Freeview viewers in the UK should expect some big changes including channel closures, reshuffles, rebrands, and even a brand-new addition.
Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about the latest update.
Radio Station Reshuffle
The most significant change involves the radio stations on Freeview. Several commercial radio networks like Magic, Greatest Hits Radio, Kiss, and Absolute Radio have left the platform due to a decline in radio listening via traditional TVs (only 4% of digital consumption).
As a result, Freeview has reshuffled its local BBC radio stations. The specific channel number for each network will vary depending on your location. Here's a complete list for your reference:
BBC Local Radio Stations (New Channel Numbers):
- Berkshire, Bristol, CWR, Jersey, Kent, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Norfolk, Scotland, Ulster, Wales - 711
- Cymru - 712
- Devon, Foyle, H&W, Lancashire, R n Gaidheal, Nottingham, Suffolk, Sussex, Three Counties, York - 712
- Cornwall, Cumbria, Cymru 2, Guernsey, Humberside, Leicester, London, Shropshire, Wiltshire - 713
- Cambridge, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Oxford, Solent, Somerset, Surrey, Tees, WM - 714
- Solent Dorset - 715
- Stoke - 715
- Essex, Northampton, Sheffield, Gloucestershire - 716
- Derby - 717
To ensure you access your local BBC radio station with the new channel number, you might need to rescan your Freeview box.
New Freeview Channel: GINX TV
This July, a brand new channel arrives on Freeview - GINX TV. This streamed hybrid channel caters specifically to video games, claiming to be the "world's first and largest gaming TV network," according to The Sun. However, you'll need an internet connection on your TV to access it (channel number 296).
Channel Revamps: UKTV's Free Channels Get a Unified Brand
Some existing Freeview channels are undergoing a rebranding exercise. UKTV's free channels - Drama, Dave, W, and Yesterday - are all adopting a unified brand named "U." They will now be known as U&Drama, U&Dave, U&W, and U&Yesterday. The same applies to their +1 channels, but the content and channel numbers remain unchanged.
That's 60s Gets a Time Jump!
Finally, That's 60s and That's 60s MCR are undergoing a fun revamp. They're taking a leap forward in time by 20 years and will now be known as That's 80s and That's 80s MCR, offering content focused on the vibrant 1980s era.
With these changes, Freeview viewers can expect a slightly different experience with some new content and a revamped look for some familiar channels. Remember to rescan your box to ensure you have the latest radio channel information.
Last month, UK viewers were greeted with new free TV stations on Amazon Fire Stick and Roku. Some of the new live channels are Prisoner, Baywatch, and Let's Make a Deal.
