What will new BBC3 channel show

A.� BBC3 has been described as 'Radio 1 for television', with one-minute news bulletins interspersed with short-form programmes on youth culture, news and sport. Proposed programmes include This Life, the Amy Jenkins hit show�that�propelled Daniela Nardini to fame, and comedies such as The League of Gentlemen and music shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Johnny Vaughan, former Big Breakfast presenter, has been hired to front a chat show.

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Q.� Has the channel definitely got the green light

A.� The youth channel and an upmarket BBC4 for culture and arts programmes has been in the pipeline for some time. Tessa Jowell, the Culture Secretary, is expected to tell the Edinbugh International Television Festival later this month that the BBC can expand its services, providing BBC1 and BBC2 programmes aren't affected, The corporation has also been told that its services must not overlap with what the commercial broadcasters are offering.

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Q.� What will BBC4 offer

A.� This will be a mix of heavyweight drama and arts programmes aimed at high-brow viewers. The BBC has already sent out provisional programme listings to magazines for the new channels, which will be available to subscribers� of digital television services. There are also plans afoot for Children 1, a pre-school children's channel featuring programmes such as Teletubbies and Postman Pat, and Children 2, for pre-teens, with Blue Peter-style programmes. The BBC is rebranding other digital channels - BBC Choice and BBC Knowledge.

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Q.� What will happen to ITV

A.� ITV will amend its name after nearly half a century. The network, which was launched in 1955, will become known as ITV1 later this year to reflect its place in the expanding channel service. The digital channel ITV2 is already familiar to many viewers and the launch of ITV1 will allow it to fall into place with the BBC and Sky. OnNet, an internet-on TV service, will be ITv Active , a dedicated sports channel.

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By Katharine MacColl