aaamusic | On 01, Sep 2010

FREESAT, the free-to-air satellite television service, is delighted to announce the launch of Vintage TV: a ground-breaking new channel dedicated exclusively to the music, culture and fashions of the five vintage decades from 1940 to 1989.

Vintage TV brings viewers a blast from the past with a cutting edge.  Its eclectic mix of music, classic and original programming and must-watch shows includes Me and Mrs Jones, a new take on the talk-show format fronted by veteran rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones.  The channel also offers unique access to some incredible archive footage licensed from the BBC and Getty Images, to bring the ‘Golden Age’ back to life.  This archive footage and imagery will be incorporated into 500 brand-new music videos for songs which were recorded prior to the arrival of the video era. An impressive line-up of famous faces will front the channel, led by legendary broadcaster and music expert Paul Gambaccini.  He is joined by David ‘Kid’ Jensen, YES keyboardist Rick Wakeman and Eighties pop singer Kim Wilde, as well as by Tony Blackburn and David Hamilton.

Mark Briggs, Freesat’s Head of Channels, said:

“We are really excited to be launching Vintage TV on Freesat. This brand new channel reaches out to the ever-growing over-fifties audience. With the current renaissance in classic trends and styles of the past, Vintage TV’s eclectic mix of music, timeless television shows and iconic presenters is sure to be a big hit with Freesat viewers. Vintage TV is another great addition to our broad and burgeoning selection of over 140 channels and yet again increases the range of quality and choice available to Freesat customers”.

In the run-up to its launch, Vintage TV has also conducted a public vote to select the first song to be played on the channel, with proceeds donated to music charity Nordoff Robbins. Tune in to Freesat channel 515 at 6pm on 1^st September to hear the winning track.

David Pick, former EMI executive and founder of Vintage TV said:
“We are thrilled to be bringing our programming to Freesat’s loyal viewers and feel confident that our channel will soon prove to be the Number One destination for those seeking all things vintage.  Our content has been created using the latest tapeless technology.  There is consequently a wonderful back-to-the-future quality and feel to our programming which gives it a fresh, contemporary style.  The music we celebrate, from the fifty-year so-called ‘Golden Age’, was never intended to be here-today, gone-tomorrow entertainment.  Such music was crafted by some of the most legendary artists in history, and was made to last.  Their recordings have stood the test of time because people all over the world still want to listen to them.  They also set the impressively high standards for music being created today.  Thanks to Vintage TV, viewers will now be able to enjoy all the visual memories too.  We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial association with Freesat.”

Vintage TV will be added automatically to customers’ Freesat service via their TVs or digital boxes. Viewers need do nothing but sit back, relax and enjoy this exciting new addition to their channel line-up.

Vintage TV will be available on Freesat channel 515 from 1^st September.