A+E Networks gears up for UK H2 launch

A+E Networks is due to launch its H2 network, a complimentary brand to its History channel, in the UK on May 4. 

The network, which launched in the US in September 2011 and is available there in almost 70 million homes, will go live on the Sky and Virgin Media platforms in the UK – on channel 531 and 236 of their respective EPGs.

H2 will broadcast shows covering military, ancient and modern history as well as science and technology programmes and will air exclusive programming and original commissions.

Shows due to premiere on the channel include: Serial Killer Earth (10×60’), a show that examines news and home video footage of disasters to explain what happened and compare them to past natural disasters; and Ultimate Soldier Challenge (6×60’) a military competition show that pits three teams against each other.

From 11pm each Wednesday the network will also air a dedicated Military Zone block of programmes.

“H2 has been a huge success in the US where it has achieved fantastic ratings and I am delighted that we can now offer the channel to our audiences in the UK,” said A+E Networks UK managing director Tom Davidson.

“H2 allows us to expand on the quality content available on our flagship History channel by representing the very heart of the History brand as well as offering viewers more information, more facts and even more entertainment.”

A+E Networks’ managing director for EMEA, Dean Possenniskie, added that the firm expects to see the same success for the network in the UK as it has in the US – where it had double digit year-on-year growth in 2012.