The European feed of the BBC News channel is moving to a new frequency on the Hot Bird satellite system, which is used by millions of homes across Europe, Middle East and North Africa.
- Affected viewers need to manually retune their satellite receivers to continue receiving the channel via Hot Bird at 13°E
- Hot Bird signal also used by various platform operators to relay the signal on cable and IPTV networks.
After nearly two decades, the standard definition BBC News (ex-BBC World News) signal on Eutelsat’s Hot Bird satellite system is changing frequency. The move affects many viewers and networks carrying BBC News outside of the UK and Ireland.
Since 29th February, channel distribution partner Globecast has been dual-illuminating the European feed of BBC News, with viewers needing to make changes to continue receiving the channel going forward. Numerous cable and IPTV providers in Europe use the Hot Bird 13°E feed to relay the channel on to their networks.
The move is part of a clearance of the transponder that’s previously housed BBC News/BBC World News, with the BBC channel the last service remaining.
The Hot Bird feed of BBC News in standard definition (SD) is one of the few free-to-air satellite feeds of the channel. Beyond Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa, the channel’s satellite feeds are encrypted.
Whereas the BBC News feed at 13°E is SD only, a free-to-air HD feed is obtainable on Astra 19.2. Both satellites carry the European feed. This feed contains localised programme trails, advertising and Europe-only weather forecasts.
BBC News (Hot Bird): New Tuning Details
Satellite: Eutelsat Hot Bird 13°E
Frequency 11034
Polarisation vertical
Symbol Rate 27500
FEC 3/4
Mode DVB-S QPSK
Service ID 17130
▶ MORE: BBC News and BBC World Service satellite frequencies
Marc Thornham
[Image: BBC News logo stock]