Freeview shutdown leaves your TV without hours of content - seven channels gone

08 April 2024 , 06:19

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Freeview BBC channel update (Image: FREEVIEW • GETTY)

If you've suddenly noticed there are fewer channels on your Freeview TV you are not alone. Seven services have just been shut for good leaving users of this free-to-use platform with a little less content. The changes are all due to radio stations closing which means those who tuned in will now need to listen via their smart speaker, phones or tablets.

Channels now missing from Freeview include Greatest Hits Radio, Hits Radio, Kerrang! Radio, KISS Fresh, KISSTORY and Magic Radio - Absolute Radio will also be closing its doors on Freeview but not until May 10th.

It’s unclear why the stations have been removed although it's thought that listening to the radio via Freeview isn’t as popular as on other devices and it's simply not worth the investment for the owners of the channels.

It's not just Freeview missing out with the stations also shutting on Sky and Virgin - a change that took place late last year.

There’s no word on what will replace these missing channels on the Freeview planner or if they will remain vacant - watch this space and we'll update you if we hear more.

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All that's bad news for those who love watching TV for free, a better update is on the horizon.

New streaming service Freely is expected to go live soon. In fact, we're expecting it to launch before the summer. It's being created by the same team behind Freeview and Freesat but it will have one big difference.

That's because everything beamed to the big screen will be streamed via the web rather than an aerial or satellite dish. It's a bit like Sky's new Stream service and will offer both live and on-demand TV.

Some TV manufacturers have already committed to including Freely in their latest screens which means there will be no need for a separate set-top box.

Speaking about the news, Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer, Joint Chief Product Officers, Everyone TV said: “It’s clear the way people are watching TV is changing, with more audiences switching over to a broadband-only connection.

"We’ve built Freely around the needs of British audiences, bringing them the freedom to choose how they want to watch, with all their favourite shows from the UK’s leading broadcasters all in one place for free. We’re really proud of what we’re launching with Freely and are excited about bringing major enhancements like the MiniGuide to viewers as Freely launches in Q2 this year.”

Dave Snelling