Red Bee to playout PBS UK

Red Bee Media has signed a multi-year deal to provide broadcast services for the new PBS channel that will launch in the UK on November 1.

PBS UK is currently in the process of securing a position on the Sky EPG in the entertainment section, and talks are ongoing with cable operator Virgin Media. Red Bee Media will provide media management, playout and continuity services for the channel. It will also provide EPG listings services and write and produce programme information for the Sky platform, including series linking throughout the schedule.

The channel, a joint venture between Canadian-born oil entrepreneur David Lyons, the chairman and CEO of Orca Exploration Group, and PBS Distribution, will be managed by Richard Kingsbury, previously the head of thematic channel provider UKTV’s Good Food and Yesterday channels.