Arte revises schedules for 2008

Franco-German cultural channel Arte is reorganizing its primetime schedules for 2008. Starting January 7th, the channel has decided to extend its documentary slot and have it start 25 minutes earlier from 8.15pm to 9.00pm.

Consequently, primetime programming will start at 9.00pm, which Arte head of programming, Christoph Hauser, said fits better with young adults’ lives.

Primetime, which also include movies, will focus on adventure docs on Saturdays and history on Wednesdays. Fridays will be devoted to dramas. Cultural programming is still prominent, with specific events like 14x1hrs US-produced World War II series The War from PBS, while late-night programming will start to skew younger.

From 10.30pm slots will open to new exclusive series and musical formats. Friday musical magazine Tracks will thus be repositioned and One Shot Not, hosted by musician Manu Katché will be aired on the last Saturday of each month.

In terms of ratings, Arte, claims a slight improvement in 2007 ratings. From January to October it generated a 3.4% share.