Artsworld
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Artsworld | |
Launched | 2000 |
---|---|
Owned by | BSkyB |
Audience share | ~ 0% (August 2006, Source:[1]) |
Sister channel(s) | Artsworld HD |
Website | www.artsworld.com |
Availability | |
Satellite | |
Sky Digital | Channel 267 |
Sky HD | Channel 268 |
Artsworld is a British television channel offering 18 hours a day of programmes dedicated to highbrow arts, including theatrical performances, movies, documentaries and music (such as opera performances and classical and jazz sessions). The channel is available exclusively through Sky Digital, and started life as a premium service requiring an additional payment on top of the monthly Sky subscription. In its early days it was owned and managed by a private partnership including Sir Jeremy Isaacs. However, the channel suffered severe financial difficulty. In July 2002 it even staged its own farewell party, only to find emergency funding that very evening. In 2003, with a skeleton staff, it was facing closure. At this point, Sky stepped in, taking an initial 50% stake. Sky subsequently bought out the remaining shareholders (including Isaacs) and in 2005 took full control, reducing the staff further, and dropping the channel's premium subscription fee shortly afterwards.