Turner UK launching time-shifted TCM

Turner Broadcasting System is today launching a time-shifted version of pay channel TCM in the UK.

TCM + 1 will be a 24-hour time shifted channel and will replace an existing eight-hour programming block on TCM2, which ran from 8pm – 4pm.

TCM, which has expanded beyond classic movies and currently broadcasts shows such as A&E’s Longmire (pictured) and AMC’s Hell on Wheels, has experienced a strong year, with ratings 52% year-on-year, and has doubled its viewership over the past three years.

Jaime Ondarza, Turner’s senior VP, UK, France and Italy, said: “TCM has experienced a huge surge in popularity in the UK and there is a demand for further access to its popular mix of classic and contemporary cinematic content. TCM + 1 responds to this, giving viewers more opportunity to watch TCM content 24 hours a day. This is important for our audiences who value the time shift service and the certainty of knowing what they can watch and when.”

Both BSkyB and Virgin Media will carry the new channel.