NBS Three

NBS Three is a youth-centric television channel operated by the Nashlandian Broadcasting Service, founded in 1972 on an entirely UHF network of transmitters. It targets the viewers between the ages of 16 and 34 and is known for giving "a voice for new talents".

Unlike its commercial competitors, 90% of NBS Three's schedule is from Nashland, the rest is imported. In 2015, it lost one of its prime imports, Family Guy, to ITN U.

History

NBS Three came into existence as part of a discussion over UHF transmissions: in 1964, when NBS Two launched, the lack of VHF transmissions had led the NBS and ITN to invest in UHF transmitters for a broader coverage. The NBS and the ITA agreed in 1966 that they would launch new services on the UHF band. NBS would launch a completely new service that would initially act as a "dumping ground" for old equipment but would still broadcast in color, whereas the ITA submitted by creating a commercial channel with public remits.

Four TSN managed to go on air first in 1969, but the NBS was finding solutions for the launch of its third channel. Parliament gave consent to NBS Three and it eventually launched on February 14, 1972, at 7pm, and its launch night ran until 10:30.

NBS Three's purpose wasn't initially clear, for a start, investing on a third national government-funded channel was something that was considered to be "out of practice", and, in order to save costs, NBS Three would often end transmission earlier than the two other channels. The channel, during its early years, was known for creating the concept of "themed nights" - in fact, its launch night was dedicated to Valentine's Day. In 1973, NBS Three made its most famous themed night of its time - One Night in 2000 - featuring futuristic equivalents (by 1973 standards) of Tomorrow's World, dedicated to life in the year 2000 (as per speculations of the time), Panorama and a special news bulletin.