06/01/2025
Freeview HD channels could be removed next year.
The BBC, which owns the multiplex that carries the last remaining HD channels on Freeview, is holding back from renewing an Ofcom licence. This could spell the end of Freeview HD.
• Nine HD channels could be axed.
• Support for reduction in Freeview service.
• BBC only major broadcaster not to have committed to retaining Freeview services beyond next two years.
The future of HD TV on the digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform Freeview remains unclear, 15 years after the public launch of Freeview HD. As it stands, Freeview viewers may lose access to HD channels before the end of next year.
HD channels broadcast on a DTT multiplex operated by the BBC commercial subsidary BBC Free to View Limited, which is the only national multiplex operator to have not taken up the option to renew its licence. It is also the only multiplex currently configured to carry HD channels. BBC Free to View Ltd’s licence expires on 16th November 2026, meaning unless the licence is renewed, nine HD channels plus three SD channels will have to close. The BBC is last major public broadcaster to have not committed to Freeview beyond the next two years as ITV1, STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 have renewed their licences, which start from today fand last for 10 years. This commits the channels to remain available on Freeview, although there is no such obligation for their offshoot channels. The BBC has indicated it is unable to commit further due to the pending Royal Charter renewal, which will determine the broadcaster’s role in the coming decade. The HD closedown could come before the BBC’s Royal Charter renewal negotiations are concluded, highlighting the need to urgently clarify the broadcaster’s role in delivering services on the HD multiplex.
Some in the broadcast industry are understood to be supportive of the retrograde step of closing HD and reducing channels as a way of encouraging viewers to switch to streaming TV platforms. The BBC and other broadcasters warned Ofcom that the cost of broadcasting terrestrially will become unviable in the coming years and both BT and Sky have previously lobbied DCMS in favour of a switch to online TV platforms. However, switching off SD simulcasts of the main five channels, as has already happened on cable and satellite, in favour of HD-only broadcasts, could drive uptake of newer TVs that support hybrid terrestrial-streaming services. This includes TVs that support the free-to-air broadcaster-led Freely platform, making it easier in the long run to wind down Freeview.