STV City Channels to move to Freeview Channel 8

RNS Number : 6646Q

STV Group PLC

01 March 2016

 

PRESS RELEASE                  PRESS RELEASE                  PRESS RELEASE

STV CITY CHANNELS TO MOVE TO FREEVIEW EPG

CHANNEL 8

1 March 2016

STV has welcomed the announcement from Digital UK; that the STV City TV channels are to receive a more prominent position in the Freeview TV guide.

Director of Channels at STV, Bobby Hain said:

"This is fantastic news - with our City channels in a more prominent position, new viewers from across Scotland will now get the opportunity to enjoy more of STV's trusted local news and magazine programmes along with our great mix of new and classic drama and entertainment.

"We look forward to working with Digital UK to move STV Edinburgh and STV Glasgow up the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) to Freeview Channel 8.

The news follows the transition of BBC Three to a fully online service with STV Edinburgh and STV Glasgow currently listed on the Freeview EPG at position 23.

In 2017, STV will extend coverage to include an additional three licence areas in Aberdeen, Ayr and Dundee resulting in some 80% of Scotland being served through the City TV Freeview footprint. The new services will also launch into this slot.

Changes to the TV guide are expected to take place in April. Digital UK has indicated that some viewers may need to retune their TV or box to receive the latest channel-line up where changes are not picked up automatically.

The changes follow an industry wide consultation by Digital UK, which manages the allocation of channel numbers on the platform.

Background

STV delivers City TV for Scotland's largest cities. STV Glasgow launched in June 2014 and STV Edinburgh launched in January 2015. Currently, both channels are available on Freeview channel 23, Sky channel 117 and Virgin channel 159 in their broadcast areas.

STV Edinburgh and and STV Glasgow are available to watch live and on catch-up on the STV Player. The STV Player is available in Scotland across multi platforms including iOS, Android, YouView and Samsung Smart TV.

Ends

For further information, please contact the STV press office:-  

Richard Holligan

0141 300 3416/ 07747 612621

[e-mail]

 

END

 

 

NRAJBMITMBBMBMF