Tag: ViacomCBS

CBS Dropped from UK Channels

The CBS name is being dropped from UK channels, as the former AMC Networks and CBS UK joint venture disbands. There will still be four channels, but CBS Drama and CBS Justice will come to an end. A precursor to the more widespread changes came earlier this year, when CBS Justice and Horror swapped channel numbers on Freeview. Horror moved from channel number 69 to 41, with CBS Justice making the opposite move.

Now, widespread changes are being made, with the CBS name being dropped, as Paramount Global (owners of CBS and other brands) gradually restructures. The changes have been timed to coincide with the closure of the COM7 Freeview multiplex on the 30th June (2022).

Horror, which already shows sci-fi programmes, will be replaced by Legend and Horror Extra. Legend will broaden Horrors reach to complimentary genres such as action, and increased amount of sci-fi programmes. Horror Extra will be a part time channel, focusing on horror movies and TV shows post watershed. On Freeview, Legend will take over the slot currently occupied by Horror, but on Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, will replace CBS Justice when it closes.

Horror Extra will take over Horror’s existing slots on satellite (Sky/Freesat) and cable (Virgin Media), but is not expected to be available on Freeview. Horror currently has a +1 version on these platforms, which Horror Extra will inherit.

CBS Reality will continue unchanged initially, but is expected to become Reality in due course. CBS Drama, itself no longer solely devoted to drama shows, will become Reality Extra. It is understood, that there will be no schedule changes, beyond the name change, but Reality Extra will have reduced coverage on Freeview.

The changes have been timed to coincide with the closure of the COM7 Freeview multiplex on the 30th June (2022).

Note: I became aware of the changes to the above channels a week or so ago, but have only recently had sufficient sources (and time) to be able to adequately cross reference the changes.

Website Updates

A new job, house move, and at times lack of internet have largely prevented updates over the past few weeks, and will also mean a reduced number of updates for a few weeks yet.

Thankfully, major news stories have been few and far between. One that has been missed is the return of BBC Three to TV platforms. BET, owned by ViacomCBS, makes the opposite move, going online only.

I’ll do a summary of these in due course, along with a couple of DAB related stories. While offline, I’ve put together some reviews of digital stations. These will also be published shortly, but scores on the doors include 4/10 for Boom Radio, and 7/10 for Union Jack Dance.

I hope you continue to find the website enjoyable, and thanks for reading.

 

More Content Added to My5

My5, the catch-up service from ViacomCBS owned Channel 5, has expanded, and now includes content from CBS Reality and Horror Channel.

The move will bring an additional 400 hours of content to the platform over the next year, from the two channels which operate through a joint venture between ViacomCBS and the UK arm of AMC Networks.

My5 already hosts content from across the Channel 5 portfolio, and also includes third party content from BLAZE, BET, PBS America, Real Stories, Together TV, and Timeline, in addition to the new content from CBS Reality and Horror Channel.

Pluto TV Arrives on Web Browsers

Pluto TV is now available on web browsers, opening up the service to users of desktops, laptops, and other devices without a dedicated app.

Pluto TV announced the development yesterday (Monday 7th September 2020), with the move further expanding the number of devices that can access the service.

Pluto TV is an advert supported platform allowing users to stream over 100 channels for free. Most channels are based around a particular programming strand or series, emulating a traditional TV channel, and most are unique to Pluto TV.

Pluto TV is owned by ViacomCBS, who also own free-to-air Channel 5, and premium channel MTV.

New Partnership Sees NFL on Channel 5

American football league National Football League (NFL), and ViacomCBS have agreed a three year deal that will see NFL coverage on ViacomCBS owned Channel 5. Coverage will launch on the 13th September.

The deal sees the return of Monday Night Football live on free-to-air TV. A new Sunday morning magazine programme called NFL End Zone will also air at 11.30am each Sunday, and will be filmed in a different US location each week.

The deal will also see NFL content air across MTVs digital platforms in the UK, with MTV also being owned by ViacomCBS.

Channel 5 was previously an NFL broadcaster from 1998 to 2009.

MTV Slims Portfolio, Offshoots to Close

ViacomCBS is slimming down its MTV portfolio, and is to close Club MTV, MTV OMG, and MTV Rocks on the 20th July 2020.

In addition to the main MTV channel, which is now more entertainment focused, five music channels will remain:

  • MTV Music
  • MTV Hits
  • MTV Classic
  • MTV Base
  • MTV Live HD

MTV Base is to gain a new Club music chart show, whilst MTV Music will gain a similar show for rock music.

MTV channels are subscription channels currently available on Sky and Virgin Media.

5Spike to Merge with Paramount Network

ViacomCBS owned 5Spike and Paramount Network are set to merge. 5Spike will close, with Paramount Network becoming a male skewed action and reality channel. The changes will take place on Tuesday 7th January 2020.

On platforms where Paramount Network occupies a lower channel number than 5Spike, Paramount Network will take over 5Spikes channel number.

On satellite, Paramount Network is moving to Channel 5’s main transponder. The changes will take effect automatically, and viewers should not need to take any action to continue watching Paramount Network.

5Spike first launched as Spike in 2015, with Paramount Network appearing on UK screens in 2018.