Channel 4 plans to spend �485m on programming this year

The network said it planned to launch the documentary, news and current affairs digital channel in October.

It outlined its plans for the channel on Friday in its statement of programme policy for the next year.

Channel 4 said More4 would be "more accessible" than the BBC's arts and culture digital channel, with a "strong international flavour".

'Original documentary'

More4 will be a free-to-air channel available on digital terrestrial service Freeview.

Distribution deals with cable television and satellite networks are also planned for the channel, which will be aimed at the over-35s.

In its policy statement, Channel 4 said: "More down-to-earth and accessible than BBC Four, it will be a public remit channel that will give viewers top quality factual material on tap and extend the public service reach and impact of the core channel.

"More4 will add to the UK digital offering with substantial funding for original documentary or drama events, a daily half hour news programme from the Channel 4 News team and topical commissions.

"More4 will have clear public service ambitions and will commission original programmes across a number of genres."

Core areas

The new channel will also offer strong public service documentaries and features, it added.

Channel 4 also plans to commit �485m - its highest ever programme budget - to its main channel in 2005.

Strengthening its public service programming in core areas like news and current affairs and original drama was key, the policy said.