In addition to the previously announced arrival of factual channel GREAT! real, Freeview’s latest monthly update includes a number of surprise extra changes.
- Three new channels arrive on Freeview, including two previously unannounced additions
- Tiny Pop continues as a streaming service only
- Some services move to new channel numbers.
Freeview completed its latest monthly channel update on Wednesday lunchtime, introducing a number of expected and unexpected changes.
Real-life factual entertainment channel GREAT! real went live on Freeview channel 61 as previously announced by its owner Narrative Entertainment. However, the new channel has gone live on a reduced coverage Freeview slot, meaning some homes won’t see the new channel.
A number of other surprise changes and launches means most viewers will need to retune their TV to keep their Freeview channel list up-to-date. Some more recent Freeview TV models will automatically update the channel list.
A full overview of the changes are listed below.
What else has changed on Freeview?
In the March 2024 Freeview channel update, Tiny Pop (channel 207), a channel for younger children, has ceased as a regular broadcast channel. This was a planned change as part of a migration to online-only broadcasting. It also affected viewers using Sky and Virgin Media. However, Freeview users can continue to stream Tiny Pop content via a compatible connected device.
Shop On TV (channel 89) is a new teleshopping channel that has been assigned channel 89 ahead of a full launch. It started as an overnight window on ITV1 at the end of November 2023. It is preparing to become available during the day in the next few weeks. The channel is understood to be also getting ready to launch on satellite.
Meanwhile, Filmstream (channel 269) is a new streaming service offering a specially curated selection of independent world cinema gems and classic movies. You’ll need a compatible Freeview device (e.g. a Freeview Play TV) connected to the internet to access the service.
As a result of the changes, some channels have changed to new channel numbers. These are listed in the overview below:
▶ Freeview channel update: 20th March 2024
Channel changes also affect EE TV users who use their receiver in ‘aerial mode’.
| Old | New | Channel Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | 61 | GREAT! real | (new) Only in areas served by a local TV service on channel 7/8. |
| 89 | Shop On TV | (new) | |
| 92 | 90 | Together TV+1 | Via terrestrial broadcast 0500-0800; streaming at other times. |
| 92 | That’s TV UK MCR | A duplicate of the existing That’s TV UK service (only in Manchester) | |
| 89 | 93 | ITV4+1 | Placeholder for ITV4+1 |
| 206 | 205 | Pop | Only in areas served by a local TV service on channel 7/8. |
| 208 | 206 | Pop Max | Only in areas served by a local TV service on channel 7/8. |
| 212 | 208 | Pop Player | Streaming service |
| 269 | Filmstream | (new) Streaming service |
❌ No retune required if…
- …you receive Freeview from a minor relay in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man. None of the above channels are carried on minor relays.
- …you live in the Channel Islands.
▶ Freeview channel list
England and Wales ● Scotland ● Northern Ireland ● Channel Islands
Freeview retuning help
There’s guidance on how to retune your TV on Freeview’s website.
Marc Thornham
[Image: composite, Freeview logo – DTV Services Ltd]