UNet

UNet is a British television network operated by Kabushiki Gaisha ABS in conjunction with a number of affiliated regional television stations.

History
UNet was announced on June 27, 2017 as the 6th main terrestrial television network in the United Kingdom, and the second network in the country to follow a system of regionalised operation and branding.

Franchise bidding took place during a period spanning July 3-7, 2017. The network's launch was subsequently promoted in a large-scale campaign with TV spots on other channels, billboards, and print advertising. On July 8, UNet announced its intention to launch in the Republic of Ireland.

The lead-up to the launch was notable in that it saw a number of ITV affiliates announcing their intention to convert to UNet. In addition, on July 24, Sir Peter Bazalgette, the chief executive officer of ITV plc, announced that he was resigning from his post in order to work for UNet. He was appointed as one of the network's executives later that day.

A realignment of channel numbers on all platforms occurred on June 25, to provide UNet with its channel slots. On June 26, the network launched on channels 6 (Freeview), 106 (Sky, Freeview HD, Diginet, Freesat) and 116 (Freesat HD).

Affiliates
UNet follows a regional structure, with franchised local television stations representing the network in designated areas, in a similar fashion to the ITV network.

The following stations are officially classified as UNet affiliates.

News
UNet runs its flagship news bulletin, UNet Newscene, every day from 6:00-6:30pm, covering national and international events. UNet claims that Newscene is an outlet for stories that go unreported by the mainstream UK news media, as well as a neutral and unbiased source of information regarding British current affairs.

Unlike ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, all three of which are reliant on the resources of ITN for their bulletins, UNet draws its information from Sky News (for UK news), the Al Jazeera Media Network (for international news), and UNet's own affiliates (for local news).

Programming
UNet's general lineup is mainly comprised of acquired international programming. Some ABS-produced television series are also on their schedule.

UNet has rights to show live coverage of 10 Formula 1 races per season. The other races are shown by Channel 4. UNet also has rights to Ivanlandian Football League games.