those broadcasters who have co-operated with NHK to convey the hugely tragic news in Japan.

"I feel proud that our channel, NHK World has been able to contribute to the world coverage. It is also our great honour that we will soon be able to show our HD channel to viewers in the United Kingdom on Freesat."

NHK World will remain available at channel 209 in Freesat SD homes, while HD viewers will get access to NHK World HD on the same channel number.

ITV Player, ITV's catch-up service, is also expected to launch on Freesat imminently, after being first announced way back in 2009.