Foxtel to launch arts channel

Australian pay TV network Foxtel is will launch Foxtel Arts HD in March next year, replacing the Studio channel currently operated by pubcaster SBS.

Owned and operated by Foxtel, the new service will showcase opera, ballet, theatre, dance, cabaret and classical music, plus documentary specials and series on cinema, literature, music, visual art and artists.

Studio has aired on Foxtel’s platform since 2010 after replacing the Optus-owned channel Ovation. SBS will continue to air Studio-branded arts programming in blocks on its primary channel SBS One and on catch up service SBS on Demand.

Among the artists to be featured on Foxtel Arts HD will be Daniel Barenboim, Renee Fleming, Herbert Von Karajan, Anne Sophie Mutter and Andre Rieu.

In a statement, Foxtel said the channel would extend its “commitment to fostering and supporting Australia’s creative industries and arts organisations. As a vital part of Australia’s cultural life the channel will feature locally produced magazine shows and specials, festival news and information, in depth interviews and review.”

The new channel joins other Foxtel owned-and-operated channels including Fox8, showcase and The LifeStyle Channel.