New on-air navigation system for UKTV

UKTV is to launch a new on-air navigation system to improve its cross-network marketing.

The "Navigation Compass", launching Monday (Apr 10), will place navigational 'tools' and messages via menus, continuity and clip-based In Programme Pointers (pictured).

The broadcaster estimates that it delivers around 170,000 marketing messages a month across its ten channel brands.

The new software, designed in conjunction with Red Bee Media, has been in development for six months. "With so many channels to choose from, maximising audience navigation and retention across our portfolio is going to play a greater role than ever before," said Tim Patterson, UKTV's head of scheduling and on-air planning. "We've invested a great deal in developing [this] navigational system to communicate better with our viewers."