Freeview, the UK's digital terrestrial television service, regularly updates its channel lineup and technical configurations. These changes can affect viewers' access to specific channels, requiring retuning of televisions or set-top boxes to continue receiving services. The provided source material documents a series of channel updates, multiplex changes, and service alterations occurring between 2019 and 2021, as well as more recent changes from 2025. This article will detail these historical and recent updates, focusing on the factual information available from the source documents.
The source material consists of two primary documents. The first, from rxtvinfo.com, provides an archive of Freeview channel updates from 2019 to the end of 2021, with the most recent changes listed first. The second document, also from rxtvinfo.com, covers updates from 2025. The information is presented in a list format, detailing changes by date, channel number, channel name, and the multiplex or technical platform involved. It is important to note that the source material does not contain any information related to free samples, promotional offers, no-cost product trials, brand freebies, or mail-in sample programmes across categories such as beauty, baby care, pet products, health, food, and household goods. Therefore, this article will be limited to discussing the Freeview channel changes documented in the provided sources.
Freeview Updates from 2019 to 2021
The first source document provides a chronological list of Freeview channel updates, starting from the most recent in December 2021 and moving backwards to earlier changes in 2019. The updates include channel additions, removals, renames, and changes in multiplex allocation, which can affect channel availability and require viewers to retune their equipment.
Late 2021 Updates
In December 2021, several changes were noted, primarily affecting seasonal channels and adult content services. On 31st December 2021, the channel known as That’s TV Xmas on channel 7/8 in various local areas (such as Blackpool & Preston, Cambridge, Carlisle, Grimsby, Guildford, Manchester, Norwich, Oxford, Salisbury, Scarborough, Solent, Swansea, Thames Valley, York, and Scotland) was scheduled to become That’s TV, though it had not yet been relabelled. This channel was on the Local multiplex. Similarly, channel 91, That’s TV Xmas UK, was set to become That’s TV Gold on the COM7 multiplex but had not been relabelled at the time of the update.
On 28th December 2021, channel 76, NOW XMAS, was to become NOW 80s on the COM7 multiplex, though it had not yet been relabelled. In the Manchester area only, channel 78, NOW 80s, was to become NOW 90s on the G_MAN multiplex, but this change also had not been relabelled.
Further changes on 15th December 2021 included the addition of OD365TV to channel 97 on the G_MAN multiplex in Manchester only. Concurrently, Manchester TV on channel 99 was removed as the service had closed and was no longer available. In the adult content category, Adult Studio 66 on channel 679 was removed from the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) following the cessation of its broadcasts on 30th November 2021. This channel was on the COM6/ArqB multiplex. Additionally, Adult Xpanded 2 on channel 680 was removed from the EPG on the COM4/SDN multiplex (not available in Wales). The source notes that this service had previously promoted streaming on compatible devices since earlier in the month.
On 30th November 2021, it was confirmed that Adult Studio 66 on channel 679 (COM6/ArqB) had ceased broadcasts. Adult Xpanded 2 on channel 680 (COM4/SDN) converted to a streaming service available on compatible devices.
Mid to Late 2020 Updates
The source material also covers significant changes in 2020. On 8th July 2020, a standalone service relaunched. Channel 34 saw the introduction of NEW Merit on the COM4/SDN multiplex. Channel 58 had ITV3+1 moved from channel 34 (COM4/SDN). Channel 78 saw the re-addition of Now 70s, but only in the Manchester area (G-MAN). Channel 97 had ITVBe+1 moved from channel 58 (COM4/SDN).
On 30th June 2020, several changes occurred. Channel 23 had CCXTV moved from COM5/ArqA to COM4/SDN. Channel 78 saw the removal of NOW 70s from the COM5/ArqA multiplex. Channel 85 had Hochanda moved from COM4/SDN to COM5/ArqA. Channel 94 saw the introduction of NEW Ideal Extra on the Local/Comux multiplex. Channel 681 had the REMOVED – ADULT Studio 66 [old version] removed from the COM4/SDN multiplex. A significant technical change was the switch-off of the COM8 multiplex signal.
Earlier, on 22nd June 2020, a major reorganisation occurred due to the closure of the COM8 multiplex. Multiple channels were closed or moved. Channel 55, 5Star+1 (COM8), and channel 56, 5USA+1 (COM7), were closed. Channel 64, FreeSports, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 67, CBS Reality+1 (COM7), and channel 69, CBS Justice+1 (COM8), were closed. Channel 74, Shopping Quarter, moved from COM7 to PSB3/BBC-B. Channel 83, Now 80s, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 89, Together+1, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 93, PBS America+1, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 96, Forces TV, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 106, BBC Four HD, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channels 109 (Channel 4+1 HD) and 110 (4seven HD), both on COM7, were closed. Channel 111, QVC HD, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 112, QVC Beauty HD, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 114, Quest HD, moved from COM8 to COM7. Channel 115, TJC HD (COM7), was closed. Channel 205, CBeebies HD, also moved from COM8.
The source notes that affected viewers should retune in the morning if they have any missing services. It specifically mentions that in the Fenham area, some channels including BBC News HD, Quest HD, Forces TV, and FreeSports would no longer be available. Viewers were directed to www.freeview.co.uk/help/tv-changes for more information and support options.
2019 Updates
The updates from 2019 include frequency changes and channel movements. On 12th November 2019, there was testing for E4+1 (PSB2-D3&4) ahead of a multiplex move on 14th November 2019.
On 5th November 2019, a change in the coverage of Film4+1 and More4+1 was noted. Viewers who hadn't retuned would continue to receive the channels in their old positions until 11th November 2019. After that, these channels would no longer be available on relay transmitters. Channel 45, Film4+1, moved from PSB2 – D3&4 to COM5 – Arqiva. Channel 86, More4+1, moved from PSB3 – BBC to COM7 – Arqiva. Channel 89, Together TV, on COM5-Arqiva, changed its broadcast hours to 0700-0300.
On 1st November 2019, Channel 71, CBS Drama (COM6 – Arqiva), went full-time.
On 23rd October 2019, a frequency change occurred in North West England, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire. Affected viewers were advised to retune if they had any missing services, with information available at www.freeview.co.uk/tvchanges.
On 16th October 2019, a frequency change took place in South East England, with the same retuning advice provided.
Earlier in October, on 15th October 2019, channel 72, Your TV (COM5 – Arqiva), was removed following the channel's cessation of broadcasts on 27th September 2019.
On 2nd October 2019, channel 85, Hochanda (COM4 – SDN), went full-time.
On 1st October 2019, several changes specific to Manchester were noted. Channels 68 and 69, True Crime & +1, on the GMAN – MTN multiplex, were removed. Channel 88 moved to channel 82, Clubland TV (GMAN – MTN). Channel 84, NOW 90s, moved from COM8-Arqiva to COM5-Arqiva and began streaming its content to viewers with compatible connected devices.
On 27th September 2019, channel 72, Your TV (COM5 – Arqiva), ceased broadcasting on Freeview and other platforms.
On 25th September 2019, channel 76, Quest+1, moved from COM4 – SDN to COM5 – Arqiva and went full-time.
On 12th September 2019, a frequency change occurred in Tyne and Wear and County Durham, with retuning advised.
Earlier in September, on 10th September 2019, several channel rebrands were implemented. Channel 32, Sony Movie Channel, became Sony Movies (COM5-Arqiva). Channel 40, Movies4Men, became Sony Movies Action (COM4-SDN) [not Wales]. Channel 48, True Entertainment, became Sony Channel (Local-Comux) [limited UK coverage]. Channel 60, Sony Movies+1 (Local-Comux), was previously on channel 61. Channel 61, Sony Channel+1 (Manchester only).
On 4th September 2019, a frequency change in Northern Ireland prompted retuning advice.
On 29th August 2019, channel 270, Loveworld (COM4 – SDN), was removed.
On 27th August 2019, channel 84, NOW 90s (COM8 – Arqiva), suspended programming on Freeview.
On 21st August 2019, changes specific to Scotland were noted: channel 82 moved to 75, BBC Four SD (PSB1 – BBC), and channel 115 moved to 108, BBC Scotland HD (PSB3 – BBC).
On 14th August 2019, a frequency change in the Scottish Borders and parts of Central Scotland required retuning.
On 31st July 2019, a frequency change in Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway also required retuning.
Freeview Updates in 2025
The second source document provides updates from 2025, detailing new channel launches, channel number changes, name changes, and delistings.
Recent 2025 Updates
On 16th July 2025, new channels were added to Freeview. Channel 258, India Today, a hybrid streaming channel, was added on the Comux/Local multiplex. Channel number changes were also noted: channel 34, GREAT! tv, moved from channel 50 (COM6/ArqB), and channel 50, GREAT! movies, moved from channel 34 (COM6/ArqB). Several channels were noted as no longer available: channel 76, That’s Dance, was delisted [COM5/ArqB]; channel 212, POP+1, was delisted/replaced by POP Max [Local/Comux]; channel 213, Moochi, was delisted [Local/Comux]; and channel 262, Shots!, was delisted [Local/Comux].
On 18th June 2025, new channels were launched. Channel 96, Must Have Ideas, was added ahead of its launch on the COM5/ArqA multiplex. Channel 288, OUTflix Proud, a hybrid streaming channel with Local TV coverage areas only, was added on the Local/Comux multiplex. A significant multiplex change involved channel 49, 4seven, moving from COM5/ArqA to PSB2/D3&4, which would increase its UK coverage and provide full coverage in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
The source also notes delistings following earlier changes. Channel 93, ITVBe+1, was delisted following the closure of ITVBe in June. Channel 790, 4seven (an old copy of the channel which had moved to channel 790 on 18th June), was now delisted.
Earlier 2025 Updates
On 4th September 2025, channel name changes were implemented. Channel 50, GREAT! movies, was replaced by Great! Mystery on the COM6/ArqB multiplex. Channel 52, GREAT! romance, was replaced by Great! Christmas on the COM6/ArqB multiplex. Channel 61, GREAT! mystery (streaming), was replaced by Great! Movies (streaming) on the COM4/SDN multiplex.
On 30th August 2025, channel 7, Notts TV, on the Local/Comux multiplex, was noted as no longer available. This channel was available on the Waltham/Nottingham transmitters, and an information slate informed viewers of its closure.
On 20th August 2025, several new channels were added. Channel 75, That’s Oldies, on COM4/SDN; channel 97, Hobbycraft TV, on COM6/ArqB (launching 4 September); and channel 212, POP MAX, a hybrid streaming channel on COM4/SDN. Channel number changes included channel 76, That’s Melody, moving from channel 75 [COM6/ArqB]. Channel name changes were also noted: channel 78, That’s Summer, became That’s Rock MCR (Manchester only, GMAN); channel 79, That’s Dance MCR became That’s Oldies MCR (Manchester only, GMAN); and channel 276, CNA became CNA Originals, a hybrid streaming channel on COM4/SDN.
Multiplex changes were also documented. Channel 205, POP, moved from COM4/SDN to COM6/ArqB. Channel 275, wedo movies, moved from COM4/SDN to Local/Comux, resulting in reduced UK coverage. The source notes that depending on the viewer's device, they may need to retune to continue watching these channels.
Additional 2025 Updates
Further updates include changes on 3rd September 2025, where channel 268, It is Written, moved from channel 286. This is a hybrid streaming channel on the Local/Comux multiplex. Channels no longer available on 3rd September 2025 included channel 268, 3ABN [Local/Comux], and channel 277, UK Radio Portal [COM4/SDN]. Channel 7, Notts TV, on the Local/Comux multiplex, was delisted on 4th September 2025, following its closure at the end of August.
Impact on Viewers and Retuning
A common theme across the source material is the need for viewers to retune their televisions or set-top boxes when channel changes occur. This is frequently mentioned in the context of frequency changes or multiplex movements. The official Freeview website (www.freeview.co.uk) is repeatedly cited as the source for more information and support options for viewers who are unable to restore channels.
For example, after the COM8 multiplex signal was switched off on 30th June 2020, and again during the major reorganisation on 22nd June 2020, affected viewers were advised to retune. Specific regional frequency changes in 2019 also required retuning. The advice is consistent: if channels are missing, a retune is often the first step, typically recommended to be done in the morning to ensure the latest channel data is received.
The source material does not provide specific instructions on how to retune, but it directs viewers to the Freeview help pages. It is implied that the process is straightforward but necessary to maintain access to the updated channel lineup.
Conclusion
The provided source material documents a series of Freeview channel updates between 2019 and 2021, as well as in 2025. These updates include channel additions, removals, renames, relocations between multiplexes, and changes in broadcast hours or coverage. The changes often necessitate viewers retuning their equipment to continue receiving services. The most significant technical change noted was the switch-off of the COM8 multiplex in 2020, which led to the closure or movement of numerous channels. More recent updates in 2025 show ongoing adjustments to the Freeview platform, including the introduction of hybrid streaming channels and changes in multiplex allocation to improve coverage. For UK consumers relying on Freeview, staying informed about these updates and performing retunes when advised is essential for uninterrupted access to television services.