Freeview users will lose some channels due to signal changes

Posted on : July 1, 2022

Around 10 channels are set to be cut from Freeview this week as viewers are told to retune their TV to keep some other channels.

Freeview users will lose popular channels BBC Four HD, CBeebies HD and Together TV unless they perform a system update.

Freeview is being hit by the changes due to a broadcast signal – named COM7 Multiplex – being closed down to make way for the latest 5G mobile technology from EE.

This means there’s less bandwidth to use, so Freeview has been forced to make changes. Users have been asked to retune their TVs and set-top boxes today or risk losing a whole bunch of other popular channels.

‘Since the decision by Ofcom to make more airwaves available for mobile data, the Ofcom licenses for some channels broadcasting on Freeview has expired,’ said Freeview.

‘This means that affected channels are making changes to the way they are broadcast moving forward,’

‘As a consequence of the closure of COM7, BBC News on Freeview will be available only in SD from the end of June 2022. However, you can still watch it in HD on BBC iPlayer,’ said the BBC.

Although the +1 and HD channels will be closing on Freeview the original channels are set to remain.

Channels that will be affected by the changes:

  • Freesports 65
  • CBS Justice 69
  • More4+1 86
  • PBS America+1 87
  • Forces TV 96
  • BBC News HD 107
  • QVC HD 111
  • QVC Beauty HD 112
  • Quest HD 114

What is Ofcom and what does it cover?

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

The watchdog makes sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio.

Ofcom deals with most content on television, radio and video-on-demand services, including the BBC. However, if your complaint is about something you saw or heard in a BBC programme, you may need to complain to the BBC first.

Its rules for television and radio programmes are set out in the Broadcasting Code.

The rules in the Broadcasting Code also apply to the BBC iPlayer.

This Broadcasting Code is the rule book that broadcasters have to follow and it covers a number of areas, including; protecting the under-18s, protecting audiences from harmful and/or offensive material and ensuring that news, in whatever form, is reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality.

Audiences can complain to Ofcom if they believe a breach of the Broadcasting Code has been made.

Every time Ofcom receives a complaint from a viewer or listener, they assess it to see if it needs further investigation.

If Ofcom decide to investigate, they will include the case in a list of new investigations, published in the Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin.

An investigation is a formal process which can take some time depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

Ofcom can also launch investigations in the absence of a complaint from a viewer or listener.

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