Latest News from Media Boy UK HQ on Virgin Media UK latest channel changes

Last updated on April 3rd 2025 (THIS POST WILL STAY AT TOP OF BLOG):

Coming up Changes to Virgin Media, Sky Q and Freesat

Here is a list of Changes at time of posting (Up until 2029):

Virgin Media UK:

Media Boy UK Blogs updates

When Media Boy UK do some label some changes information appearing on this post:

Paramount Global for sale plus Warner Bros Discovery latest on Media Boy UK Blog

We at Media Boy UK HQ will update on all things Paramount Global and Warner Discovery plus latest on Paramount Global merger with SkyDance on the following links:

MEDIA BOY'S WORLD MEDIA NEWS: Paramount Global for sale latest

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis latest

Advanced Television: Ofcom consults on satellite filings

Story from Advanced Television:

UK comms regulator Ofcom is consulting on proposed updates to its satellite filings procedures, which are the processes for obtaining internationally recognised orbits and frequency assignments for satellites.

Advanced Television: BBC vows “continued transformation” in Annual Plan

Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC has published its Annual Plan for 2025/26, laying out how it plans to provide value for audiences, support democracy and drive growth in the creative economy.

Deadline: BBC Says “Unprecedented Funding Challenge” Lies Ahead As Content Spend Set To Fall By $200M

Story from Deadline:

The BBC faces an “unprecedented content funding challenge” in the year to come, the corporation’s Annual Plan setting out priorities for the next 12 months has said.

Broadcast Sport: Whisper in talks over sale

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Whisper is reportedly in talks over the sale of a minority or majority stake in its business.

Daily Express: Labour civil war erupts as Lisa Nandy set to be ousted for 'not working hard enough'

Story from Daily Express:

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy faces being axed from Sir Keir Starmer’s top team amid claims “she doesn’t work hard enough".

Daily Mirror: Sky History +1 closes next month

Story from Daily Mirror:

Sky has just confirmed to Mirror Online that a pair of popular channel have been removed from the telly planner, meaning users will now longer be able to tune and watch content shown on the services.

Paramount Network UK to relaunch Club MTV next month

Base on TV listing Media Boy UK HQ has seen.

Paramount Networks UK & Australia will close MTV Hits UK on April 14th.

But Paramount Networks UK & Australia is relaunch Club MTV using MTV Hits UK broadcasting slots.

BBC News: BBC backtracks on having adverts in some UK podcasts

Story from BBC News:

The BBC has "decided to rule out" placing adverts on some of its podcasts for UK listeners on sites such as Apple and Spotify.

Broadband TV News: Sky announces its first-ever Digital Shorts for YouTube

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky has announced it will run four new series of Sky Original digital shorts on YouTube this April.

Variety: ITV Studios Exec Ruth Berry Says There’s Been a ‘Perfect Storm’ of Challenges Facing TV Drama, but Business Is Still in ‘Rude Health’

Story from Variety:

Many of the on-stage discussions in Series Mania have reflected a TV industry facing numerous stresses and strains and in the midst of a painful transition — especially from the execs based in the U.K.

BBC News: Blue Peter will lose live 'magic', ex-host says

Story from BBC News:

Former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis has said the show will lose some of its live "magic", after the BBC confirmed it will move to a fully pre-recorded format having filmed its last live episodes after 67 years.

Broadband TV News: BBC audiences asked to help shape future

Story from Broadband TV News:

The BBC is to ask audiences to have their say about the future of the organisation through what it is calling the biggest public engagement exercise the Corporation has ever undertaken.

Broadcast: Paramount execs eye UK growth after ‘very bleak’ period

Story from Broadcast:

Paramount execs Lisa Kramer and Lindsey Martin have talked up the increasing demand from UK buyers, a year on from what they termed as a “very bleak” period for the country’s scripted sector.

The Media Leader: Paramount to handle sponsorship on 5 as it offers brand partnerships exclusively

Story from The Media Leader:

Paramount International Advertising Sales has announced it will exclusively offer all creative brand partnership opportunities, including sponsorship, across its entire linear and streaming portfolio in the UK.

Deadline: Sky Scripted Boss Says End Of HBO Output Deal In UK Will “Not Leave Holes” In The Schedules

Story from Deadline:

The end of Sky’s much-discussed HBO output deal will “not leave holes” in the pay-TV giant’s UK schedules, according to its scripted boss.

BBC News: BBC Scotland head of news Gary Smith to step down

Story from BBC News:

BBC Scotland head of news Gary Smith has announced he is stepping down and leaving the corporation after almost 40 years.

Broadcast Sport: Virgin Media TV launches 24/7 rugby channel, Premier Sports Rugby

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Virgin Media TV has launched Premier Sports Rugby, the UK’s first dedicated 24/7 rugby channel.

Media Boy UK updates broadcasting areas where you can watch LOCAL TV on Virgin Media O2

LOCAL TV on Virgin Media UK update.

Channel > Broadcasting area:

Deadline: Equity & BBC Ink New Agreement Increasing Pay For Actors & Introducing Regulations On Minors And Royalties Payments

Story from Deadline:

Performers working on in-house BBC TV productions are set to receive higher pay rates as the corporation has inked a new agreement with UK actors union Equity.

Deadline: ‘Wolf Hall’ Director Says Almost All Outdoor Scenes In Acclaimed Drama Were Cut Due To Gap In Funding

Story from Deadline:

Historical TV drama Wolf Hall may have won critical acclaim when its second series debuted on the BBC last year, but its director has shared that many editorial decisions had to be made due to lack of funds.

The Sun: Virgin Media customers warned of another channel closure in latest shake-up affecting millions of TV boxes

Story from The Sun:

Virgin Media customers are set to lose another channel in the latest overhaul to TV boxes.

Broadcast: Tastemade gobbled up by Wonder in £69.5m deal

Story from Broadcast:

Food delivery outfit Wonder has forked out around £69.5m to acquire culinary-focused FAST channel operator and production firm Tastemade.

Daily Mail: BBC cuts off expats from tuning into radio stations and podcasts

Story from Daily Mail:

Brits living abroad will be cut off from scores of the BBC's radio stations and Sounds content as the broadcaster tries to slim down its international output.

Broadcast Sport; CMA: Sky, BBC, ITV, BT & IMG pay sharing behaviour wasn’t “isolated”

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The Competition and Markets Authority believes that sharing sensitive information about freelancer pay rates wasn’t an isolated issue, after fining the BBC, ITV, BT and IMG for doing so.

Broadcast Sport: Prime Video unveils pay-per-view UEFA Nations League matches

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Prime Video is showing selected UEFA Nations League Final matches and other international games on pay-per-view, for £2.49 per match.

Broadcast Sport: BT, IMG, ITV & BBC fined £4m after colluding on freelancer rates

Story from Broadcast Sport:

An investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found some of the largest sports broadcast and production companies in the UK shared sensitive information about fees for freelance workers.

X: Premier Sports Rugby has reveal where their will broadcast on Linear TV and Streaming ''shortly''

Premier Sports UK has reveal on X that Premier Sports Rugby will launch shortly on:

Deadline; ‘Adolescence’ Writer Jack Thorne: UK Government Must Help Avert “Devastating” Crisis In TV Drama

Story from Deadline:

Jack Thorne may be riding high on a British drama success story, but he has warned that shows like Adolescence could die out unless the industry solves a “devastating” funding crisis.

Broadcast Sport; Comment: How sport broadcasters have had to evolve

Story from Broadcast Sport:

• This post is the views of Daniel Apostolos who is a senior account director at The PHA Group,

The way people consume sports content has changed dramatically over the last ten years.

Virgin Media UK to lose it Taste with FAST Channel Tastemade at end of March

Media Boy UK HQ's V6 Box has reveal that FAST Entertainment Channel Tastemade is set to close at Midnight (BST time) on Virgin UK Channel 232 on March 31st.

Broadcast Sport: Just under 8m watch Newcastle win Carabao Cup

Story from Broadcast Sport:

A peak audience of just under eight million tuned into watch Newcastle United defeat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday 16 March.

Deadline: BBC Axing One Of Its Longest-Running Shows But Ploughing More Money Into Scottish Drama

Story from Deadline:

One of the BBC’s longest-running shows is being axed in Scotland but nearly £100M will be spent on drama in the nation over the next three years, an increase of around 25%. 

Broadband TV News: Virgin Media O2 & UKTV renew distribution agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

Virgin Media O2 and UKTV have renewed their long-standing partnership with a multi-year deal securing carriage for UKTV’s highly popular pay channels, U&GOLD and U&alibi, streaming service U, and UKTV’s free-to-air channels.

Media Guardian: Ofcom rushes to close loophole that lets politicians act as newsreaders

Story from Media Guardian:

Britain’s media regulator is scrambling to close a legal loophole that allows politicians on GB News and other broadcasters to in effect act as newsreaders.

Media Guardian: UK TV industry hit by ‘perfect storm’, says Elisabeth Murdoch

Story from Media Guardian:

The UK’s television industry is being hit by a “perfect storm” that risks leading to British stories disappearing from the small screen, Elisabeth Murdoch has said.

BBC News: Ofcom drops investigations after GB News ruling

Story from BBC News:

Ofcom has dropped all of its remaining impartiality investigations into politicians' TV and radio programmes, following a High Court decision to overturn the media regulator's past rulings against Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg's GB News show.

Broadcast Sport: Warner Bros. Discovery unveils plans for Grand Slam Track coverage

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a multi-year agreement with Grand Slam Track to broadcast the competition.

Deadline: Former Paramount Strategy Boss Heading To BBC

Story from Deadline:

Former Paramount corporate boss John Curbishley is returning to the BBC in a beefed-up strategy and transformation role.

BBC News: BBC presenters settle sex and age discrimination dispute

Story from BBC News:

Four female news presenters have agreed a settlement in a dispute with the BBC over claims including sex and age discrimination.

BBC Sport: BBC & ITV agree new four-year Six Nations rights deal

Story from BBC Sport:

The BBC and ITV have agreed a new four-year deal for the Men's Six Nations to remain on free-to-air TV until 2029.

RXTV: BBC culls TV sports news bulletins

Story from RXTV:

Two years after the merger of the BBC’s two news channels, the BBC is axing much of its UK-specific sports news provision.

Broadcast Sport: How Sky is getting behind the Netball Super League

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The Netball Super League gets underway today, 14 March, with every game being shown by broadcasters for the first time.

The Sun: BBC boss hints at huge change to hated licence fee – how will you be affected?

Story from The Sun:

Plans to change the way Brits are charged their BBC TV Licence fee are being discussed - and it could look very different to the existing set up.

CityAM: Premier League ‘would need 12m UK subscribers to justify Premflix’

Story from CityAM:

The Premier League has been told it would need more than 12m UK subscribers paying £20 a month to justify launching its own streaming service, dubbed “Premflix”.

Broadband TV News: Channel 5 brings linear and on demand together as 5

Story from Broadband TV News:

Channel 5 and My5 have today relaunched as 5, uniting the broadcaster’s linear and streaming platforms under a single brand.

RXTV: NOW Music adds channels on Samsung TV Plus

Story from RXTV:

Fans of music from the 1970s, 80s, 90s and 2000s can get their fix on Samsung’s in-built streaming channel platform as NOW Music expands its channel selection on TV Plus.

Advanced Television: Great! Mystery launching on Samsung TV Plus

Story from Advanced Television:

The Great! Mystery channel, the home of whodunnits, is set to go live on Samsung TV Plus. The FAST channel from Narrative Entertainment is already available on Freeview (61), LG, Rakuten, Plex andā Netgem.

Media Guardian: BBC News presenter Anna Foster to join Radio 4 Today team

Story from Media Guardian:

As Iran was firing scores of ballistic missiles into Israel and Israel was launching a ground invasion into southern Lebanon last autumn, BBC News presenter Anna Foster was calmly anchoring the tense and complicated events for the 10 o’clock news from Beirut without an Autocue.

Broadband TV News: The ITVX streaming war room

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITVX continues to grow as a platform and with owner ITV holding key broadcast rights, it’s vital for everything to run smoothly.

Broadband TV News: Virgin Media sets out pay-TV transition

Story from Broadband TV News:

Virgin Media O2’s Chief TV & Entertainment Officer has explained how the pay-TV platform is handling the flatlining within the sector.

UK Cable TV Changes: Virgin Media UK set to launch more FAST Channels

Story from UK Cable TV Changes:

Virgin Media UK has started new tests for more FAST Channels to launch soon:

Broadband TV News: Sky News to continue commercial radio agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky News has agreed a deal with IRN (Independent Radio News) to continue providing national and international news, sport, business and showbusiness content to commercial radio stations across the UK.

City AM: MPs slam TNT Sports cycling subscription fee hike

Story from City AM:

MPs have slammed TNT Sports over its plan to move the Tour de France behind a paywall that is more than four times the former subscription fee.

City AM: Critics slam Warner Bros cutting Eurosport for TNT Sports in UK

Story from City AM:

In January Warner Bros. Discovery announced that it would be winding down its UK-based Eurosport operation with the live sport content migrating to TNT Sports from the end of last month.

Deadline: BBC News Presenters Hold Settlement Talks As Legal Battle Looms Over “Sham” Hiring Process

Story from Deadline:

A group of four female BBC News presenters are preparing to do battle with their bosses next week over what they describe as a “rigged” recruitment process — but there remains a chance that the women could settle.

Broadband TV News: Sky Sports announces a major golf partnership

Story from Broadband TV News:

Callaway Golf will become the official sponsor of key events across both the men’s and women’s golfing calendar on Sky Sports Golf.

Manchester Evening News: Manchester's lost TV station where the fresh faced stars of BBC Breakfast started out

Story from Manchester Evening News:

For over a decade, hundreds of thousands of viewers across Greater Manchester tuned in to their dedicated TV channel to keep up with local news, sports, and entertainment.

Broadcast Sport: Sky Sports’ directors chief on the industry & her career

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Sky Sports head of directors and directors’ assistants Sara Chenery has spent over 30 years with the broadcaster.

C21 Media: UK producer World Media Rights set to close following death of founder

Story from C21 Media:

World Media Rights (WMR), the UK factual outfit behind Netflix’s The Lost Pirate Kingdom that counted Germany’s ZDF Studios among its investors, is set to close following the death of its founder Alan Griffiths.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 extends Crufts rights

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 has announced that it will continue to broadcast Crufts until 2029.

Sky Sports UK; Baller League: Sky Sports and NOW becomes the TV home of inaugural UK season

Story from Sky Sports UK:

Sky and Baller League have announced a one-year broadcast partnership which will see Sky Sports and NOW become the TV home of the new indoor six-a-side competition in the UK, in an exciting new era of football.

Media Guardian: BBC News to create AI department to offer more personalised content

Story from Media Guardian:

BBC News is to create a new department that will use AI to give the public more personalised content, as its leader said the corporation had been “defying gravity” in reaching audiences amid seismic changes in the way news is consumed.

Virgin Media O2: Virgin Media TV customers can enjoy brand-new FAST channels at no extra cost

Story from Virgin Media O2:

Virgin Media O2 has launched two brand-new FAST channels, offering customers the opportunity to immerse themselves in round-the-clock episodes of popular TV shows, at no extra cost.

Media Boy UK views: Are Virgin Media set to move more Sports Channels to new home?

This post is only the views of Media Boy UK HQ:

Last year Media Boy UK did think Virgin Media UK may move TNT Sports Channels to old Eurosport UK Channel numbers & Media Boy UK HQ was right on the ball.

BBC Sport: BBC to show Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland matches live

Story from BBC Sport:

The BBC will show all World Cup qualifiers for the men's teams of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland live.

Today's Virgin Media UK Changes in full (Easy to understand):

Today's Virgin Media UK Changes in full:

Here some news for UK users of Google TV Streamer

Here some news for UK users of Google TV Streamer:

Advanced Television: Guild Esports and Gaming acquires Encore

Story from Advanced Television:

Guild Esports and Gaming, the gaming-focused media platform, has completed the acquisition of Encore, a Los Angeles-based fan engagement, analytics protocol utilised by some of the largest leagues, teams, and brands in the world to capture zero-party and first-party data.

''Premier Sports Rugby HD'' now testing on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK has today started to test ''Premier Sports Rugby HD'' ahead of it launch.

Broadband TV News: ITV to recoup ITVX investment early

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV has said it is on course to recoup the investment made in streaming service ITVX by the end of 2025.

Deadline: Netflix Gets Back In The Boxing Ring With Katie Taylor & Amanda Serrano Rematch

Story from Deadline:

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will square off against each other for a third time.

Hollywood Reporter; ITV CEO Won’t Address Studios Deal “Speculation”: “We Will Continue to Build the Business”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

U.K. TV giant ITV continues to focus on growing a successful production business, CEO Carolyn McCall said during an earnings call with reporters on Thursday after posting record full-year earnings for its ITV Studios production unit as she declined to comment on market chatter about a possible merger for the division.

Hollywood Reporter: ITV Reports Full-Year Studios Profit Record, Ad Revenue Rises 2 Percent

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

U.K. TV giant ITV on Thursday reported record earnings for its ITV Studios production unit and a 2 percent advertising revenue increase for the full year 2024, compared with 2023.

Deadline: ‘BBC Breakfast’ Editor Was Rewarded With More Power After Facing Bullying & Misconduct Claims

Story from Deadline:

The boss of the BBC’s flagship breakfast news show had his powers beefed up after facing allegations of bullying, favoritism, and shaking a female colleague, Deadline can reveal.

Variety: All Elite Wrestling and Prime Video Ink New Pay-Per-View Distribution Agreement

Story from Variety:

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Prime Video have announced a multi-year agreement to offer AEW pay-per-view events for purchase to fans in the United Kingdom.

Deadline: Long-Serving BBC Comms Boss John Shield To Exit After A Decade

Story from Deadline:

John Shield, the BBC’s long-serving comms boss who has been with the corporation for over a decade, is exiting, while ex-BBC COO Caroline Thomson is joining the board in place of Nicholas Serota.

CityAM: TNT Sports leads UK TV deal race for Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track

Story from CityAM:

TNT Sports is set to bid for UK TV rights for Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track league, which begins in Kingston, Jamaica next month.

Broadcast Sport: LaLiga launches UK & Ireland rights tender

Story from Broadcast Sport:

LaLiga has launched its UK & Ireland rights tender, alongside the processes for Belgium and DACH.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom to review Broadcasting Code after GB News wins Judicial Review

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom is to consult on changes to its Broadcasting Code around the use of politicians as news presenters or reporters after a High Court judgment said the regulator had acted unlawfully in its decisions on two editions of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s State of the Nation on GB News.

Deadline: Prime Video UK Director Chris Bird Stepping Down From Streamer After 14 Years

Story from Deadline:

Chris Bird is leaving his role as Director of Prime Video UK after 14 years.

Media Boy UK Views: With TCM UK and Eurosport UK Channels closing are Warner Bros Discovery set to close more channels in the UK?

This post is just the views of Media Boy UK HQ:

Since Warner Media and Discovery merge - Eurosport UK and TCM UK channels in the UK has close.

Guild Esports: Guild Becomes New Home of GINX TV for 25% Stake in Gaming Content Business

Story from Guild Esports:

Guild Esports and Gaming has entered into a partnership agreement with GINX TV, a long-standing gaming video content, Digital, Web and TV broadcaster, that will see the company relocate all operations to Guild’s HQ, the Sky Guild Gaming Centre in Shoreditch, London, establishing a permanent live studio and gallery within the 15,000-square-foot venue.

Deadline: GB News Wins Landmark Legal Battle With UK Media Regulator Ofcom Over Trump Report

Story from Deadline:

GB News has won a landmark legal battle with UK media regulator Ofcom over a report by presenter Jacob Rees-Mogg about Donald Trump.

Deadline: BBC Unscripted Supremo Kate Phillips Takes On Interim Content Chief Role Following Shock Charlotte Moore Exit Announcement

Story from Deadline:

The BBC’s unscripted supremo Kate Phillips will take on content boss Charlotte Moore’s role at least in the interim.

City AM; GB News: Huge losses continue despite sales and audience surge

Story from City AM:

GB News has reported another huge loss despite its revenue more than doubling and its audience continuing to grow.

Deadline; BBC Content Chief Runners & Riders: Who Will Claim The Most Powerful Creative Job In British TV?

Story from Deadline:

Charlotte Moore’s decision to quit the BBC has opened up the most powerful creative job in British television — and within minutes speculation was rampant about who could succeed the outgoing content chief.

C21 Media: ITV ringfences another £80m for diverse commissioning over next three years

Story from C21 Media:

ITV has committed £80m to commissioning from diverse-led companies over the next three years and doubled its diversity development fund to £1m.

Deadline: BBC Shocker! Charlotte Moore Quits As Content Chief To Join Sony & ‘The Crown’ Producer Left Bank

Story from Deadline:

In a shock move, BBC content chief Charlotte Moore is leaving the British broadcaster to become CEO of Left Bank Pictures and creative director of international production at Sony Pictures Television.

Deadline: YouTube Rules Out Return To Originals Despite TV Set Viewing Boom: “We Have No Interest Whatsoever In Producing Our Own Content” — MIP London

Story from Deadline:

YouTube has point-blank ruled out a return to original production, even as consumption of the site explodes on TV sets.

Deadline; ‘Safe Harbor’: ITV Among Buyers Of Drug Trade Drama From ‘Ozark’s Mark Williams

Story from Deadline:

ITV is among the first buyers to swoop for Mark Williams crime drama Safe Harbor here at the London TV Screenings.

Hollywood Reporter: Max and Tubi Executives Outline U.K. Strategies at MIP London

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery‘s streamer Max, which just unveiled its Australia launch date, and Fox Corp.’s Tubi were in focus at MIP London on Wednesday, with a focus on their U.K. strategies.

Variety: Prime Video Aims for ‘Broad and Well-Rounded Slate,’ Hannah Blyth, Head of TV Licensing in the U.K., Says at Mip London

Story from Variety:

Hannah Blyth, head of TV licensing at the U.K. arm of Amazon’s Prime Video, underscored the desire to have “a broad and well-rounded slate” when speaking Wednesday at TV event Mip London.

The Sun: Channel 5 reveals exact date free streaming app is relaunching with even more TV shows and extra channels

Story from The Sun:

One of the UK's biggest broadcasters has issued a huge update on when its shiny new streaming service will land.

Advanced Television: Channel 5 launching Drama of the Week strand

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 5 is set launch a new drama strand, under the working title Drama of the Week.

Variety: ‘Neighbours’ Canceled Again, Ending Amazon’s Two-Year Revival

Story from Variety:

The long-running Australian soap opera “Neighbours” is set to end its run once again, with the final episode scheduled to air in December.

Broadband TV News: Premier Sports secures rights to Copa del Rey semi finals and final

Story from Broadband TV News:

The semi-finals and final of Spanish football’s premier cup competition the Copa del Rey will be screened live and exclusive in the UK on Premier Sports.

Broadcast Sport: Prime Video picks up Ligue 1 for PPV

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Prime Video has picked up the rights to the top French football league, Ligue 1.

Broadcast Sport: TNT Sports UK becomes home to motorbike competitions

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Warner Bros. Discovery has moved all of its motorbike competition rights to TNT Sports, ahead of the Eurosport brand closing in the UK.

Advanced Television: TNT Sports scores Supercars, AFL rights

Story from Advanced Television:

Fans in the UK and Ireland will be able to watch every race of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship season as well as every game of the Australian Football League (AFL) on TNT Sports and discovery+ through new rights deals.

EXCLUSIVE: Are any local TV Channel making any money?

Media Boy UK has look up all latest accounts (year beside name) of Local TV Channels in the UK.

What are Virgin Media testing ahead of they launch right now!

All Channel launch dates are TBC (Channel will be on when launch):

• Sky Artist of the Year (Channel 239)
• Wonder (Channel 240)
• Sky Sports Stories (Channel 558)
• Sky Sports Classics (Channel 559)
• Sky Sports Vault (Channel 560)

Nottinghamshire Live: University hopes others will 'pick up the baton' ahead of Notts TV closure

Story from Nottinghamshire Live:

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) says it hopes other organisations will "pick up the baton" from Notts TV after confirming that the channel will close in November.

Nottinghamshire Live: Notts TV 'incredibly proud' of decade of broadcasting as chairman addresses closure

Story from Nottinghamshire Live:

The interim chairman of Notts TV has released a statement as the channel confirmed it will be closing down in just a few months.

Nottinghamshire Live: The end of Notts TV is a blow for local journalism - and the city of Nottingham

Story from Nottinghamshire Live:

Ten years of local broadcasting will come to an end later this year as Notts TV broadcasts its final show.

Broadband TV News: Euronews returns to profitability

Story from Broadband TV News:

Euronews is back in profitability for the first time in a decade.

Advanced Television: Audi signs Sky Sports F1 sponsorship deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Audi has signed a three-year deal to become the official sponsor of Sky Sports F1.

Broadcast Sport: Sky Sports adds Netball Super League fixtures to rights deal

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Sky Sports has added two fixtures-per-week to its Netball Super League rights deal.

Deadline: BBC Wins Legal Fight With Fired Presenter, But Case Details Claims He Faced “Anti-Wokeism” Homophobia

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has won the first round of a legal fight with a fired radio presenter, but was unsuccessful in efforts to stop the publication of an internal review detailing allegations of homophobia at one of the broadcaster’s regional outposts.

City AM; Ahead of the Game: Six Nations TV rights tender hit by delay

Story from City AM:

The Six Nations TV tender has been put on hold due to delays in finalising the format of the new global Nations Championship, which will launch next year.

Premier Sports gets the winning try against OFCOM to launch Rugby channel

Premier Media Broadcasting Limited was given a broadcasting license by OFCOM to launch ''Premier Rugby HD'' in January 2025 to launch soon on Sky and Virgin Media UK.

Nottinghamshire Live: Notts TV set to close down after more than a decade of broadcasting

Story from Nottinghamshire Live:

Notts TV is set to close down in what will mark the end of more than a decade of broadcasting across the county.

Advanced Television: John Cena returning to UK for WWE Raw shows

Story from Advanced Television:

WWE, part of TKO Group, has confirmed that legendary WWE superstar that John Cena will return to Europe this March as part of his 2025 Farewell Tour and appear live on Raw for the final time in Brussels, Glasgow and London.

Broadband TV News: Virgin Media O2 doubles investment in customer service

Story from Broadband TV News:

Virgin Media O2 chief executive Lutz Schüler has admitted the company has more work to do in some areas of customer service.

Advanced Television; Ofcom: EE, Virgin Media lead pay-TV complaints

Story from Advanced Television:

Ofcom has published the latest figures for the complaints it has received about the UK’s main broadband, mobile and pay-TV services.

Advanced Television: ITV commissions Extreme Planet Earth

Story from Advanced Television:

UK-based Plimsoll Productions, part of ITV Studios, a leader in natural-history filmmaking, has been commissioned by parent company ITV to produce the six-part global events series Extreme Planet Earth.

Deadline: BBC Removes Disgraced Presenter Huw Edwards From ‘Doctor Who’ & Restores Episode To iPlayer

Story from Deadline:

An episode of Doctor Who that originally featured Huw Edwards has been restored to BBC iPlayer after six months with the disgraced news presenter edited out.

Deadline: Studiocanal Appoints Chief International Officer & UK CEO

Story from Deadline:

Studiocanal has appointed Alex Hamilton as the company’s Chief International Officer and Katheryn Needham has been promoted to UK CEO.

Deadline: Ofcom Set To Receive 60,000 Complaints Over GB News Pedophile Joke

Story from Deadline:

A British advocacy group has said it will present more than 60,000 complaints to Ofcom about a GB News presenter’s suggestion that the LGBTQ+ community includes pedophiles.

Advanced Television: Channel 4’s social audiences thrive

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 has reported that YouTube audiences for full episodes of its hit shows such as First Dates, Murder Case: Digital Detectives and Grand Designs have grown by 169 per cent year on year.

Variety: Secuoya Studios Expands International Reach With New BlackBox Multimedia Partnership in the U.K.

Story from Variety:

Spanish content powerhouse Secuoya Studios has entered into a strategic first-look development and production partnership with London-based BlackBox Multimedia to co-produce premium series for U.K. and Spanish streamers and broadcasters.

Broadcast: Potential ITVS deal supported by investors

Story from Broadcast:

Investors in ITV are broadly supportive of moves by the UK commercial broadcaster to sell its production and distribution arm ITV Studios, according to a report.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom starts consultations on PSB prominence

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom has opened a consultation of the implementation of new laws designed to ensure audiences can easily find Public Service Broadcasters’ content on connected TV platforms.

Broadcast Sport: Sky Sports gets on the course with Icons Series

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Sky Sports will exclusively broadcast the Reignwood Icons of Football tournament to UK fans on 1-2 March.

BBC News: BBC says The Traitors met Scottish staffing rules

Story from BBC News:

The number of Scotland-based staff working on reality TV show The Traitors increased between the first and second series, the BBC has said.

Sky Sports; Nick Powell: Sky Sports News presenter reflects on 29 years with Sky and 43 in live broadcasting on eve of retirement

Story from Sky Sports:

After 29 years with Sky and 43 in live broadcasting, Nick Powell has switched off his mic for the final time, retiring on his 66th birthday.

Broadcast: BBCS, Fremantle distribution chiefs highlight UK scripted ‘crisis’

Story from Broadcast:

BBC Studios distribution chief Rebecca Glashow and Fremantle counterpart Jens Richter have urged the UK industry to realign budget expectations as the country’s scripted crisis continues to grow.

Advanced Television: Tubi on Netgem

Story from Advanced Television:

Netgem has announced a new partnership with Tubi, the free, ad-supported streaming service.

Deadline: UK Actors Union Threatens Court Action To BBC, ITV, Disney & Pact If Members Rights Are Breached Over AI

Story from Deadline:

The UK actors union has threatened to go to the “courts if necessary” if members’ rights continue to be breached in the training of AI models.

Express: BBC licence fee 'should be replaced with Netflix-style subscription'

Story from Express: 

The BBC licence fee is out of date and should be scrapped, a new report claims.

Broadband TV News: ITV to show LIV golf in free-to-air deal

Story from Broadband TV News:

The 2025 season of the controversial LIV Golf tournament will be shown free-to-air on ITVX in the United Kingdom.

Advanced Television: Sky Kids unveils new slate and returning favourites

Story from Advanced Television:

Sky Kids has unveiling a slate of new original shows and returning favourites at this year’s Kidscreen Summit.

Deadline: ITVX & Lion Forge Entertainment Strike UK Deal For Nigerian Animated Superhero Series ‘Iyanu’

Story from Deadline:

L.A.-based Lion Forge Entertainment has closed a UK streaming deal with ITVX for its fantasy superhero animated series Iyanu, based on Nigerian mythology.

Broadband TV News: Netflix increases UK subscription prices

Story from Broadband TV News:

The latest round of price increases from Netflix has reached the UK.

Deadline: British Film & High-End TV Spend Hit £5.6B In 2024

Story from Deadline:

Spend on UK film and high-end TV beat pre-Covid levels last year, the BFI‘s annual figures have revealed.

Advanced Television: Hearst Networks UK extends Sky deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Hearst Networks UK has extended its distribution agreement with Sky in the UK and Ireland.

Broadcast Sport: Formula E's ITV free-to-air viewership up 120%

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Formula E has revealed that the opening race of its season, in São Paulo, saw a 120% increase in like-for-like viewership against the same race in Season 10, after it secured a new free-to-air broadcast deal with ITV.

Broadcast Sport: Premier Sports teams up with STV Player

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Premier Sports and STV Player have partnered to make the former’s content available through the STV Player streaming platform.

Deadline: UK Government May Force Broadcasters To Regularly Fund New Anti-Bullying Reporting Body

Story from Deadline:

The UK government is considering enshrining into law a requirement for UK broadcasters to regularly fund anti-bullying reporting body CIISA, which is yet to launch properly several years after it was first floated.

Sky News: Kay Burley retires from Sky News after 36 years

Story from Sky News:

Kay Burley has announced she is retiring from Sky News after 36 years at the broadcaster.

BBC News: Emmerdale and Coronation Street schedules face cut backs

Story from BBC News:

ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale are to see their content cut by an hour a week between them from next year.

Today Virgin Media UK channel changes in full

Full list of today's changes on Virgin Media UK:

REMOVED on EPG:

Advanced Television: Sky extends PDC rights

Story from Advanced Television:

Ahead of the 2025 Premier League Darts season, Sky and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) have announced a five-year rights extension keeping Sky Sports as the home of darts until 2030, marking nearly 40 years of collaboration.

Advanced Television: Virgin TV adds 2 new reality FAST channels

Story from Advanced Television:

Virgin Media O2 has announced the launch of two new reality TV FAST channels, in collaboration with ITV Studios, on Virgin TV. Virgin TV customers with a Stream, V6 or Virgin TV 360 box can immerse themselves in popular reality shows with round-the-clock episodes, all at no extra cost.

Deadline: “The BBC Didn’t Need To Sack Jeremy Clarkson,” Says ‘Top Gear’ Co-Presenter James May

Story from Deadline:

The BBC didn’t need to sack Jeremy Clarkson from its hit car show Top Gear, says his former co-presenter James May.

UK Cable TV Changes: Virgin Media UK wins race to resign Sky Sports Racing

Story from UK Cable TV Changes:

UK Cable TV Changes are set to launch ''Greyhound'' via the red button on Sky Sports Racing HD for their Premier Greyhound Racing on Virgin Media UK.

Variety: ITV, RedBird IMI in Early Talks to Merge Production Arms

Story from Variety:

ITV has held early talks with the Abu Dhabi-backed investment group RedBird IMI, led by CEO Jeff Zucker, about a potential merger of their production businesses, according to a report.

Broadcast Sport: Free golf streamer, DP World Tour channel, launches

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The European Tour Group and C15 Studio have launched the DP World Tour channel, a 24/7 free ad-suppored streaming TV channel focused on “world-class golf”.

Deadline: Channel 4 Boss Warns Against UK “Sliding Into American News Swamp”

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon has urged UK intervention on public service news to help resist “sliding into an American news swamp.”

Broadcast Sport: Talksport launches 24/7 FAST channel with slate of original programming

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Talksport has launched a 24/7 FAST channel and smart TV app.

Media Boy UK Views: What may happen in March on Virgin Media

Here what Media Boy UK HQ thinks may happen in March after Eurosport UK closes.

Advanced Television: BBC World Service sets out £6m saving plan

Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC World Service has announced that it will be making a series of changes in order to meet savings requirements for the year ahead.

VEVO closes on Virgin Media UK

The VEVO app has been removed from Virgin Media UK.

The VEVO Red Button Channel was on Virgin UK Channel 291.

VEVO is schedule to close on January 31st on ALL other Networks.

Broadband TV News: Tubi goes live on TiVo OS powered TVs in the UK

Story from Broadband TV News:

Rupert Murdoch’s free-to-air streaming service Tubi is now available through the TiVo OS in the UK.

Deadline: UK Government Has “No Plans” For Streamer Levy Amid Scripted Funding Crisis

Story from Deadline:

The British government has effectively ruled out the idea of imposing a levy on U.S. streamers like Netflix amid a funding crisis for domestic scripted series.

Broadband TV News: BBC publishes Net Zero Transition Plan

Story from Broadband TV News:

The BBC has given details of how it intends to be Net Zero by 2050.

Broadband TV News: Sky News considers move to premium to face off linear decline

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky News has revealed plans for a major revamp of both its programming and newsroom.

Broadcast Sport: TNT Sports responds to Six Nations rights bid rumours

Story from Broadcast Sport:

TNT Sports has said that any bid for the rights to the Six Nations would be, “very challenging,” due to its links to free-to-air TV.

Broadcast Sport: TNT Sports to replace Eurosport in UK & Ireland

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Warner Bros. Discovery is killing off the Eurosport brand in the UK and Ireland.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom consults on changes to PSB independent productions

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom has announced a consultation on proposed changes to the guidance for Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) when drawing up their Codes of Practice on the commissioning of independent productions.

RugbyPass: Six Nations TV rights soon to be up for grabs

Story from RugbyPass:

TNT Sports could add the Six Nations to their expanding portfolio of international rugby starting next season.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 sponsors KISS Breakfast

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 is the new sponsor of KISS Breakfast, marking the first time that the broadcaster is sponsoring the Bauer Media radio station.

Advanced Television; UKTV commissions Cape Carnage: Killer Catch

Story from Advanced Television:

UKTV has commissioned a new adventure documentary series, Cape Carnage: Killer Catch (10×60’), for U&Dave and streaming service, U.

Broadcast: Disney+ taps former Netflix EMEA business chief

Story from Broadcast:

Deepti Burton takes vice-president post after six years at rival streamer.

Broadcast Sport: TNT Sports to host broadcast BBC’s FA Cup fixtures

Story from Broadcast Sport:

TNT Sports will host broadcast the BBC’s FA Cup fixtures, once the pair’s rights deal begins next season.

Advanced Television: MPs publish production inquiry evidence

Story from Advanced Television:

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the UK House of Commons has published written evidence submitted to the Committee’s inquiry into British film and high-end TV on TV production ahead of evidence sessions.

Deadline; BBC Sounds Alarm Over UK Scripted Funding Crisis: “Multiple Productions Are Stuck In Limbo”

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has issued the starkest warning yet about the UK scripted funding crisis, telling lawmakers that multiple greenlit series are “stuck in limbo.”

EXCLUSIVE: Are GINX TV in Trouble?

All info from Company house:

Media Boy UK HQ has found out the following about GINX TV:

Deadline: Amazon UK Boss Says “Greater Share” Of Prime Video TV Spend Shifting To Britain, But Streamer Would Never Have Commissioned ‘Mr Bates’

Story from Deadline:

Prime Video is shifting a greater share of its overall TV spend to Britain, according to Amazon UK boss Chris Bird.

Deadline; BBC Boss Tim Davie Wades Into ‘The Traitors’ Scottish Production Row: “We Are Not Interested In Gaming The Figures”

Story from Deadline:

“We are not interested in gaming the figures,” BBC DG Tim Davie repeated several times in front of a Scottish parliamentary committee this morning amid the row over The Traitors and local talent.

Deadline: ‘Brassic’ To End After Seven Seasons On Sky

Story from Deadline:

Hit Sky comedy Brassic is to end after seven seasons.

Advanced Television: Hexagon Cup renews ITV broadcasting deal

Story from Advanced Television:

The Hexagon Cup has announced the renewal of its partnership with ITV as broadcasting rights holder for the second edition of the padel tournament, ensuring fans across the UK can enjoy free-to-air extensive coverage of the tournament’s second edition, taking place from January 29th to February 2nd, in Madrid, Spain.

Advanced Television: BBC plays dangerous game, again

Story from Advanced Television:

Let’s not be coy, the demise of the Conservative government in the UK was a relief to the BBC. The relationship between the two was tense, at best, wilfully frictional at worst.

Media Guardian: Lebedev’s London Live TV channel closes after decade of mounting losses

Story from Media Guardian:

At midnight on Sunday, London Live, the capital’s dedicated TV channel and crown jewel of Jeremy Hunt’s strategy to populate the UK with dozens of local TV stations, will cease broadcasting after a little over a decade.

Testing on Virgin Media UK right now (UPDATE)

Here is a list of channels that are testing right now ahead of launching on Virgin Media UK (As of January 3rd):

FAST Channels;

• Hell's Kitchen - set to launch on Virgin UK Channel 233

Advanced Television: TNT Sports appoints Thomas as Head of Football

Story fri ced Television:

Pete Thomas will join TNT Sports as its new Head of Football on March 1st. He joins from production house Whisper.

UK Cable TV Changes: Virgin Media and Blue Ant Media give some Love to Pets

Information from 

UK Cable TV Changes:

Blue Ant Media has removed Love Drama from Virgin Media UK.

Advanced Television: BBC under fire for app promos

Story from Advanced Television:

UK commercial news organisations have attacked the BBC for promoting its services above their media apps on smartphones on Apple and Android platforms.

Broadband TV News: Sky to move Sky Cinema customers to new Paramount+ Basic (with ads)

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky TV customers who receive Paramount+ as part of their Sky Cinema subscription are to be moved to the new Paramount+ Basic (with ads) plan from 21 January 2025.

BBC Sport: Snooker's big three tournaments to stay on BBC until 2032

BBC Sport: Snooker's big three tournaments to stay on BBC until 2032

Story from BBC Sport:

BBC Sport will continue to broadcast snooker's three most prestigious tournaments - the World Championship, UK Championship and the Masters - until 2032.

Broadband TV News: Piers Morgan named as top British influencer in new YouTube chart

Story from Broadband TV News:

Piers Morgan has been named as Britain’s top influencer on YouTube, according to a new survey.

BBC News: Culture secretary rules out funding BBC from taxes

Story from BBC News:

The BBC will not be funded from general taxation if the TV licence fee is abolished, the culture secretary has said.

Deadline: BFI’s Global Screen Fund Set For Funding Boost As UK Government Launches “Soft Power” Program

Story from Deadline:

The British Film Institute’s (BFI) Global Screen Fund will receive a £7 million cash injection as part of a new arts and culture investment package announced today by the UK government.

Deadline: News UK Studios Staff Face Layoffs After Piers Morgan’s Exit From Murdoch Media Empire

Story from Deadline:

Rupert Murdoch‘s News UK has placed an unknown number of employees into a consultation process as part of plans to reorganize its studios division after Piers Morgan‘s departure.

Advanced Television: UKTV doubles views to U streaming service

Story from Advanced Television:

UKTV has reported that its digital first strategy has delivered “strong VoD growth” following the BBC Studios-owned broadcaster’s decision to unite its channels and streaming service under the U masterbrand and combine its previously separate linear and VoD divisions.

Broadcast Sport: Saudi wealth fund close to $1bn DAZN investment

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Saudi Arabian national wealth fund Surj Sports Investment is reportedly close to investing £820m in DAZN.

Deadline; ‘The Traitors’: BBC & Ofcom Were Forced To Correct Record Over Scottish Talent Working On Season 1

Story from Deadline:

The row around use of local Scottish talent on hit show The Traitors, or lack thereof, is showing no signs of abating.

Broadcast Sport: BBC confirms Cates, Chapman & Logan as MOTD presenters

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The BBC has confirmed that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will succeed Gary Lineker as hosts of Match Of The Day.

Hollywood Reporter; ‘An t-Eilean’: Why the BBC Is Betting on the U.K.’s First Gaelic Prestige Drama Series ‘The Island’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

An t-Eilean, or: The Island. That is the title of a prestige crime drama set on the Western Isles of Scotland that was launched by the BBC on Tuesday evening on its BBC iPlayer streaming service and BBC Alba, the Scottish Gaelic-language free-to-air channel that the U.K. public service broadcaster co-owns with MG Alba.

Deadline; Revealed: The British Comedy Producers Hoping To Land The Next Breakout BBC Sitcom

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is inching towards greenlighting its next big sitcom and we can reveal which producers are in the running.

Reports: London TV to launch on Freeview on January 21st

London Live has been took over by Local Television - reports say the new channel is launch at 6am on January 21st with a working name of ''London TV''.

BBC News: London Live to go off air after 10 years

Story from BBC News:

Local television channel London Live has announced it will cease broadcasting on 20 January.

Deadline: Netflix’s UK Audience Reach Overtook BBC1 For The First Time Last Year

Story from Deadline:

Netflix was the most-watched TV service in the UK for three months last year, overtaking dominant domestic network BBC1 for the first time, according to a Deadline analysis.

Advanced Television: Rugby League, IMG unveil enhanced Our League app

Story from Advanced Television:

Rugby League (RL) Commercial and IMG have unveiled a new look for Rugby League’s official fan app – Our League – powered by digital platform provider, Urban Zoo.

Advanced Television: MODUS Super Series Darts on Pluto TV

Story from Advanced Television:

FAST service Pluto TV and MODUS Super Series have agreed a partnership to bring MODUS Super Series Darts on Pluto TV across multiple international markets, including exclusively in the UK, GSA and Denmark – providing darts content 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Media Guardian; Football on TV: fans ‘paying almost 60% more to watch all big games than in 2020’

Story from Media Guardian:

Football superfans are paying almost 60% more than they were five years ago to watch the 15 most popular tournaments and leagues, as the number of broadcasters and streaming services required to follow them has increased from four to 10 over the last decade.

Sky FAST Channels given go-ahead by OFCOM to launch

OFCOM has given FOUR broadcasting Licence to Sky UK last month (December 2024) for the following FAST Channels to launch on Virgin Media UK:

Daily Mail: BBC licence fee 'could be scrapped by end of 2027 and swapped for tax'

Story from Daily Mail:

The BBC TV licence fee could be scrapped and replaced by funding from general taxation under plans reportedly being considered by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

Daily Mail: Matt Le Tissier reveals full reasons he believes he was sacked by Sky

Story from Daily Mail:

Matt Le Tissier has revealed the reasons he believes he was sacked by Sky Sports, admitting he became 'unpopular' with bosses at the broadcasting giant.

Advanced Television: ITV promotes Tatlow to Head of Diversity

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV has announced that Creative Diversity Partner Sam Tatlow MBE has been promoted to take on the newly created role of Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as Ade Rawcliffe takes up her expanded role as ITV’s Chief People Officer.

Sky Sports beat Netflix to 'sign £125M TV rights deal with the PDC'

Story from Daily Mail:

Sky Sports have reportedly signed an exclusive broadcasting deal with the PDC, beating out competition from streaming giant Netflix in the process.

Deadline; ‘The Traitors’: BBC & Studio Lambert Accused Of Being Misleading About Hit Show’s Scottish Roots

Story from Deadline:

The Traitors is all about backstabbing and accusations, but accusations of deception have now extended to the behind-the-scenes production of the hit show.

Daily Mail: BBC appoints 'impartiality champions' to bolster 'trust'

Story from Daily Mail:

The BBC has appointed ‘impartiality champions’ amid criticism of allegedly biased coverage.

Advanced Television: Record audiences for Premiership Rugby festive fixtures

Story from Advanced Television:

Over the Christmas period, 2.6 million fans tuned in to Gallagher Premiership Rugby, eclipsing last season’s Festive Fixtures then-record total of 1.8 million, according to Barb figures.

Deadline; Revealed: BBC Boss Tim Davie Held Crunch Talks With Top Producers Over UK Scripted Funding Crisis

Story from Deadline:

The BBC assembled some of the UK’s finest drama and comedy producers to discuss the scripted funding crisis currently gripping the industry, we can reveal.