Blaze Unveiled
A comprehensive exploration of the UK & Ireland's distinctive free-to-air entertainment channel, from its terrestrial broadcast to its expanding digital presence.
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Blaze: An Overview
Channel Identity
Blaze is a British English language free-to-air television channel, operating as a joint venture between A&E Networks and Sky Group. It serves audiences in both the United Kingdom and Ireland, providing accessible entertainment without subscription fees. The channel broadcasts in a 576i (16:9 SDTV) picture format, ensuring broad compatibility across various television sets. Additionally, it offers a timeshift service, Blaze +1, which re-broadcasts the main channel's programming one hour later, enhancing viewer flexibility.
Strategic Naming
A notable aspect of Blaze's branding strategy is its unique name, which deviates from A&E Networks' typical practice of naming channels after their U.S. counterparts. This decision was a deliberate effort to avoid potential confusion within the UK, where the abbreviation "A&E" is widely understood to refer to an "Accident and Emergency unit" in hospitals. By choosing "Blaze," the network aimed to establish a distinct and appropriate identity for its entertainment offerings in the British and Irish markets.
Core Mission
The establishment of Blaze was fundamentally driven by A&E Networks UK's objective to fully utilize its extensive programming library across its entire "lifecycle." This means the channel acts as a dedicated platform to broadcast and re-broadcast A&E content, ensuring maximum exposure and reach for its diverse range of shows to a free-to-air audience. This strategy allows for comprehensive content distribution and audience engagement within the specified territories.
Evolution & Reach
Launch & Expansion
Blaze made its debut on September 20, 2016, marking its entry into the television landscape of the UK and Ireland. Its initial success paved the way for international expansion, with A+E Networks Italy launching a localized version of Blaze on Sky Italy on March 22, 2017. Further extending its global footprint, AMC Networks International, in collaboration with A&E Networks, introduced a Blaze channel in Spain and Portugal on April 18, 2018, as a replacement for the existing A&E channel in those regions.
International Adjustments
Despite early international ventures, the Blaze brand experienced strategic realignments in certain markets. The Spanish and Portuguese iteration of Blaze concluded its operations on April 19, 2022, subsequently being replaced by AMC Break. Similarly, the Italian version of the channel ceased broadcasting on August 1, 2023. These closures reflect evolving market conditions and strategic decisions by the respective network operators to optimize their content portfolios and distribution strategies.
Leadership Milestones
The strategic direction and growth of Blaze have been influenced by key leadership appointments. In April 2017, Elena Anniballi was appointed as the director of Blaze, playing a crucial role in shaping the channel's early content and operational framework. Building on this foundation, A&E Networks further strengthened its leadership team in February 2019 by appointing Dan Korn as the head of Blaze, entrusting him with the mandate to oversee and expand the free-to-air brand's market presence and programming initiatives.
Content Spectrum
A&E's Premier Offerings
Blaze's programming philosophy is centered on curating a "best of" selection from A&E Networks' extensive content library. From its launch in 2016, the channel featured popular series such as the highly engaging *Pawn Stars*, the adventurous *Mountain Men*, and the restoration-focused *American Restoration*. This core offering was further enhanced from April 2019, when Blaze began airing exclusive A&E programming, including continued runs of fan favorites like *Pawn Stars*, *Storage Wars*, and *Counting Cars*, solidifying its position as a destination for factual entertainment.
Original & Acquired Productions
Beyond imported reruns, Blaze has invested in original content, commissioning its first original program, *Flipping Bangers*, in 2017. This series, which premiered on April 6, 2018, as part of the channel's "Car Night" programming block, successfully ran for two seasons. The channel also strategically leverages content from its sister network, Sky History, featuring acclaimed series such as *Britain's Greatest Obsessions* (with presenters like Harry Hill, Chris Packham, and Suggs) and *Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies*. Additionally, Blaze acquires programming from other prominent British broadcasters, including Channel 4's *Britain's Most Historic Towns* and Channel 5's *Secrets of Great British Castles*. Further original productions include *Spiky Goldhunters* and the seventh season of *Outback Truckers*, showcasing a diverse and dynamic content portfolio.
Digital Horizon
On-Demand & FAST Channels
Extending its reach beyond traditional linear broadcasting, Blaze offers a robust digital presence through its official website and dedicated applications. These platforms provide viewers with convenient on-demand access to programming previously screened on the linear channel. Furthermore, the Blaze digital ecosystem incorporates five Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels, which are operated by Hearst Networks. These FAST channels are strategically distributed across various third-party TV and streaming platforms, including prominent services like Samsung TV Plus, Rakuten TV, and Virgin Media, significantly amplifying Blaze's digital footprint and accessibility to a wider audience.
The FAST Channel Portfolio
The five Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels curated by Hearst Networks, accessible via the Blaze website, apps, and partner platforms, offer specialized content streams designed to cater to diverse interests. This targeted approach allows viewers to delve deeper into specific genres, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Access & Distribution
Terrestrial Broadcast
In the United Kingdom, Blaze is widely accessible as a free-to-air channel on the Freeview platform, occupying channel 64. For viewers who prefer to watch content at a slightly later time, its timeshift counterpart, Blaze +1, is available on Freeview channel 92. This dual offering ensures that a broad audience can easily access Blaze's programming through standard digital terrestrial television services.
EPG Strategy
A strategic maneuver by A&E Networks UK involved the acquisition of The Community Channel's broadcast license, known as TCC. This move was designed to secure a more advantageous position for Blaze higher up on the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), thereby increasing its visibility and discoverability for viewers. Concurrently, The Community Channel was subsequently repositioned under its new identity, Together TV, lower on the EPG. TCC and Blaze+1 functioned as part-time services, broadcasting selected Blaze shows for several hours each night after the main channel's primary broadcast concluded.
Recent EPG Changes
The landscape of digital terrestrial television continues to evolve. In May 2024, Thatโs Media acquired the TCC Broadcasting license and its associated EPG slot from A+E Networks UK. This acquisition facilitated the launch of a new channel, Thatโs Memories, in the acquired slot. This development underscores the dynamic nature of channel allocation and strategic shifts within the broadcasting industry, impacting how channels are positioned and accessed by viewers.
Channel Leadership
Key Appointments
The strategic direction and operational success of Blaze have been significantly shaped by the expertise of its leadership team. Elena Anniballi was appointed as the director of Blaze in April 2017, playing a foundational role in the channel's initial development, content curation, and market positioning. Further reinforcing its executive structure, A&E Networks brought in Dan Korn as the head of Blaze in February 2019. His mandate included overseeing the free-to-air brand's strategic expansion, enhancing its programming initiatives, and strengthening its overall presence in the competitive British and Irish television markets.
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References
References
- 'FAST channels', Hearst Networks EMEA
- 'A&E Networks EMEA boosts its FAST offering in the UK', Hearst Networks EMEA, 2024-03-20
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