THE TV executive who launched God TV has swapped heaven for hell to spearhead Britain's first Horror Channel.
The idea for a satellite channel devoted to horror came to managing director Tony Hazell as he watched the Sci-Fi Channel on Sky.
He decided to press ahead with the idea when the plug was pulled on God TV, the Christian channel that broadcast from Gateshead and Darlington.
The Horror Channel launches on Sky from May 1. It will be free to view and will offer a diet of classic and modern movies broadcast from 6pm to 6am.
Transmission to ntl cable viewers is scheduled to start before Christmas.
Mr Hazell, an industry veteran with 30 years experience, described horror as the last great untapped genre not to have its own dedicated TV channel.
"Britain has a terrific horror heritage," said the former Thames TV man, who lives in South Church, near Bishop Auckland.
The Horror Channel, which plans to broadcast from Gateshead, has already signed the rights to about 30 movies in the Hammer back catalogue and negotiations are continuing for more.
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