Freesat adds 5 USA, 5* and timeshift channels

Freesat has announced that five more channels from Richard Desmond's Channel 5 have launched on its subscription-free satellite platform.

The channel launches include Channel 5+1, the one-hour timeshift of the main Channel 5 network that will start broadcasting today on Freesat, Freeview and pay-TV service Sky.

Freesat has also welcomed a range of other Channel 5 digital channels that it previously did not offer, including 5 USA and 5*, along with their respective +1 networks.

Dedicated to all-things American, 5 USA offers programming such as comedy, sport, classic American action movies and popular dramas, including CSI New York, Numbers and Law and Order.

Previously branded Fiver, 5* broadcasts a range of soaps, films, entertainment and drama, including Alphas, Malcolm In The Middle and Sex and the City.

Freesat managing director Emma Scott said: "We know that Channel 5's wide range of digital channels are hugely popular and adding them to the Freesat platform is a fantastic development for us and our customers.

"These additions further strengthen our entertainment genre as we continue to bring greater subscription-free choice to audiences right across the UK."

Channel 5 director of programmes Jeff Ford added: "We are extremely proud of where Channel 5 currently sits in terms of viewers, commercial opportunities and the spread of its content across a variety of platforms.

"Our exciting portfolio of channels has huge appeal with audiences and the addition of Channel 5 + 1, 5* + 1 and 5 USA + 1 on DTT and satellite will no doubt be welcomed by viewers wanting another means to keep up with their favourite shows."

Channel 5+1 will be available on channel 128 on Freesat, while Five USA comes to channel 129 and +1 on 130; and 5* heads to 131 and +1 on 132.

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