Best of 2021 - The winners and review of 2021

Here is the winners and review of 2021. 

01) The Biggest poster of the year on Cable Forum (NOT Media Boy HQ): 

Winner is - cheekyangus with 197 posts.

Confirm: 5Action replaces Paramount Network UK on January 19th

ViacomCBS will replaces both Paramount Network UK HD (Virgin UK Channel 150) and Paramount Network UK (Virgin UK Channel 187) with 5Action HD and 5Action on January 19th.

DS Forum - Rumour: Is ViacomCBS set to rebrand Paramount Network as 5Action???

A poster over on DS Forum has started a thread called 5Action, is it coming to Freeview? early today. But Media Boy HQ have been working to see if we can find anything on the web to back this rumour up with no luck.

Virgin Media Forum: Virgin Media to offer Virgin Media UHD channel for free this Christmas

Story from Virgin Media Forum:

From Saturday 18th December until Friday 31st December, Virgin TV customers with a Virgin TV 360 or V6 box can enjoy our Virgin TV UHD channel (CH 228/999) at no extra cost.

RXTV: The BBC has confirmed that CBBC HD Channel will close at 7pm from January 5th ahead of the relaunch of BBC THREE on February 1st

RXTV is reporting that CBBC HD Channel will close at 7pm from January 5th ahead of the relaunch of BBC THREE on February 1st.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media did not launch Discovery + last month (UPDATE)

Media Boy HQ has been told in the last few days by two Media Boy Sources that Discovery + was set to launch on Virgin Media in November but for some reason Virgin Media did not flicked the switch.

BT Sport Takeover - Media Mole: Eurosport owner Discovery in talks over BT Sport involvement?

Story from Media Mole: 

Discovery is reportedly in talks with BT about getting involved with BT Sport as a joint-venture partner.

BBC News: Virgin Media outage hits UK TV viewers (UPDATED)

Story from BBC News Online:

Virgin Media customers were left without access to TV services, after the firm suffered a nationwide outage.

Discovery-WarnerMedia merger - Deadline: Billionaire Media Maven John Malone Calls Discovery-WarnerMedia Merger “A Big Synergy Combination” With Savings Offsetting Debt

Story from Deadline: 

John Malone, the billionaire media mogul who is a longtime stakeholder in Discovery, said its pending merger with WarnerMedia will incur debt but will make up for it in cost savings.

Media Boy HQ Views: Are Virgin Media UK set to reveal new channel lineup in 2022?

Cable Forum and DS Forum poster epsilon has posted today: 

Two extra versions of BBC One South East (SDT labels) added overnight on SID numbers 10129 & 10130 (channel 858) but, apparently not allocated in the NIT. A massive gap in the internal serial numbers between these (2199 & 2233).

Reports: Virgin Media start BBC One HD local tests (UPDATED)

Following information thanks to epsilon (UPDATED on Nov. 19th, 24th and 26th):  

November 19th: 14 new service labels have been added to the SDT, all labelled "BBC One HD" and set initially to channel 108.

BBC News: BBC Three to return as TV channel on February 1st

Story from BBC News: 

BBC Three will return as a TV channel on February 1st 2022 - six years after it moved online - regulator Ofcom has confirmed.

Channel 4 Takeover: What is Media Boy HQ view on it???

Due to today two year deal with Channel 4 and Sky with the UK Super League that will see Channel 4 broadcast on free-to-air television in the UK for the first time in its history.

Is Zee TV set to relaunch it HD Channel on Virgin Media UK?

Bizasia is reporting that EPG tests has started on Sky ahead of the relaunch the High Definition (HD) version of its flagship channel, ZEE TV on Sky.

Daily Mail Online: Rupert Murdoch told PM he MUST get rid of the BBC while 'bouncing Wilfred on his knee' during visit to his country house, says Boris Johnson's sister

Story from Daily Mail Online:

Boris Johnson's sister has claimed that Rupert Murdoch told him to 'get rid of the BBC' during a visit to the Prime Minister's country house.

MB Views: With Virgin Media O2 signing an new deal with ITV is Virgin Media set to axe ITV SD Channels?

Due to Virgin Media O2 and ITV signing an new five year deal today we that Media Boy HQ think the following may happen the Virgin Media UK soon on all boxes:

Advanced Television: ITV, Virgin Media O2 long term commercial partnership

Story from Advanced Television: 

ITV and Virgin Media O2 have signed a new long term multi-year agreement that delivers deeper integration of ITV programming, support for IPTV, enhanced advertising capabilities and continued access to ITV’s range of channels and on-demand services for Virgin TV customers.

Channel 4 Takeover - CityAM: Channel 4 privatisation plans delayed amid growing backlash

Story from CityAM: 

The proposed sale of Channel 4 has met delays after the new culture secretary Nadine Dorries was inundated by a spate of opposition against the move, according to reports.

BT Sport Takeover - TVB Europe: BT in talks with ‘small handful’ of interested parties over Sport sell-off

Story from TVB Europe:

The CEO of BT has said the company continues to hold discussions with interested parties as it looks to sell-off its sport broadcasting arm.

MB Views: Has Media Boy Blog work out when the BBC will launch more HD Channels on Virgin Media?

After seeing ScottishSteve Post on Cable Forum.

Cable Forum: Is BBC ALBA HD set to launch soon on Virgin Media UK?

Cable Forum poster "ScottishSteve" has found the following on the BBC Reception Help website: 

The BBC Web Site is now listing BBC Alba HD being on Virgin Media although this is not the case at the moment it looks like it is happening soon, it currently remains SD I noticed BBC Parliament is still listed as SD only.

BT Sport Takeover EXCLUSIVE: Media Boy Sources reveal DAZN want WWE rights off their books but ViacomCBS looking into buying rights

Media Boy Sources has just told Media Boy HQ that DAZN wants to give away BT Sport's WWE rights off their books as DAZN are more interested in UFC.

EXCLUSIVE: Media Boy Sources reveal Sky UK has "question mark" over future of Movies 24

Media Boy Sources has just told Media Boy HQ that Sky UK are looking into the future of both Movies 24 and Movies 24 + but at time of posting no decision has been made on Sky UK closing Movies 24 and Movies 24 or to rebrand them using the Sky brand. 

©copyright 2021 Media Boy 2006 - 2021. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

CONFRIMED: Virgin Media UK to axe V+ Boxes that end of November

Thanks to "epsilon", Cable Forum and Digital Spy Forum: 

Oct 26th: Just a heads up. I've been informed that a couple of information slates are being prepared. They have service names of "Important Information" and are configured to use channel numbers 100 and 106. No other information is available but this seems to mean that E4 will be moving away from 106.

Cable Forum: "something very nice is expected to launch on Virgin Media next month"

Cable Forum poster Legendkiller2k says: "Can't say much but something very nice is expected to launch on VM next month, you'll like it not a lot but you'll like it." 

Channel 4 Takeover - TBI Vision: Former Channel 4 CEO Michael Grade eyes takeover bid

Story from TBI Vision:

Former Channel 4 CEO Michael Grade is reportedly planning a takeover bid of the broadcaster.

ISP Review: Update on Virgin Media O2 UK’s Free TV Streaming Service

Story from ISP Review: 

Some of Virgin Media’s (VMO2) UK ultrafast broadband ISP customers, specifically those who don’t already take their Pay TV service, are once again being invited to take their long-awaited TV streaming (IPTV) product – simply called ‘Stream’ – and it will come “at no extra cost“. But this time there’s no mention of a trial.

Media Mole: BBC begins rollout of BBC One regions in HD

Story from Media Mole:

The BBC has confirmed that it has begun the process of launching HD versions of BBC One across the English regions.

BT Sport takeover - Manchester Evening News: 'Discussions' update with major Tyson Fury impact

Story from Manchester Evening News: 

DAZN are in 'late-stage discussions' regarding a deal to purchase BT Sport, according to reports, in a move that would strengthen their position as key players in the boxing market.

Discovery-WarnerMedia merger - C21 Media: Zaslav talks up Discovery-WarnerMedia merger, vows ‘shock-and-awe’ strategy

Story from C21 Media: 

Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav says the blockbuster merger of Discovery and WarnerMedia will create the most “compelling menu of IP” for global consumers, as the merged entity prepares to take on the likes of Disney and Netflix.

BT Sport Takeover: DAZN in advanced talks to buy BT Sport, FT says

Story from FT: 

DAZN, the sports streaming service owned by billionaire Sir Leonard Blavatnik, is in advanced talks to buy BT’s sports business.

Ofcom wants Virgin Media UK to move GOLD HD to make room for BBC Three

Ofcom wants BBC Three to get the following channels on Virgin Media:

BT Sport Takeover: DAZN set sights on buying BT Sport and its Premier League rights

Story from The Times

The streaming platform DAZN is stepping up efforts to buy BT Sport, therefore taking over the pay-TV channel’s rights to show Premier League and Gallagher Premiership rugby matches, according to broadcasting industry sources.

BT Sport Takeover: DAZN chief confirms interest in BT Sport

Story from Media Mole: 

DAZN chairman Kevin Mayer has confirmed that the company is interested in a potential acquisition of BT Sport.

Guardian Media: BBC braced for more budget cuts as new licence fee deal nears

Story from Guardian Media: 

The BBC is braced for further budget cuts, with the government’s latest five-year licence fee deal all but agreed amid speculation it could be announced as early as next week.

BBC News: Piers Morgan to launch new show on Rupert Murdoch-owned network

Story from BBC News:

Piers Morgan is to join the Rupert Murdoch-owned News Corp and Fox News Media, the company has announced.

Guardian Media: BBC Three set to return as TV channel after Ofcom gives green light

Story from Guardian Media: 

BBC Three is set for a triumphant return as a TV channel after media regulator Ofcom gave it the provisional greenlight to return to broadcast television, six years after the corporation took it off air because its young viewers had abandoned traditional viewing.

Channel 4 Takeover - CityAM: Dowden defends Channel 4 privatisation push as ‘needed’ to fend off streaming giants

Story from CityAM: 

UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden has restated his view that changing Channel 4’s ownership is the best path for the channel, in the latest sign that the government intends to push forward with plans to privatise the state-owned broadcaster.

Channel 4 Takeover - CityAM: JP Morgan takes charge of Channel 4’s road to privatisation

Story from CityAM: 

The government has appointed banking giant JP Morgan to provide advice on Channel 4’s future following a consultation into the possible privatisation of the public broadcaster.

List of September 1st changes on Virgin Media UK

Here is the September 1st changes on TiVo and V6 Boxes:

Sunday Express: Virgin Media UK viewers lose popular TV channel this week

Story from Sunday Express:

Virgin Media UK viewers only have a few days left to access a world-famous channel. 
After August 31, CNN International - the iconic American news channel - will no longer be available on Virgin Media UK.

Cable Forum: Virgin Media UK starts Sky Max and Sky Max HD tests

Cable Forum poster epsilon has posted the following on Cable Forum:

Cable Forum: Virgin Media UK to stop broadcasting CNN from September 1st

Cable Forum poster "ozsat" has posted the following "CNN is listing on Virgin Media EPG as 'No Longer Available'" as of September 1st.

EXCLUSIVE: Media Boy Sources reveal Sky UK set to close E! UK as TV Channel by 2023

Media Boy Sources has just told Media Boy HQ that Sky UK are looking to close E! and move it to a streaming only service some point in 2022. 

©copyright 2021 Media Boy 2006 - 2021. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

TV Listings books confirmed new Channels numbers for Sky Channels on Virgin Media UK from September 1st

Radio Times, Total TV Guide, TV Choice and What's on TV has today confirmed what Sky own Channels new numbers will be on Virgin Media UK from September 1st.

UPDATE: Thanks to "UK Terrestrial TV" - Media Boy Blog got over 1.60k views in 48 hours - Since August 5th to 7th 2021

LATEST UPDATE ON AUGUST 22ND AT 20.18. 

Media Boy Blog HQ will update this post every so often.

EXCLUSIVE: Media Boy Sources reveal channel number for the soon to launch Greatest Hits Radio on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy Sources say that Greatest Hits Radio will launch soon on Virgin UK Channel 941 of the Virgin EPG. 

(UPDATE) Media Boy HQ: Sky Channels set to move EPG numbers on Virgin Media from September 1st

As you may know Sky One is set to be axe by Sky from September 1st and Sky Showcase and Sky Max is set to launch on Sky and Virgin Media UK.

Has Virgin Media signed an new deal with Bauer Radio Ltd?

Cable Forum poster "epsilon" has revealed today that Greatest Hits Radio is set to launch on Virgin Media UK. Will anyother Bauer Radio own channel also launch at the same time on Virgin Media UK? 

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK holding up launch of Sky Sports UHD on network

I have tonight by someone "in the know" to not expect Sky Sports UHD in time for Friday launch of the new Premier League Season.

Virgin Media UK removed temporary Eurosport channels

Virgin Media UK has just removed all temporary Eurosport Channels for the 2020 Summer Olympics from the Virgin Media UK EPG.

EXCLUSIVE: Media Boy Sources confirmed that Discovery to axe linear channels by 2023

Media Boy Sources has reveal that Discovery will axe the following linear channels by 2023 from ALL Networks (Sky and Virgin Media UK):

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media are in talks to sign "an million pound deal" with an streaming service (UPDATE)

Media Boy Blog Sources has just confirmed that Virgin Media UK are in "ongoing talks on an million pound deal for Virgin Media O2" with an yet to be named Streaming service.

Reuters: Discovery exploring takeover bid for UK's Channel 4 - The Telegraph

Story from Reuters and The Telegraph:

Reuters and The Telegraph are both reporting that U.S.-based broadcaster Discovery is holding informal discussions about a potential takeover bid for Britain's state-owned Channel 4 television broadcaster, The Telegraph reported on Saturday.

Media Boy Sources: Virgin Media UK to launch FIVE new Sky channels on September 1st

THIS POST WAS LAUNCH AT 3:40PM ON JULY 29TH - LAST UPDATED ON JULY 30TH AT 5:10PM. 

Base on information given to us today by Media Boy Sources the following will happen on September 1st with the Sky Basic channels on Sky AND Virgin Media UK:

The Sun: Sky announces major TV shake-up as Sky One axed and two brand new channels launched

Story from The Sun online:

Sky has announced a major TV shake-up as Sky One is axed and two brand new channels are launched. 

Virgin Media UK add some extra shopping

 QVC Extra has today launch on Virgin UK Channel 743.

EXCLUSIVE: Media Boy Sources says Comcast are going to stop providing their channels to other providers in the future

Media Boy Sources says Sky are going to stop providing their channels to other providers in the future, Comcast want Sky channels exclusive to Sky and Now.

©copyright 2021 Media Boy 2006 - 2021. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Virgin Media UK launches temporary Eurosport channels

Virgin Media UK has just launch the following temporary Eurosport Channels for the 2020 Summer Olympics from July 21st to August 8th.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK start tests for Eurosport "pop up" channels for 2020 Summer Olympics

POST LAST UPDATED AT 19:00 ON JULY 19TH 2021:

Media Boy HQ can reveal that Virgin Media UK has today started to test the following Eurosport "Pop up" Channels 2020 Summer Olympics from July 21st to August 8th.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK signs new deal with Qurate Retail Group

Media Boy HQ can reveal that Virgin Media UK has signed an new deal with Qurate Retail Group and Cable Forum poster "epsilon" says as part of the deal QVC Extra will launch soon on Virgin Media UK.

Disney axe FOX brand in UK and Ireland

Disney has today axe FOX, FOX HD and FOX +1 (Channels very on some boxes) on Virgin Media UK.

NDTV axe NDTV Spice from Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK has axe some spice today with NDTV Spice being close on Virgin UK Channel 837.

The BBC launch extra Red Button Channels for Summer 2021

The BBC has today launch extra Red Button Channels to broadcast until August 10th.

Channel 4 Takeover - Reuters: Britain plans sale of broadcaster Channel 4

Story from Reuters: 

Britain's Conservative government said on Wednesday it was planning to sell Channel 4, launched 39 years ago as an edgy alternative to the BBC and ITV, to help secure its future as a public service broadcaster.

CONFIRM: Al Jazeera English SD to close on Sky but to 'carry on broadcasting' on Virgin Media UK

 Al Jazeera has confirmed on their web site that Al Jazeera English SD Channel is close over on Sky on June 30th.

Channel 4 Takeover - The Guardian: Government may privatise Channel 4 ‘as soon as next year’

Story from The Guardian:

Channel 4 could be sold off as soon as next year, with the government planning to launch a formal consultation into the broadcaster’s privatisation within weeks.

Discovery Inc-WarnerMedia merger - The Hollywood Reporter: “Cash Never Lies”: Meet the Discovery CFO Targeting $3B in Savings in the Warner Merger

Story from The Hollywood Reporter:

In the summer of 2016, Gunnar Wiedenfels first met his future employer, Discovery CEO David Zaslav, at the restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton on Central Park South in Manhattan. After seven-plus years at German TV giant ProSiebenSat.1 — where he ended up leading the finance division — he landed the CFO role at Discovery, moving from Munich to New York to start his new job in April 2017. (Last fall, Discovery extended Wiedenfels’ contract through at least April 1, 2024.)

Disney confirm FOX UK Channels axe times

TiVo has confirm that Disney will axe FOX and FOX HD at 6am with FOX +1 to follow at 7am on July 1st.

GB News HD launches on Virgin Media UK

 Virgin Media UK has launch GB News HD on Virgin UK Channel 626.

Virgin Media UK resigns All Around the World Productions

Look like Virgin Media UK has resign All Around the World Productions up to an new broadcasting deal.

Virgin Media UK start more BBC Red Button tests ahead of June 27th launch for Wimbledon

As first reported on Friday on Media Boy Blog (Link to that story)

Colors Gujarati launches on Virgin Media UK

 Only an week late but Colors Gujarati has today launch on Virgin Media UK Channel 825.

UPDATE: Colors Gujurati will launch on Virgin Media UK soon

COLORS says that Colors Gujurati will launch on Virgin UK Channel 825 on June 8th.

Virgin Media resigns Premier Sports

Virgin Media customers with Premier Sports pack can now add BoxNation to their package for only £12.99 per month.

BBC to launch more Red Button Channels for Wimbledon later this month on Virgin Media UK

The following Channels will broadcast on Virgin Media UK from June 27th to July 13th.

• BBC Red Button HD will launch on Virgin UK Channel 990*.

TiVo: Colors Gujurati to launch on Virgin Media in June

TiVo has confirmed that Colors Gujurati will be on Virgin Media from launch on Virgin Channel 825.

Broadcast: Disney to close FOX Channels next month in UK and Ireland

Another one bites the dust as Broadcast is reporting that Disney will close the FOX linear channel in the UK and programmes will move to Star on Disney Plus.

Channel 4 Takeover - The Guardian: Channel 4 could be privatised by 2024, says Oliver Dowden

 Story from The Guardian:

The culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, confirmed on Thursday that Channel 4 could be sold by the end of the current parliament to “provide a sustainable future for the broadcaster”.

TiVo: Virgin Media to axe Get Moving on May 1st

From May 1st Get Moving will be Get Stopping as Get Moving will close on Virgin Channel 997. 

But Media Boy HQ notes that fitness shows is set to move to Virgin Media UHD channels from 6am everyday on Virgin V6 or V360 boxes (Channels 228/999) only.

ViacomCBS close BET UK

BET is no longer broadcast on Virgin UK Channel 184.

ViacomCBS to close BET UK next week

 From April 8th BET will no longer broadcast on Virgin UK Channel 184.

YouTube closes on Virgin Media UK as TV Channel

Virgin Media UK has removed YouTube from Virgin UK Channel 198. YouTube is only Virgin Media UK via the app section now.

BBC News: BBC Three will return to TV screens after six-year break

Story from BBC News: 

BBC Three will return as a fully-fledged TV channel in January 2022, six years after it moved online. 

Lifetime HD closes on Virgin Media UK

 Lifetime HD has today close on Virgin UK Channel 208.

Cable Forum: Lifetime HD set to close on March 1st

Cable Forum is reporting that Lifetime HD is set to close on March 1st on Virgin Media Channel 208.

Disney axe Star brand in UK and Ireland

Disney has today rebrand the following channels:

• 801. Star Gold HD will be renamed Utsav Gold
• 802. Star Bharat will be renamed Utsav Bharat
• 803. Star Plus will be renamed Utsav Plus HD

Disney to axe Star brand in UK and Ireland from January 22nd

From January 22nd the following channels will be rebrand:

• 801. Star Gold HD will be renamed Utsav Gold
• 802. Star Bharat will be renamed Utsav Bharat
• 803. Star Plus will be renamed Utsav Plus HD

Sky Documentaries and Sky Nature SD Channels launches on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK has launches both Sky Documentaries and Sky Nature in SD today:

• 278. Sky Documentaries 
• 280. Sky Nature

Sky and Discovery closes channels on Virgin Media UK

The following channels has closed today on Virgin Media UK:

• 405. Sky Cinema 5* Movies HD
• 287. Discovery Home & Health
• 288. Discovery Shed
• 291. Discovery Home & Health +1

Virgin Media Wales moves Channel 4 and S4C HD

 Virgin Media (Wales) has move the following channels today:

• Channel 4 (Wales) has moved from Virgin Wales Channel 104 to Virgin Wales Channel 108.
• S4C HD has moved from Virgin Wales Channel 166 to Virgin Wales Channel 104. 

Virgin Media Scotland moves BBC ALBA and ITVBe +1

Virgin Media (Scotland) has move the following channels today:

• ITVBe +1 has moved from Virgin Scotland Channel 120 to Virgin UK Channel 162.
• BBC ALBA has moved from Virgin Scotland Channel 161 to Virgin UK Channel 120.