Viewers will need to take action on both the 29th AND the 30th June 2022 to continue receiving all available Freeview channels in their area.
The changes are taking place in preparation for the closure of the seventh national Freeview multiplex (COM7) at the end of June. At the same time, some broadcasters are making changes to the services they offer on Freeview.
What’s changing on 29th June and 30th?
FreeSports and Forces TV are leaving. Four HD channels will close.
Here is a list of all the changes. Use the search box or sort function to look for a specific channel.
| DATE OF CHANGE | CHANNEL NUMBER | CHANNEL NAME | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29/06/22 | 31 | 4Music | Closing. |
| 29/06/22 | 31 | E4 Extra | Launch. |
| 30/06/22 | 41 | Horror | Closing. |
| 30/06/22 | 41 | Legend | Launch. |
| 30/06/22 | 65 | FreeSports | Leaving Freeview. |
| 30/06/22 | 68 | CBS Drama > Reality Xtra | Renaming. Moves to local multiplex. |
| 30/06/22 | 69 | CBS Justice | Closing.* |
| 29/06/22 | 71 | Quest Red+1 | Moving multiplexes. Increased coverage |
| 30/06/22 | 77 | NOW 80s | Moving multiplexes. Manchester coverage only. |
| 29/06/22 | 83 | Together TV | Moving multiplexes. Increased coverage. |
| 30/06/22 | 86 | More4+1 | Leaving Freeview |
| 30/06/22 | 87 | PBS America+1 | Closing. Watch main channel on 84. |
| 30/06/22 | 91 to 65 | That's TV | Moving multiplexes on 29/06 - Increased coverage. Then channel number change on 30/06 |
| 30/06/22 | 92 to 91 | That's Music > Classic Hits | Moving multiplexes, changing channel number, and increased coverage. |
| 29/06/22 | 95 | Craft Extra | Will be removed. (Closed back in February) |
| 30/06/22 | 96 | Forces TV | Closing.* |
| 29/06/22 | 106 | BBC FOUR HD | Moving multiplexes. Increased coverage. |
| 30/06/22 | 107 | BBC NEWS HD | Closing. Still in SD on ch. 231 |
| 30/06/22 | 111 | QVC HD | Closing. Still in SD on ch. 16. |
| 30/06/22 | 112 | QVC Beauty HD | Closing. Still in SD on ch. 37 |
| 30/06/22 | 112 | QUEST HD | Closing. Still in SD on ch. 12. |
| 29/06/22 | 205 | CBeebies HD | Moving multiplexes. Increased coverage. |
NOTES: *Channel closing on all TV platforms, not just Freeview.
What time on Freeview retune day do the changes take place?
Technical changes will happen at around lunchtime on both Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th. After this point, viewers should retune.
I can’t receive the full set of Freeview channels. Do I need to retune?
If you have a Freeview HD / Freeview Play receiver, you should retune. BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD will be available from all transmitters following the change.
What is Legend, and is it just a replacement for Horror?
Legend is AMC Networks UK’s new sci-fi, horror and fantasy channel. On Freeview, it’s taking over from Horror. But on other TV platforms, it’s taking over from CBS Justice. As a result, our database records it as a ‘launch’ rather than a rename.
Will I gain any new channels?
For some viewers, the Freeview channel changes actually mean more channels. BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD will, for example, have wider UK coverage.
Other channel launches replace existing channels. For example, E4 Extra will directly replace 4Music on Freeview.
And classic music video fans will be pleased with the confirmation that TV channel That’s Music will be re-launching as Classic Hits, with wider UK coverage.
Why are some channels closing?
Limited capacity and changes to the way we watch TV:
- The closure of COM7 means there’s less space to broadcast Freeview channels over the terrestrial airwaves. This is especially true of HD channels, which take up more bandwidth.
- Additionally, as more viewers stream programmes, broadcasters are reviewing their channel portfolios.
- On-demand services mean fewer rely on +1 channels to catch-up on programmes.
- Some broadcasters are making changes due to wider industry changes.
Is retuning support available?
Freeview offers a range of help and support, including guides on how to retune your TV on its website. It has also posted a number of how-to videos for each major TV manufacturer.
Updated 24/06/2022 08:53