'Channel 6' may wait until 2005

The Telegraph reports that broadcaster BSkyB is gearing up to unveil a new "Sky One Mix" channel sometime over the next few months, featuring new programmes as well as repeats of the parent channel's most popular shows, such as the hit US show The Simpsons.

The channel will reportedly only be available to Sky Digital customers. The news comes following the move of Dawn Airey from Channel 5 to the position of Managing Director of Sky Networks. Airey has a proven track record with entertainment television, having overseen a period of growth at the newly-rebranded 'Five'; and it is thus unsurprising that BSkyB is now looking to improve its programming and channel bouquet.

Sky is thought to be making plans to turn its Sky Travel channel on the new digital terrestrial television service, Freeview, into a "Channel 6" - a mainstream entertainment channel to rival the existing broadcast networks - although the Telegraph reports that such plans are aimed to the medium-term, estimating 2005 before a "Channel 6" proposition could go to air.