Gold | |
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The current logo, in use since June 2014
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Launched | 1 November 1992 |
Owned by |
1992–1997: BBC Thames Television 1997–2011: BBC Worldwide Virgin Media 2011–present: BBC Worldwide Scripps Networks Interactive |
Picture format | 16:9, 576i (SDTV) |
Audience share | 0.42% 0.05% (+1) (February 2017 , BARB) |
Formerly called | UK Gold (1992–2004) UKTV Gold (2004–2008) G.O.L.D. (2008–2012) |
Sister channel(s) |
Alibi Dave Drama Eden Good Food Home Really W Yesterday |
Timeshift service | Gold +1 |
Website | gold.uktv.co.uk |
Availability
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Satellite | |
Sky | Channel 110 Channel 166 (+1) |
Cable | |
Virgin Media (UK) | Channel 124 Channel 190 (+1) |
Virgin Media Ireland | Channel 120 Channel 153 (+1) |
WightFibre | Channel 112/113 |
IPTV | |
TalkTalk TV | Channel 310 |
BT | Channel 310 |
Plusnet | Channel 310 |
Streaming media | |
TVPlayer | Watch live (UK only) (TVPlayer Plus subscription required) |
Sky Go |
Watch live (UK and Ireland only) |
Virgin TV Anywhere | Watch live (UK only) |
Now TV | Watch live (UK only) |
Gold (stylised as GOLD) is a classic comedy channel from the UKTV network, broadcasting to the United Kingdom and Ireland. It launched on 1 November 1992 as UK Gold, before, in 2008, it was split into current flagship channel Gold and miscellaneous channel, Watch, with comedy based programming now airing on Gold, non-crime drama and entertainment programming airing on Watch, and quiz shows and more high-brow comedy airing on Dave. The channel is currently available as subscription-only on Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk TV, BT TV, and TVPlayer (When subscribed to TVPlayer Plus). It shows repeats of classic programming from the BBC and other broadcasters. The channel's main rival is the ITV plc owned ITV3, which mainly airs the archive ITV programmes, and has a higher audience share than Gold. Another rival is More4 which also has a higher audience share than Gold. This is because they are free-to-air channels whereas Gold is a pay TV channel.
The channel launched on 1 November 1992 as a joint venture between the BBC, through commercial arm BBC Enterprises, and outgoing ITV London weekday franchisee Thames Television. The channel, named "UK Gold", was to show repeats of the 'classic' archive programming from the two broadcasters. The rights to the BBC programmes previously were held by the BSB entertainment channel Galaxy, prior to the merger with Sky Television plc to form BSkyB in November 1990. The channel was initially broadcast on an analogue transponder from an SES satellite at 19.2°E which was less well suited for UK reception. As a result, the channel used to be notorious for being marred with interference, known as 'sparklies', in large parts of the UK. Another initial drawback was the cutting of programming down to fit commercial time slots, and the intensive use of commercial breaks. Reception improved however with the channel added to BSkyB's basic subscription package in 1993, and the launch of the channel on cable services.