Channel 5 owners Viacom have confirmed plans to launch a new channel in the UK.
The broadcaster bought out Channel 5 for £450m last year, and have now confirmed that a new channel will launch on Freeview later this year, taking over VIVA’s slot.
The channel is a hit in the USA, currently reaching 100 million households.
Speaking of the new channel, Viacom’s Chief Executive, Philippe Dauman said: “Spike is one of our best performing networks and brands and I’m delighted audiences outside the US are going to be able to access and enjoy it for the first time. This launch has been made possible by our recent acquisition of Channel 5, which gives us ownership of a pipeline of quality factual content.
“Combined with Spike’s US content and targeted acquisitions it represents a powerful programme line-up that we are very confident will prove popular with British TV viewers.
“We believe this launch will establish a strong foundation for Spike launches in other countries.”