UKTV People

UKTV People launched on 8 March 2004 showing repeats of factual programming of a lighter nature, based on the people of the world with programmes such as Top Gear and the docusoap Airport. Much of this programming had come from the former channel UK Horizons, which had closed down the day before.

Blighty

UKTV People was rebranded as Blighty on 17th February 2009 along side Eden, developed by UKTV's marketing team in conjunction with Red Bee Media. Matthew Littleford, UKTV Controller explains, "Eden and Blighty will shake up and re-invigorate the factual section of the EPG with clearly defined channel brands that deliver very compelling promises to viewers. The re-brands will ensure UKTV becomes as well know for its factual content as it is for Dave and Watch and establish us as the factual market leaders in Pay TV. Blighty captures the spirit of contemporary Britain and all its nuances. This is a country where our national dish is chicken tikka massala, where graffiti sells for a small fortune and where an Essex couple get 50,000 visitors to a Hindu shrine in their spare bedroom.Jane Mote, Director of Factual, Lifestyle and New Media, adds, "We've created two destination brands that reflect the truly inspirational programming we have. Blighty captures the spirit of contemporary Britain and celebrates why we love to be on home turf. We have access to the best factual content about Britain and will be creating new shows as well that get under the skin of our quirky, diverse and constantly fascinating nation. Two new websites will offer viewers a chance to interact and map their own voyages of discovery online. The logo is a multi-coloured Union Jack. Red Bee Media stated "Drawing on the landscape, heritage, music and sense of humour of all things British, the idents, called Chutney, Rain, Tea and Seaside, are inspiring and eccentric visual mash-ups of live action and still shots. Each ident is a vibrant showcase involving dancing, synchronised movement and animation combined in a kaleidoscopic and fun world. Accompanied by music from Britpop to Opera, the four idents culminate with several helicopters flying in to lower a giant multi-coloured Union Jack flag as the backdrop.Blighty was the worse preforming channel on the UKTV protfole, as such the channel closed on 5th July 2013, replaced a few days later with Drama. (not to be confused with UKTV Drama) Investment in re-launching Blighty as Drama hit the UKTV bottom line, with earnings down 6pc to £67.4m in 2014.