Foxtel is set to overhaul its entertainment TV channel line-up, the first in a decade, with the introduction of four new and exclusive Fox-branded channels, a wholesale repositioning and refresh of its Lifestyle franchise.
The channel changes across entertainment and lifestyle are a further step by Foxtel in refreshing its offering, following major updates to its on demand interface.
From 7 November, Foxtel customers will have access to new channels Fox One, Funny, Hits and Crime in addition to existing FOX-branded entertainment channels Showcase, FOX8 and Classics, together with its branded sports channels.
"These new FOX-branded TV channels allow us to take control of our entertainment programming based on bold channel personalities that keep things fresh and aligned to what our customers want from us," Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany says.
Delany added that the new channels will also deliver "great outcomes" for advertisers.
"They are exclusive to us and make it even easier for our customers to access our huge range of television, from the latest international and local drama series to the most popular crime and comedies.
“They add to our existing flagship FOX-branded channels and will be home to thousands of hours of the best live and on demand TV. There is no other collection of channel brands like it on Australian television or streaming platforms.”
- Fox One will be a new flagship channel, offering access to the latest premium US network and cable series including Ballers, Chicago Fire and Mayans M.C. and new season premieres including Prodigal Son, legal drama All Rise and the explosive War of the Worlds.
- Fox Funny will showcase the latest comedy including The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, The Office, 30 Rock and How I Met Your Mother.
- Hits is a new comedy channel that will show classic comedy favourites from the 80s and 90s such as Friends, Will and Grace, Frasier and Malcolm in the Middle.
- Crime is another new channel featuring best crime shows including NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI and Bones.
Foxtel Lifestyle Group shake-up
The Foxtel Lifestyle Group, which recently came under the control of Wendy Moore who joined Foxtel this year from Pacific Magazines, has undergone a brand revision which now also includes Foxtel’s Arena channel.
Delany says female audiences are incredibly important and the wholesale revision of the Lifestyle Group "doubles-down" on delivering more value through relevant programming for Australian women and their families.
From 25 September, Foxtel’s Lifestyle channels will see a brand revision and revitalisation to "align with the lives and aspirations of contemporary Australian women".
The refresh will be accompanied by the arrival of the new Foxtel Original series, Find Me a Beach House and the return of Lifestyle shows, Love It or List It Australia and The Great Australian Bake Off.
- Lifestyle bringing local and international experts into Australian homes including Selling Houses Australia, Grand Designs Australia, Love It or List It Australia and new series Find Me a Beach House starring Deborah Hutton.
- Lifestyle Food celebrating the variety and cultural beauty of food including The Great Australian Bake Off, Masterchef UK and Hell’s Kitchen.
- Lifestyle Home, the destination for 24/7 home and property entertainment including Love It or List It, A Place in The Sun and Coast v Country.
- Arena, the home of guilty pleasures, glamour and fame featuring The Real Housewives franchise, Project Runway and Vanderpump Rules.
“We know that seeing your own lives and dreams beam directly to your home is a powerful motivator. Our Lifestyle channels have built a strong emotional connection with women by inspiring them with what’s on-trend and what’s possible," Delany says.
“We know however that life is about the perfect mixture of sugar and spice. Part of viewer enjoyment and well-being involves indulging their guilty pleasures.
“This is where the repositioning and refresh of the Arena channel fits in as the home of risqué reality, glamour and salacious gossip and drama. This will see the channel air a fresh, new series of Australia’s Real Housewives of Melbourne in 2020.”
The channel changes follow yesterday’s announcement that the BBC’s new premium factual channel BBC Earth will launch on Foxtel on 10 October, as well as the rebranding of sales arm MCN to become Foxtel Media.
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