BBC Four to launch March 2

BBC Four will launch on March 2nd, the BBC have announced.

The channel will broadcast daily from 7pm on all digital platforms, with programming including:

• BBC Four News – George Alagiah presents the first primetime nightly news programme with a uniquely global perspective (more details here);
• a regular space every weeknight for intelligent talk and debate on the arts, culture, media, business, science and politics;
• a weekly books programme - the “readers’ roadshow??? - in which authors come face to face with their readers across the UK;
• a weekly topical profile on significant individuals from all walks of life;
• and unpredictable and experimental programmes that keep viewers in touch with the outside edge of culture and ideas

Roly Keating, controller of BBC Four, said: “BBC Four is outward-looking and global-minded. It’s for people who want more from television - more depth, more range, more stimulus for the mind. We want it to surprise, delight and challenge, but above all offer something satisfyingly different from the mainstream. It’s British television’s boldest new investment in cultural programming for a generation.???

The news comes days after the BBC announced February 11 as the launch date for its two children's channels, CBeebies and CBBC.