Channel 5 Adds 11 New Channels to Freely

 Channel 5 has significantly expanded its presence on Freely, adding 11 new streaming channels to the free internet TV platform.

The new channels give Freely viewers more choice, with dedicated services covering movies, crime, history, medical programmes, documentaries, children's content and popular Channel 5 shows.

11 new channels

The new services are:

• 5Cops
• 5Police Interceptors
• 5Movies
• 5A&E
• 5Crime
• 5Medical
• 5Yorkshire Vet
• 5Bargain-Loving Brits
• 5Trucking Hell
• 5History
• Milkshake!

They have been added directly to the Freely programme guide, so viewers can find them alongside the other live channels available through the platform.

Five of the new channels are exclusive to Freely and the 5 streaming service at launch: 5Movies, 5Medical, 5Yorkshire Vet, 5History and Milkshake!.

More choice without an aerial or satellite dish

One of Freely's biggest advantages is that these channels are delivered over the internet rather than through a traditional TV aerial or satellite dish.

That makes the new services particularly interesting for viewers using compatible Freely televisions or devices such as the Manhattan Aero and other Freely streaming boxes.

The channels are available at no additional cost, although of course an internet connection is required.

Further reading and information available here

Netflix Becomes UK Viewers’ First Choice – But BBC Still Leads

 For the first time, Netflix has overtaken the BBC as the service UK viewers say they turn to first when deciding what to watch.

According to Ofcom's latest Media Nations research, 26% of UK viewers now choose Netflix as their first destination, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%. ITV follows at 15%.

It is an important milestone for streaming, but there is an important distinction: Netflix becoming the first choice does not mean it is the UK's most-watched television service.

Netflix is first choice, but BBC still gets more viewing

Ofcom's survey asks viewers which service they instinctively go to first when looking for something to watch. It does not measure total viewing time.

When actual viewing is measured, the BBC remains ahead. BBC content accounts for around 18% of UK video viewing, compared with approximately 9% for Netflix.

The BBC also continues to have a major advantage in live television, news, sport, entertainment and major national events, while its extensive on-demand library is available through BBC iPlayer.

So while someone might open Netflix first when looking for a film or drama, they can still spend considerably more time watching BBC programmes.

Further reading and information available here

Why Does Starlink Need So Many Satellites?

 If you regularly see SpaceX launching another batch of Starlink satellites, you might wonder why the network needs thousands of satellites when traditional satellite TV services such as Sky and Freesat can operate using just a handful.

The answer comes down to orbit, coverage, capacity and latency.

More than 10,000 Starlink satellites

As of July 2026, more than 10,800 Starlink satellites are operational, with SpaceX having launched more than 12,500 in total. Older satellites are regularly retired and removed from orbit.

And the network is still growing. SpaceX has regulatory approval for around 19,500 satellites, while its longer-term plans envisage a constellation of approximately 34,400.

But why are so many necessary?

Further reading and information available here

BBC iPlayer Ends Support for Many Devices

 If you’ve recently opened the BBC iPlayer app and been greeted by a warning saying “You’ll soon need to watch iPlayer another way”, you’re not alone.

From 30 September 2026, BBC iPlayer will stop working directly on a number of Android TV and Google TV devices, leaving many users wondering why a perfectly good streaming device is suddenly losing support.

The warning explains that BBC apps have been supported on the device for the last seven years, but support is ending, directing users to the BBC’s website to find another way to watch.

Further reading and information available here

Geostationary vs Low Earth Orbit Satellites

 When most people think of satellites, they imagine a single spacecraft floating high above the Earth, providing television, internet or communications. In reality, there are several different types of satellite orbits, each designed for specific purposes. The two most common for communications are Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Although both are used to transmit data around the world, they operate in very different ways. Traditional satellite television services such as Sky and Freesat rely on geostationary satellites, while modern broadband providers like Starlink use thousands of Low Earth Orbit satellites.

Further reading and information available here

Channel 5 Moves to DVB-S2 on UK Satellite Platform

 Channel 5 has updated one of its UK satellite transmissions, meaning older SD satellite receivers will no longer be able to receive the channel.

The transponder on 11307MHz Horizontal (SR 27500, FEC 2/3) has changed from DVB-S to DVB-S2 8PSK. While the frequency itself remains the same, the move to the newer DVB-S2 transmission standard requires an HD-compatible satellite receiver.

Further reading and information available here

BBC Studios Eyes More UK Streaming Deals for BBC Shows

 The BBC is considering new ways to maximise the value of its programmes by allowing them to appear on additional UK streaming platforms after they’ve completed their initial run on BBC television and BBC iPlayer.

The move centres on “second window” rights—the opportunity to licence programmes to other broadcasters and streaming services once they’ve first been shown on the BBC. It’s an approach that could generate additional income without reducing the BBC’s public service offering.

However, many viewers are surprised to learn that these deals are usually handled not by the BBC itself, but by BBC Studios, a separate commercial company owned by the BBC.

Further reading and information available here

BBC Licence Fee Payers Fall by Over Half a Million

 The BBC is facing growing financial pressure after revealing that the number of households paying the television licence fee has fallen by more than half a million over the past year. The latest figures show that 539,000 fewer TV licences are now in force, reducing the total to around 23.3 million – one of the largest annual declines seen in recent years.

The figures were published as part of the BBC’s latest Annual Report and come at a time when the broadcaster is already facing increasing competition from streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. Changing viewing habits, combined with rising living costs and the growth of online entertainment, are leading many households to reassess whether they still need a TV licence.

Further reading and information available here

Spain's DVB-T2 TV Upgrade Starts This November

Spain has officially confirmed one of the biggest changes to its digital television network since the original digital switchover. From 5 November 2026, the country will begin the transition to DVB-T2, the next-generation terrestrial television broadcasting standard that will eventually replace the current DVB-T system used across Spain's Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) network.

The move marks a major step forward for Spanish television, paving the way for more high-definition channels, improved picture quality, better spectrum efficiency and the future expansion of Ultra HD (4K) broadcasting. For most viewers the transition should be straightforward, but older televisions and set-top boxes may require replacement or an upgrade. (satandpcguy.com)

What Is DVB-T2?

DVB-T2 is the second generation of the Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial standard.

Compared with the existing DVB-T system, DVB-T2 can carry significantly more data within the same amount of radio spectrum. This increased efficiency allows broadcasters to deliver:

• More HD television channels

• Additional Ultra HD (4K) services

• Better picture quality

• Improved sound quality

• More reliable reception in some areas

• Greater capacity for future television services

Many European countries, including the UK, Germany and Italy, have already adopted DVB-T2 for at least part of their terrestrial television networks. Spain is now joining that growing list.

Why Is Spain Making the Change?

The main reason is future capacity.

Television broadcasters are demanding more bandwidth for HD and Ultra HD services, while governments continue to reallocate sections of the UHF spectrum for mobile communications and future wireless technologies.

By switching to DVB-T2 together with the HEVC (H.265) video compression standard, broadcasters can transmit substantially more channels without requiring additional radio frequencies.

This creates room for future expansion while making much more efficient use of the spectrum already allocated to television broadcasting.

What Happens on 5 November?

The launch date marks the beginning of Spain's DVB-T2 era rather than an overnight switchover.

Initially, DVB-T2 multiplexes will begin operating alongside the existing DVB-T services, allowing households time to upgrade their equipment if necessary.

For most viewers, the only immediate requirement may be to perform a channel rescan if new services become available in their area.

The existing DVB-T platform will continue operating during a transition period before being phased out at a later date.

This gradual migration is designed to minimise disruption while encouraging viewers to move to compatible receivers.

Will Your Television Work?

Many modern televisions already support DVB-T2 and HEVC decoding.

If your TV was purchased during the past several years, particularly if it supports 4K Ultra HD, there is a good chance it is already compatible.

However, some older equipment may only support the original DVB-T standard.

If that is the case, viewers may eventually need:

• A new DVB-T2 compatible television

• A DVB-T2 set-top receiver

• A software update, where supported

Checking your television's specifications now could avoid surprises as the transition gathers pace.

Better Picture Quality

One of the biggest advantages of DVB-T2 is the opportunity to expand high-definition broadcasting.

Although Spain already offers several HD channels, the improved efficiency of DVB-T2 means broadcasters can transmit more HD services while maintaining better picture quality.

The new standard also makes widespread 4K broadcasting much more practical, especially when combined with HEVC compression.

As more households purchase Ultra HD televisions, broadcasters now have a platform capable of delivering content that fully takes advantage of modern displays.

No Changes to Your Aerial

The good news is that most households will not need to replace their television aerial.

DVB-T2 uses the same terrestrial transmission network and the same UHF frequencies already used for digital television.

In most cases, existing rooftop aerials and communal antenna systems will continue working perfectly.

Some communal systems in apartment buildings may require adjustments if frequency changes occur in the future, but the vast majority of viewers will not need any changes to their external aerial installation.

Part of a Wider European Trend

Spain's decision reflects a wider movement across Europe.

Countries have increasingly adopted DVB-T2 because it offers greater flexibility and significantly improves spectrum efficiency.

The UK, for example, has used DVB-T2 for HD services since the launch of Freeview HD in 2009, while many other European broadcasters have already migrated entirely to the newer standard.

By making the transition now, Spain ensures its terrestrial television platform remains competitive with satellite, cable and streaming services for many years to come.

What About Satellite Viewers?

The DVB-T2 transition only affects terrestrial television received through an aerial.

Households watching television via satellite platforms such as Astra, cable services or internet streaming will not be directly affected.

Similarly, viewers using subscription television platforms that provide their own receivers are unlikely to notice any immediate changes.

The migration is specifically aimed at Spain's free-to-air terrestrial television network.

Preparing for the Future

The introduction of DVB-T2 is about much more than simply improving today's television channels.

It provides the technical foundation for future developments including:

• Expanded Ultra HD broadcasting

• Improved HDR support

• More efficient compression

• Better audio formats

• Additional interactive services

• Increased network capacity

As television technology continues to evolve, DVB-T2 ensures Spain's terrestrial platform can keep pace with changing viewer expectations.

The Bottom Line

Spain's confirmation that DVB-T2 broadcasting will begin on 5 November 2026 represents a major milestone for the country's digital television network.

The transition promises more efficient broadcasting, additional HD capacity and a clear path towards wider 4K television services, helping free-to-air television remain competitive in an increasingly streaming-focused world.

For most viewers, the change should be relatively straightforward. Modern televisions are often already compatible, existing aerials will usually continue to work, and the transition will be introduced gradually rather than through an overnight switch-off.

While owners of older televisions may eventually need to upgrade their equipment, the long-term benefits are clear. DVB-T2 will allow Spain to deliver higher-quality television, make better use of valuable radio spectrum and prepare the country's broadcasting infrastructure for the next generation of digital TV services.

Further reading and information available here

What Sky's ITV Deal Means for UK Television

After months of speculation, one of the biggest deals in British broadcasting history has now been officially confirmed.

Sky, owned by Comcast, has agreed to acquire ITV's Media & Entertainment division in a deal worth up to £1.6 billion, creating the UK's largest commercial television broadcaster. The agreement brings together Sky's subscription television business with ITV's free-to-air channels and ITVX streaming platform in a move designed to strengthen both companies against growing competition from global streaming giants such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

The transaction still requires approval from UK regulators and is expected to take between 12 and 18 months to complete, but the direction of travel is now clear. British television is entering a new era.

What Sky Is Actually Buying

The acquisition covers ITV's Media & Entertainment business, which includes:

• ITV1

• ITV2

• ITV3

• ITV4

• ITVBe's successor services

• ITVX

• ITV's advertising business

• Digital and online operations

However, one major part of ITV is not included in the sale.

ITV Studios will remain a separate publicly listed company, continuing to produce programmes for broadcasters and streaming services around the world.

ITV Studios Could Become Even More Important

Although ITV is selling its broadcasting arm, ITV Studios may actually become one of the biggest winners from the deal.

The production company owns or produces many internationally successful programmes including:

• The Voice

• Love Island

• I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

• Mr Bates vs The Post Office

• Trigger Point

It also gains Sky Studios' production business, Sky Studios' distribution arm (Sky Vision) and Sky's entertainment production label, Shine TV, creating one of Europe's largest television production groups. That means programmes such as The Great British Bake Off, produced by Shine TV, would sit alongside ITV Studios' existing catalogue, giving the combined production company an even broader portfolio of hit entertainment, drama and factual programming.

Industry analysts believe the enlarged ITV Studios could become an acquisition target itself in future, or continue expanding through further mergers and acquisitions.

What Changes for Viewers?

In the short term, very little.

Sky has confirmed that ITV's public service broadcasting obligations remain unchanged.

That means viewers will still be able to watch:

• ITV1

• ITV2

• ITV3

• ITV4

• ITVX

without paying a Sky subscription.

Current public service broadcasting commitments mean ITV's main services are expected to remain free-to-air until at least 2034.

So if you're worried that Coronation Street or Emmerdale will suddenly disappear behind a paywall, that's not going to happen.

ITVX and NOW Could Become Closer

Perhaps the biggest changes will happen online.

Sky now owns:

• Sky Stream

• Sky Glass

• NOW

• ITVX

That gives the company two major streaming platforms.

Many industry experts expect closer integration between ITVX and NOW over the coming years.

Possible developments include:

• shared technology

• unified user accounts

• combined recommendations

• shared advertising systems

• cross-platform subscriptions

• bundled streaming packages

While Sky has not announced any specific plans, combining resources could help create a much stronger British streaming platform capable of competing with international services.

Expect More Cross-Promotion

One immediate benefit for Sky is marketing.

Previously, Sky could advertise its own programmes primarily across Sky channels.

Now it gains access to some of Britain's largest commercial television audiences through ITV.

That creates huge opportunities for cross-promotion.

Sky could advertise new Sky Originals, Sky Cinema premieres and Sky Sports coverage during popular ITV programmes, while ITV content could receive greater exposure across Sky's own channels, Sky Stream, Sky Glass and NOW.

Viewers are therefore likely to see far more promotion between the two brands than ever before, helping both services reach larger audiences without relying solely on external advertising.

Why the Deal Happened

The television market has changed dramatically over the past decade.

Traditional broadcasters now compete against companies with enormous global budgets.

Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Amazon invest billions every year in original content and technology.

At the same time:

• traditional TV audiences have declined

• advertising revenues have come under pressure

• streaming competition has intensified

• production costs have increased

By combining forces, Sky and ITV believe they will be better positioned to compete with these global players while continuing to invest in British programming. The companies estimate the merger could generate around £200 million a year in savings through shared technology, operations and marketing.

Will There Be Job Losses?

Large media mergers almost always involve some restructuring.

Because Sky and ITV both operate areas such as marketing, technology, finance, sales and administration, some overlap is inevitable.

Although neither company has confirmed specific numbers, industry analysts expect some job reductions as duplicate functions are combined.

At the same time, executives argue that the savings will free up more money for investment in programming and digital services over the longer term.

Could This Trigger More Media Mergers?

Many analysts believe this deal could be just the beginning.

The UK's television industry is under increasing pressure to achieve greater scale.

Following the Sky-ITV announcement, speculation has already grown about the future of other broadcasters and production companies, including Channel 4 and ITV Studios itself.

Across Europe, broadcasters are increasingly exploring mergers, partnerships and content-sharing agreements as they compete against global streaming platforms with vastly greater financial resources.

The Bottom Line

Sky's £1.6 billion acquisition of ITV's Media & Entertainment business marks one of the most significant moments in British broadcasting for decades.

For viewers, the immediate impact should be minimal. ITV's free-to-air channels will remain available, ITVX continues to operate, and popular programmes such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and major sporting events will stay where audiences expect to find them.

The biggest changes are likely to emerge gradually. Closer integration between ITVX and NOW, increased cross-promotion across Sky and ITV platforms, and the addition of Sky's Shine TV production business to ITV Studios have the potential to reshape how British television is made, marketed and distributed.

Ultimately, the deal is less about changing what viewers watch tomorrow and more about ensuring that two of Britain's biggest broadcasters have the scale, technology and financial strength to compete in a television market increasingly dominated by global streaming giants. Whether that strategy succeeds will become one of the defining stories of UK broadcasting over the next decade.

Further reading and information available here