BBC Three Officially Returning To Linear Broadcast TV In February 2022

14

BBC Three has officially been given the green light to return on linear broadcast tv in February 2022.

The news landed today that Ofcom published their decision to approve the channel’s return to tv broadcast, six years after it was moved to being an online-only brand as part of BBC iPlayer. The channel will launch in early February 2022 and will be available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin and Freesat with EPG numbers to be confirmed at a later date.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Ofcom have now confirmed that BBC Three will be returning to TV screens next year,” commented Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three. “This is a big moment, with the new channel providing a destination for young audiences to discover more content on the BBC. We will work hand in hand with iPlayer to provide a broad offering that is representative of the whole of the UK and we will continue to back new talent and bold ideas. This approach will bring the audience a distinctive mix of programmes that are there to entertain, inspire and challenge thinking, at a pivotal and exciting time to be young in the UK.”

As part of this announcement, BBC and Pact (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) have agreed on a new Terms of Trade deal for television productions made by independent producers. For BBC Three commissions, the BBC will have a 2-year window on iPlayer plus unlimited transmissions on the BBC Three broadcast channel during the first 18 months. The BBC also has a further 18 transmission days on BBC Three for the remaining 3.5 years of the licence included within the initial programme payment to independent producers.

“This new deal is great news for both the BBC and independent producers, and we are really pleased to have concluded this in good time for launch,” adds BBC’s Commercial, Rights & Business Affairs Director, Jo Korn. “It provides the channel with the flexibility to ensure its programmes deliver real value to audiences however they wish to view the content, as well as recognition of success for producers.”

The BBC say that the new terms coupled are a positive outcome for all parties as it will provide more value to audiences, ensures a clear framework for producers and provides the BBC with the flexibility to have programmes available to watch on both BBC Three and iPlayer. They are also promising that BBC Three will deliver greater public value to all audiences by further increasing the diversity and creativity of the output, aiming for two-thirds of the expanded programme spend to be outside of London, providing more opportunity for a wider range of suppliers from across the whole of the UK.

“Our members are pleased to see the return of the linear channel and the opportunities this will bring for producers to showcase the brilliant creativity of the UK independent production sector,” said Pact’s Director of Business Affairs, Max Rumney. “It is a great example of Pact and the BBC working together to deliver a positive result for everyone.”

The free-to-air channel originally launched back in February 2003 targeting viewers between 16 and 34 years old. However, in 2016, the decision was made to move it to an online-only service, integrated with BBC iPlayer. The brand has actually thrived on there, bringing shows such as ‘Killing Eve’, ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Normal People’, along with a string of highly respected documentaries and home-grown content.

BBC Three will return on Freeview, Sky, Virgin and Freesat in February 2022.