Broadcasters and platform operators suspend all non-urgent changes to their services to ensure there’s no undue disruption during the national mourning period.
It means channel launches, changes and closures are kept to the bare minimum and work on networks is held back. All major broadcasters are taking steps to ensure maximum resilience across their distribution platforms. So far, the only issue reported was a temporary blip in iPlayer performance on the night the Queen’s death was announced.
On the digital terrestrial TV (Freeview) and radio transmitter network, all planned engineering work has been suspended for a period of two weeks from 9th September in order to protect the broadcasting network. With transmitter work on-hold, the cause of any Freeview reception problems will most likely be due to issues with the receiver, cables or the aerial.
Broadcasters and platform operators will also hold back from making any major announcements about new services or other changes, so as not to overshadow current events.
Changes to TV schedules
- BBC One will run an amended schedule through to and including next Monday, 19th September, the date of the Queen’s funeral. This means BBC Two will continue to pick up many of the displaced shows from BBC One. The BBC is directing viewers to its schedule pages for updates. BBC Three and BBC Four are largely unaffected by the changes.
- ITV and STV continue to run special programmes and extended news bulletins. They are carrying special coverage both today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday) until 8pm. Coronation Street returns tonight (Monday) at 8:00pm. Emmerdale is back tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8:05pm. Schedules for later in the week are yet to be finalised. ITV and STV will clear schedules on the day of the funeral.
- Channel 4 will provide extra news bulletins, when merited. It has opted to ensure viewers have an alternative offer and has confirmed this week’s launch of The Great British Bake-off continues as normal. Ad breaks have been reinstated.
- Channel 5’s schedule has generally returned to normal, with occasional special programmes scheduled in the coming days.
- Sky Showcase will join Sky News each night at 9pm for a special programme recapping the main events of the day.
- Freesat has joined Freeview in reminding viewers they will update their Electronic Programme Guides as soon as they have information from the broadcasters.