Freesat has adjusted its channel list to cater for the launch of the last remaining ITV HD channels, plus the closure of Bauer Media’s UK radio stations on satellite.
- ITV1 HD now available on Freesat channel 103 in all ITV regions.
- ITVBe HD has made its debut, replacing the SD channel.
- Three radio stations removed.
Viewers in the Scottish Borders and Channel Islands can now receive their local version of ITV1 on Freesat channel 103 for the first time.
But for a limited period of time, the old standard definition version of ITV1 continues on channel 111, allowing viewers time to adjust any series links. The SD copies will be removed in January, when they and other ITV services in SD are discontinued.
Meanwhile, ITVBe has switched from SD to HD resolution on channel 119.
The channel update was issued at approximately 14:00 GMT to Freesat boxes and TVs.
Radio removals
Absolute, Absolute 80s and Planet Rock have been removed from the Freesat radio line-up ahead of their outright removal from satellite this week.
Owner Bauer Media has decided to discontinue broadcasting its radio stations on both satellite and cable platforms from this month, focussing instead on online delivery, via apps and the website, plus DAB.
Unlike Sky, Bauer only offered three radio stations on Freesat. A wider collection of Bauer stations including Greatest Hits Radio will be removed from Sky on Wednesday.
▶ Overview: Freesat changes 12th December 2023
| Old | New | Channel | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | 111 | ITV1 SD (Border Scotland and Channel Islands). | Only until January. |
| 103 | ITV1 HD (Border Scotland and Channel Islands). | Full complement of ITV1 HD regions now on Freesat. | |
| 119 | ITVBe SD. | Removed from HD boxes. | |
| 119 | ITVBe HD | NEW | |
| 724 | Absolute Radio | Deleted | |
| 726 | Absolute 80s | Deleted | |
| 730 | Planet Rock | Deleted |
Older Humax boxes may not update their channel list until the early hours of Wednesday morning.
ITV/STV/UTV satellite manual tuning frequencies
Marc Thornham