Scott – All About Digital TV

Sky to Revamp Pick

Pick, a free-to-air channel operated by Sky but without Sky branding (similar to sister channel Challenge), is to be rebranded to Sky Mix. Existing programming will be maintained, however additional content from across Sky’s portfolio will be added.

DC Thomson Closes Pure Radio

Scottish station Pure Radio (unconnected to the similarly sounding digital radio manufacturer) has been closed by its owners DC Thomson. Scottish publisher DC Thomson, who launched the station is 2019, have stated the decision was due to low advertising revenues and audio figures.

Fun Kids to Leave National DAB

DAB+ station Fun Kids have announced they are reducing their coverage area from 1st September (2023). The station is set to move from the SDL National DAB multiplex to a number of local and small scale multiplexes.

Ideal World Ceases Broadcasts

Shopping channel Ideal World has ceased broadcasts, with the company entering administration. 250 staff are losing their jobs, whilst the channel is unlikely to return to TV screens.

Freeview Updates

A number of updates to the Freeview terrestrial line up have taken place recently.

Bilsdale Transmitter Enters Service

After almost 2 years of disruption due to a fire at the previous Bilsdale mast serving Teesside and North Yorkshire, the first transmissions from it’s replacement go live tomorrow (Monday 22nd May 2023).

Completion of Website Review

I have now completed my review of the content of this website, and can report on the direction of travel for this website.

DAZN Launches Linear Channel

Sports broadcaster DAZN, which specialises largely in boxing, women’s football, and other niche sports, has launched a linear channel on satellite.

Called DAZN 1, the new channel is currently exclusive to the Sky satellite platform, on channel number 429. The channel broadcasts in HD, as is the norm for sports channels. However, a DAZN subscription is required, costing between £100 and £240 a year depending on contract.

Until recently, DAZN had only been available as an online streaming service, and the expansion to satellite broadcasting forms part of plan to wide distribution.

BBC Football Coverage to Resume

As covered in mainstream media, a high profile dispute between the BBC and Gary Lineker resulted in significant coverage to football coverage of the weekend (11th/12th March 2023). The dispute resulted from opinions expressed on the presenter’s personal social media account relating to current government policy.

ITV to Close CITV

ITV is to close it’s dedicated children’s TV channel in favour of moving content over to it’s new ITV X online streaming platform.