Get ready for another Freeview reshuffle on March 28, as several channels are changing places, and three new channels will be added to the service.
Among the changes is the addition of UKTV’s “W” channel, which we told you about yesterday, along with two news channels, as well as channel coverage changes that will affect reception for some viewers.
As always, these changes mean some viewers will need to retune their Freeview devices, in order to keep the Electronic Programmes Guide up to date (though some devices do this retune automatically – see our recommended Freeview recorders here).
Earlier this year, we already saw a huge Freeview reshuffle that included more than 60 channels moving around – to make room for the returning linear version of BBC Three.
This time, however, the list of changes is minor – with the biggest change being “W” switching from premium to free-to-air.
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).
These are the changes that will take place on March 28, 2022 (usually around midday) –
New Freeview Channels
“W” – Channel 25: UKTV’s channel is dedicated to lifestyle, reality shows and entertainment, and is the home of MasterChef in the UK. Learn more about “W” here.
Asharq News – Channel 272: An international news service in Arabic, based in Saudi Arabia.
Al Arabiya – Channel 273: Another international Arabic news station, based in Dubai.
Freeview Channel Number Changes
Following the addition of “W”, several channels are changing places (and some changes are unrelated to “W”, but are still taking place on the same day) –
Dave Ja Vu – Moving from Channel 25 to Channel 74
Drama +1 – Moving from Channel 74 to Channel 60
ITV4+1 – Moving from Channel 60 to Channel 89
Wales Only Changes:
S4CHD and C4 HD are switching places. Therefore:
S4CHD will move from Channel 110 to Channel 104
C4 HD will move from Channel 104 to Channel 110
Freeview Channel Coverage Changes
The consequences of coverage changes are a little hard to predict – some people may lose a channel they were able to get before, or at least have to retune their device in order to keep watching it.
These are the three channels that will be affected by coverage changes on March 28:
Together TV – Channel 83
Drama+1 – Channel 60
Adult Xpanded TV – Channel 678
Once the coverage changes take place, you can use the Freeview Channel Checker to see whether you’re still supposed to be getting that channel around your postcode (though reception also depends on your specific house and aerial).
Freeview Channel Closure
Ideal Extra – Channel 94: This shopping channel is being removed from Freeview.
Retune Your Freeview Device
After the changes take place, you may need to manually retune your Freeview device, otherwise the channel numbers and names won’t be correct.
Some devices – but not all – do this retune automatically.
You can find more information on how to retune your device, on Freeview’s retuning help section.
How do I get All4 on freeview
why is it that my transmitter is saying signal is very good but freeview keeps breaking up on quite a few channels, i have to keep retuning and then not getting some channels then i retune again and some come back its all hit and miss at the moment has freeview got some problems ?
Why can’t Freeview get Eurosport if it’s supposed to be a ‘free’channel ?
why don’t leave Freeview alone if your going to get rid of channels for adults
Why can’t freeview get the film channels all next to each other,like they do on freesat?