The first major Freeview channels shakeup of the year is coming next week, on February 1, as 10 channels are about to switch places, and one channel is set to shut down.
As always, this means some viewers will need to retune their Freeview boxes, in order to keep the Electronic Programmes Guide up to date (though some devices do this retune automatically – see our recommended Freeview recorders here).
Last year was saw quite a few Freeview channel changes – and now we’re getting the first major reshuffle of 2021.
Freeview, which was established back in 2002, is the United Kingdom’s terrestrial television platform. It provides free-to-air TV channels and radio stations (via a Freeview aerial – see the ones we recommend), including more than 80 standard and HD channels (See our full Freeview guide here).
Note that some of these upcoming changes will only take place in Manchester, while the rest will be country-wide.
The upcoming channel changes, which will take place on Monday, February 1, are:
NOW 70s (Manchester Only)
The ’70s hit songs channel, is moving from Channel 78 to Channel 75.
Now 80s (UK-Wide)
The 24/7 ’80s party channel, with non-stop hits from the decade, is moving from Channel 83 to Channel 76.
Now 90s (Manchester Only)
The 24/7 music channel the features classic pop from the ’90s, is moving from Channel 84 to Channel 78.
Clubland (Manchester Only)
Another music channel, this one focuses on club and dance. It is moving from Channel 82 to Channel 79.
Together TV (UK-Wide)
A “feel-good” channel dedicated to inspiring people to better their lives and communities. It is moving from Channel 87 to Channel 82.
Together+1, the channel’s 1-hour catch-up version, is moving from Channel 88 to Channel 83.
PBS America (UK-Wide)
The local version of the popular American Public Broadcasting Service channel, which showcases documentaries, nature and history programmes. It is moving from Channel 91 to Channel 84.
PBS America+1, the 1-hour catch-up version, is moving from Channel 93 to Channel 87.
Country Music Entertainment (Manchester Only)
A channel dedicated to country music from around the world. It is moving from Channel 98 to Channel 88.
Here’s the full table of the Freeview Channel Number changes:
| Name | Current No. | New No. |
|---|---|---|
| Now 70s | 78 | 75 |
| Now 80s | 83 | 76 |
| Now 90s | 84 | 78 |
| Clubland TV | 82 | 79 |
| Together TV | 87 | 82 |
| Together TV +1 | 88 | 83 |
| PBS America | 91 | 84 |
| PBS America +1 | 93 | 87 |
| Country Music | 98 | 88 |
CCX TV Channel Closing
As we reported earlier this week, another change that’s coming on February 1, is the closure of the short-lived CCX TV channel (Channel 73), which aired new episodes of The Bold And The Beautiful. Read more about the CCX TV closure here.
Retune Your Freeview Device
After the changes take place (usually at mid-day, on February 1), you will need to retune your Freeview device, otherwise the channel numbers won’t be correct.
Some devices do a retune automatically, but others might require a manual retune.
You can find more information on how to retune your device, on Freeview’s retuning help section.
