Subscription channel NHK World Premium lands on Freeview

Japanese subscription channel NHK World Premium has become available via connected Freeview devices in the UK.

Global Distribution Services and Synapse TV have launched what they describe as the first subscription TV channel on the terrestrial platform through  connected TV devices.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK-owned NHK World Premium is an addition to the broadcaster’s free-to-air English TV channel, NHK World-Japan, which has been available on Freeview channel 286 since September 20.

The premium channel offers a curated selection of premium content, including documentaries, news and current affairs, lifestyle programmes, entertainment shows, and more in the Japanese language for a subscription monthly fee.

“We are delighted to see NHK’s expansion into the subscription-based market with the introduction of NHK World Premium. NHK has consistently delivered exceptional content, and this new subscription service takes it a step further by providing viewers with even more tailored and premium programming. The launch of NHK World Premium on Freeview UK, the first of its kind, demonstrates their commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional programming to its dedicated viewers,” said Tanya Kronfli, managing director at Global Distribution Services.

“We are thrilled to launch of NHK World-Japan and NHK World Premium subscription service on UK Freeview. As the technology provider we are proud to support World-Japan/NHK World Premium in their mission to provide the diverse range of high-quality programming targeting the entire Freeview audience for maximum reach,” said Chris Wass, director of Synapse TV.

“JIB is excited to have NHK’s flagship international Japanese language channel, NHK World Premium, on the Freeview platform. Almost anyone with an internet connection within UK will be able to access and enjoy various contents of NHK World Premium and/or NHK World-Japan,” said Jun Takao, President and CEO of Japan International Broadcasting Inc, the channel’s exclusive international distributor.