Get ready for a fresh TV experience as Freeview undergoes a major shake-up this week. More than 15 channels are changing, one is bidding farewell, and nature lovers are in for a treat with the addition of a new channel dedicated to live nature experiences.
The changes are set to start rolling out today, June 21, on Freeview, and as always, some viewers will need to retune their devices.
Among the changes is the move of BBC Three HD – which is switching from Freeview Channel 109 to Channel 107, and 5Select which is sliding down from Channel 56 to Channel 46 (see the full list below).
Without a retune, your Electronic Programmes Guide won’t be up to date – the new channels might not show up, and some of the existing channels won’t appear in their correct new slots (however some devices do this retune automatically – see our recommended Freeview recorders here).
Freeview updates are now pushed out near the end of each month – but not all are as major as this one. Back in January, we saw the launch of several new Freeview channels, numbering changes – and the closure of the once-popular Smithsonian Channel, and in March, quite a few channels changed places.
Freeview, established in 2002, is a prominent terrestrial television service in the UK. It offers access to an array of free-to-air TV channels and radio stations through a Freeview aerial (check out our recommendations).
The selection includes over 80 channels in both standard and high definition. Freeview is accessible on any compatible TV or via a Freeview set-top box.
To stream Freeview through a broadband connection, you will require a subscription-based device such as Sky Stream or Virgin Media Stream. However, be aware that not all Freeview channels are available on these broadband-based platforms.
See our full Freeview guide here.
New Freeview Channels
One new major channel is being added to the service this week:
WildEarth Channel
WildEarth is a TV channel dedicated to nature enthusiasts. It operates 24/7, immersing viewers in remote wilderness settings.
The channel is known for its live broadcasts, where viewers can interact with experts and experience the unpredictable wonders of nature.
One of WildEarth’s prime shows is SafariLIVE. It takes viewers on sunrise and sunset safaris in South Africa with expert naturalists.
The show features majestic creatures like lions and elephants, delves into their histories, and encourages viewer interaction through live Q&A sessions.
Additionally, WildEarth offers Escape To Nature, a tranquil live broadcast from various African locations. Just Nature combines natural sights and sounds with calming music. Wild Watch presents breathtaking wildlife footage set to music with on-screen facts.
Together, these shows make WildEarth an ideal escape into the natural world.
WildEarth is now available on Freeview Channel 91.
Freeview’s updates page also mentions the launch of ASHARQ News (Channel 274) and AL ARABIYA (Channel 275). However, these channels were already available on Freeview, under different channel numbers.
That’s TV is also mentioned as a new launch, but we’re told that’s just a technical change in some areas (as the channel already exists on Freeview).
Freeview Channels Changing Numbers
This month brings with it a major reshuffle with quite a few channels changing places – including a few popular ones.
BBC Three HD is one of the channels trading places – and it’s also worth mentioning that on some newer internet-connect Freeview devices (mostly Smart TVs from the past couple of years), the BBC’s HD channels – including BBC Three are now available on lower numbers (so BBC Three HD is on Channel 23, on those devices).
Here’s the full list of changes:
Channel 5+1 is moving from Freeview Channel 46 to Freeview Channel 38.
5 Select is moving from Freeview Channel 56 to Freeview Channel 46.
Together TV+1 is moving from Freeview Channel 92 to Freeview Channel 90.
BBC Three HD is moving from Freeview Channel 109 to Freeview Channel 107.
Vision TV is moving from Freeview Channel 264 to Freeview Channel 261.
Arise News is moving from Freeview Channel 269 to Freeview Channel 262.
FailArmy is moving from Freeview Channel 274 to Freeview Channel 264.
Pet Collective is moving from Freeview Channel 278 to Freeview Channel 266.
Al Jazeera English is moving from Freeview Channel 285 to Freeview Channel 267.
Al Jazeera Arabic is moving from Freeview Channel 286 to Freeview Channel 268.
WION News is moving from Freeview Channel 287 to Freeview Channel 269.
Real Crime is moving from Freeview Channel 288 to Freeview Channel 270.
Adult Xpanded TV is moving from Freeview Channel 678 to Freeview Channel 675.
Freeview Channel Changes
Together TV (Freeview Channel 83), the channel dedicated to “inspiring people to better their lives and communities” is changing its broadcast hours on Freeview again.
Starting June 21, the over-the-air version will only broadcast on Freeview between 5am-7am, and between 7am-8am on TogetherTV+1 on Freeview Channel 90.
On internet-connected Freeview devices, the channel will continue to air 24/7.
Freeview Name Changes
Three Freeview channels are changing their names:
QVC Beauty (Freeview Channel 37) is becoming QVC2.
That’s TV Manchester (Freeview Channel 7) will be known simply as That’s TV.
That’s TV Scotland (Freeview Channel 8) will be called That’s TV.
Freeview Channel Shutdown
One channel is leaving the platform this month – QVC Style (Freeview Channel 38).
As its name suggests, QVC Style used to focus on fashion – from clothes, to handbags, to jewellery. Some of its products will likely find their way to the other QVC channels on Freeview.
Retune Your Freeview Device
Whenever Freeview changes take place, some people need to retune their Freeview devices – otherwise, channel numbers and names won’t be correct, and new channels won’t show up.
Some devices do this retune automatically, while others may require a manual retune for this month’s changes to update correctly.
You can find more information on how to retune your device, on Freeview’s retuning help section.
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WHAT ABOUT Great TV coming on to Freeview/Freeview Play on Channel 50?.Why is there no mention of this exciting channel now being available on Freeview/Freeview Play?
please can i point out that older panasonic tv’s still cannot get itv x on them but the newer ones can get itv x.