News story

Forces TV

A new television channel all about the armed forces has been launched.

• From: Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, and The Rt Hon Lord Cameron
• Published: 10 June 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Forces TV studios

The factual channel, Forces TV, focuses on the work of the armed forces and the world of defence. From today, 10 June, you will be able to watch news, live events, features and documentaries about every aspect of the armed forces including operations, equipment, training, welfare, sport, charity fundraising and forces family life.

You can tune into Forces TV at the following channels:

• Sky 299
• Virgin 244
• Freesat 652

The channel’s primary target audience is the UK forces community, which is estimated at more than 12 million individuals comprising serving personnel, their families and friends, reservists, cadets, veterans and their dependants, and those who work alongside the forces and raise money for their charities.

Produced by the Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC), the independent charity that runs the British Forces Broadcasting Service for UK military personnel and their families, the channel will also be supported by Sky and the BBC through the provision of their content.

Forces TV is now on the air [Picture: Services Sound and Vision Corporation]

SSVC Chief Executive Nick Pollard said:

The new channel will bring the UK viewer a 24-hour-a-day picture of everything the forces are doing, with great access behind the scenes, allowing the public to see an unprecedented picture of the military world. It’ll be full of unique insights and essential viewing for everyone who wants to understand what the armed forces are doing.

Forces TV will be broadcast round the clock from SSVC’s studios at Chalfont in Buckinghamshire. Early programmes include a documentary series featuring 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, an exclusive production of the play ‘The Two Worlds of Charlie F’ about soldiers injured in battle, and a special series that goes behind the scenes at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Welcoming the new channel, Prime Minister David Cameron said:

As more of our troops come home, it is vital that we do not lose touch with the amazing contribution that our armed forces have made and continue to make. We cannot forget them; we have to always remember the sacrifices they make.

I am sure Forces TV will provide that vital link between the public and our servicemen and women and I wish it the very best for every success.

Forces TV is supported by a new content-rich website www.forces.tv and a major social media presence.

Published 10 June 2014