Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I noticed Sky Showcase is showing a WSL game - Man Utd Vs Reading on 3rd of September.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Are CNN, Boomerang & Cartoonito owned by the same company? Do they have any other channels on Sky/Virgin? What are their ratings like?

A source has told me that Sky are thinking of dropping these and introducing their own channel on Sky, Virgin and Now TV. The working title 'Sky kids' would be a 24 hour channel for 6 month to 7 year old children.

If these are owned by the same company and they don't have other linear channels on Sky/Virgin (bar +1's and HD variants), perhaps these are the next to go streaming instead of linear??

Perhaps Sky are to kick them out of the Sub Club if the ratings are poor and put the carriage costs that are saved into their new kids channel??

Have you heard anything Legendkiller?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

They are from old Turner Broadcasting System, which is now a part of the Warner Media empire.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Thanks. If this comes to fruition, I don't suppose that there's anything to stop VM continuing to carry them as well as adding Sky Kids, unless it's Warner Media that's closing them in linear channel form.

I've since been given the following information:

- Sky Kids already exists on Sky via Boxsets on VOD only. It's said that they didn't launch it as a linear channel because of their joint venture agreement with Viacom/Nickelodeon UK.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

They also own TCM and Cartoon Network

---------- Post added at 13:07 ---------- Previous post was at 13:03 ----------

What percentage of Nickelodeon do they own unless they're planning to sell it , Sky Comedy launched although they only own 25% of Comedy Central UK

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

TCM aka Turner Classic Movies and Cartoon Network are the missing ones from those you mention.

CNN isn't mentioned on BARB, so I've only mentioned other below.
Sky Kids brand already exists, but it's On-demand rather than a channel.

6 months to 7 yrs old is mostly a younger demographic than Boomerang is for, I'd imagine it's more 5-10yrs with it's lineup including the likes of Tom & Jerry, Scooby Doo and Looney Tunes (though many adults would happily still watch those). Cartoonito is apparently targeting 2-6yrs according to a web search.

I'd imagine they might go streaming-only when HBO Max (or its equivalent, maybe the branding will have changed by then) eventually arrives when Sky's content deal expires.

Ratings: 4 Week Share in 2nd-8th August data.

TCM 0.16
Cartoon Network 0.14
Cartoonito 0.13
Boomerang 0.09

Nick Jr 0.23
Nick Jr 2 0.15
Nickelodeon 0.08
Nicktoons 0.07

Tiny Pop 0.28
Pop 0.22
Pop Max 0.02

CITV 0.18

CBeebies 0.82
CBBC 0.23

I've added all the other kids channels as a comparison Richard, and grouped them by broadcaster.

I've also randomly picked a week when the Disney channels were still around (20th-26th January 2020) to illustrate what level they were getting.

Disney Jr 0.09
Disney Channel 0.06
Disney XD 0.02

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I'm afraid I have no idea how much of Nickelodeon that they own. Yes, you're right about the comedy channels, maybe any agreement that they had had come to an end??

---------- Post added at 13:19 ---------- Previous post was at 13:15 ----------

Cheers, I was just about to post these figures/a post from another forum member 'Omnidirectional':


'Here are the latest BARB figures for the pay kids channels (Monthly reach in 000s)

Nick Jr - 4,302
Nick Jr 2 - 2,600
Boomerang - 2,378
Nickelodeon - 2,359
Cartoon Network - 2,305
Cartoonito - 2,249
Nicktoons - 1,785

if anything, Nicktoons is underperforming, Nick Jr is on a roll, and the rest are around the same figure.'

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Maybe they will roll their existing joint ventures with Viacom CBS into the new ones.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Bear in mind that all the various channels cater for different audiences, so live-action, some animation, some for pre-schoolers, some with an educational slant, some pure entertainment.

When you aren't trying to appeal to the same people they really aren't fair to compare. Underperformance is fairer to compare to channels that are trying to get the same audience rather than part of the same broadcaster.

Preschooler channels rate better than school-age targeted channels. Both are fair targets, older kids are just watching less TV these days.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Turns out isn't from reliable source on DS ,
https://forums.digitalspy.com/discus...-july-2021/p22


I am guessing Sky bought the FOX EPG slot for Sky Max then.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Thanks, TimeLord, but which post states that Sky Replay will continue after 1 September? I have seen no credible information anywhere to confirm that.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It was there , it seems several posts have been removed since I last checked , also mentioned Sky Showcase will have a +1.

Also If Sky Replay was closing I doubt it would have normal listings after 1st of September by now.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes, I noticed that as well. Thank you for the info’.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Warner Media who own Cartoon Network, CNN, Boomerang & Cartoonito are in the middle of being sold to Discovery.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Merging with Discovery - WarnerMedia are the bigger company.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Every outlet I've seen reporting it are portraying it as a merger, though it's hardly an equal combination. AT&T will own over two thirds of the new company.

"Under the terms of the agreement, which is structured as an all-stock, Reverse Morris Trust transaction, AT&T would receive $43 billion (subject to adjustment) in a combination of cash, debt securities, and WarnerMedia’s retention of certain debt, and AT&T’s shareholders would receive stock representing 71% of the new company; Discovery shareholders would own 29% of the new company. The Boards of Directors of both AT&T and Discovery have approved the transaction."

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

No they aren't, they are merging, Warner could buy Discovery several times over if they wanted.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Well, that’s two media sources confirming that Virgin Media will carry Sky Max.

https://tbivision.com/2021/07/28/uk-...-sky-showcase/

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style...o-New-For-Free

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The original press release from Sky stated that as well

https://www.skymedia.co.uk/news/sky-...e-and-sky-max/

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Agreed, pretty sure the Express and TBI will have taken the information from Sky's press release.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Look for tests to start on DBR for Sky Max than anytime from Monday.

---------- Post added at 17:25 ---------- Previous post was at 17:00 ----------

Well Sky One has got an +1 channel on Sky so Sky Showcase will have one.

Sky Max will use new slots to broadcast.

---------- Post added at 19:18 ---------- Previous post was at 17:25 ----------

Sky Media has confirmed that Channel 5 and 5Star will be showing Christmas Movies from November 1st to December 31st.

---------- Post added at 20:02 ---------- Previous post was at 19:18 ----------

I think Virgin Media will move some Sky Channels to the following channel numbers from September 1st - all will be confirmed on Tuesday when the TV Listings are out:

Sep1? - Channel Name - (Old EPG/Name)
109 - Sky Showcase HD - (Sky One HD)
110 - Sky Showcase - (Sky One)
111 - Sky Witness HD - (As now)
112 - Sky Witness - (As now)
121 - Sky Max HD - (New)
122 - Sky Max - (New)
123 - Sky Comedy HD - (Ch. 121)
135 - Sky Comedy - (Ch. 122)
136 - Sky Arts HD - (Ch. 156)
137 - Sky Arts - (Ch. 123)
138 - Sky Crime HD - (Ch. 136)
139 - Sky Crime - (Ch. 137)
140 - SYFY HD - (Ch. 138)
156 - SYFY - (Ch. 139)
160 - E! HD - (Ch. 140)
164 - E! - (Ch. 156)
165 - Sky Replay - (Ch. 160)
180 - Challenge - (Ch. 164)
207 - Pick - (Ch. 165)
229 - Sky Witness +1 - (Ch. 180)
230 - Sky Crime +1 - (Ch. 207)
231 - SYFY +1 - (Ch. 229)

---------- Post added at 21:11 ---------- Previous post was at 20:02 ----------

=== Own by Bauer Radio Ltd ====
Absolute 90s
Greatest Hits Radio
Hits Radio
Scala Radio
Jazz FM

Here is an updated list as of August 20th:

=== Own by Bauer Radio Ltd ====
Absolute 90s*
Greatest Hits Radio^
Kerrang! Radio^
Hits Radio^
KissFresh^
Kisstory^
Scala Radio*
Jazz FM*

*Broadcasts on Sky,
^Broadcasts on Freeview.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

There's a few dozen more of them to add to your list if you check Bauer's web streaming site. Most of them are probably not coming to Virgin.
https://planetradio.co.uk/

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I was only talking about Radio Channels that Bauer that broadcast on Sky or Freeview.

---------- Post added at 23:02 ---------- Previous post was at 22:56 ----------

Base on what Media Mole has posted about the listings for Sky Showcase.

Full story @ https://www.mediamole.co.uk/entertai...se_459089.html

And also base on what is showing on the Virgin EPG Channel 109 on my TiVo box from September 1st it NOT Sky Showcase. It showing listings for Sky Max.

Tests for Sky Showcase have still to appear on Virgin Media that time of posting.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

That might get changed to Sky Showcase listings soon as that's what happened on digiguide.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Channel 109 (Sky One) is now showing listings for Sky Showcase from September 1st.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

But Sky One HD is still showing listings for Sky Max.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Sky One HD on 360 is Showing Sky Showcase

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

My post was last seen by me at 1pm. And TiVo updates every SIX hours.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I've got another theory. But before I say what it is I'm going to say, I think it's not likely to be correct. :D

What if the reason Sky 1 and Sky 1 HD are showing different listings on VM Tivo is because Sky Showcase is getting Ch109 and Sky Max is getting Ch110, maybe the two of them are going HD-only on VM?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Update:

Channel 109 - Sky One HD - is showing Sky Showcase HD listings from September 1st but is showing Sky Max HD listings on September 4th.

Channel 110 - Sky One - is showing Sky Showcase listings from September 1st.

I also see on DRB that Sky Max and Sky Max HD is even still to start testing on Sky.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Media Boy Sources say that Greatest Hits Radio will launch soon in the 940s area of the Virgin EPG.

Base on the channel number I saw unless the launch all the missing Bauer Radio Channels.

If only GHR is set to launch I would have pick Channels 928 or 953.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The haphazard way the radio section is arranged doesn't really give any clues. GHR is probably being added to fall into line with the other Bauer stations currently available on mainstream FM in London (Magic & Kiss), where GHR replaced Absolute. That doesn't mean Absolute will be coming off Virgin, it is probably secure as a national licence.

Of the other stations you mention. Scala and Jazz are required content for Bauer on the SDL DAB multiplex, which has to cater for specific genres. Most of the other stations are filler content which Bauer uses to fill Bauer owned local DAB multiplexes to keep out competitors. Bauer doesn't even own the Kerrang! brand anymore, so it is likely that the few remaining Kerrang! Radio branded stations will be renamed or replaced with another Bauer brand. At a guess, Bauer buys a fixed bandwidth capacity on Freeview and Sky and fills a proportion of it with random stations until they start promoting a rapidly expanding brand such as GHR. It probably makes more sense to have contracts for specific stations on Virgin rather than buying a block of bandwidth just to fill it with random jukebox stations.

If Bauer can stop listeners haemorrhaging from Hits Radio, that could be a candidate for a future addition. Now might not be a good time. :D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

BBC Parliament is to start again on August 31st with Scottish Parliament LIVE from 2pm.

---------- Post added at 17:54 ---------- Previous post was at 16:12 ----------

Found the following on wikipedia:

Current venture TV Channels operations of Sky Group: As of August 22nd 2021.

-Own 50% of A&E Networks UK - other 50% is own by A&E Networks who operates Blaze, Sky History, Sky History2 and CI channels (And broadcasts from Sky's HQ).

-Own 50% of Sky Sports Racing - other 50% is own by Arena Racing Company (And broadcasts from Sky Sports HQ).

-Own 50% of Ginx TV Ltd - other 50% is own by ITV plc.

-Own 40% of Nickelodeon UK Ltd - other 60% is own by ViacomCBS Networks UK & Australia and operates Nickelodeon and other "Nick" branded channels.

-Own 25% of Comedy Central (UK and Ireland) - other 75% is own by Paramount British Pictures, part of ViacomCBS/National Amusements.

Sky UK PLC part own more full info at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Group#Ventures

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

BBC Parliament was back last Wednesday in its own right with the recall of Parliament.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

From August 31st at 2pm BBC Parliament will not go back to BBC News Channel when Parliament closes.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I wonder how many people actually watch such things overnight.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I think it viewing numbers will be going to up with Greens going into bed with SNP here in Scotland and what going to happen next with that big news story in the past week.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

so bbc parliament will be broadcasting through the night??

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes

---------- Post added at 21:55 ---------- Previous post was at 21:48 ----------

If Virgin move SYFY +1 on CO 68 to an other stream,

Virgin would have room to launch GHR and three other radio channels on CO 68 to be like CO 73.

CO 68 has UHD and National Radio Channels
CO 73 has UHD and BBC Radio Channels

https://www.digitalbitrate.com/dtv.p...ste=2&live=209

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Erm... with 18.2Mb/s of null packets, space isn't a problem. Various radio stations have different bitrates but, whichever bitrate is used, there is room for a lot more. The question is, does Virgin want to add a lot of extra radio stations now they are using apps for radio.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

With repeats of the daytime output.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I would like Virgin to launch

Absolute 90s*
Greatest Hits Radio (Channel set to launch soon on Virgin Media)**
Hits Radio**

Not an fan of the following but someone else would be:

Scala Radio*
Jazz FM*

All the rest can move to the app for all I care.

*Channels are on Sky
**Channel is on Freeview

---------- Post added at 10:46 ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 ----------

Also SYFY +1 is the only SD Channel on stream CO 68 so if Virgin Media move it to say CO 02 to use onw of O2 free slots (As of August 23rd CO02 has got 4 slots free Slots numbers they are: 13, 14, 16 and 20).

Virgin would have more bitrates to play with.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The three you prefer carry music that is widely available on many, many, other stations. The other two would be more worthwhile as they have no, or fewer, rival stations. Given the effort and expenditure put into Scala, I'm amazed that that isn't the imminent arrival.
As epsilon said to you above, there's plenty of empty space for trillions* of radio stations on the multiplex SyFy+1 resides on already. One channel moving elsewhere isn't going to make a jot of difference.

*Obviously not trillions literally.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

sometimes there's good debates that are repeated.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

@epsilon

TV Channel lists.com is reporting that Sky are testing Sky Showcase, Sky Showcase +1, Sky Showcase HD, Sky Max and Sky Max HD on Sky right now tests started in Mid July.

https://www.tvchannellists.com/w/Add...e_new_channels

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

A bit like on here!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

New Channels numbers for Sky Channels on Virgin Media UK (Confirmed numbers):

109. Sky Showcase HD
110. Sky Showcase
111. Sky Witness HD
112. Sky Witness
121. Sky Max HD
122. Sky Max
123. Sky Comedy HD
135. Sky Comedy
136. Sky Crime HD
137. Sky Crime
140. Sky Arts HD
156. Pick
160. Challenge
165. Sky Arts

Sources: TV Choice and What's on TV.

The following Sky UK Ltd have still to get their Virgin EPG Numbers confirmed from September.

-SYFY HD
-SYFY
-E! HD
-E!
-Sky Replay
-Sky Witness +1
-Sky Crime +1
-SYFY +1

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It lists a lot of "labels" with "no signal", these won't show up on digitalbitrate. If there is no signal, there isn't really anything testing. The labels are numeric, probably sid numbers and are not service name labels. At best, this is guesswork but that's about what I'd expect for that site. Assigning channel service names to random numbers is a prediction, not a fact. Also, won't some of the channels simply emerge from the existing Sky One services?

An interesting site but one to be taken with a very large pinch of salt.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

You forgot to mention streaming. ;)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

That’s exactly what I was referring to, cheeky! :D

---------- Post added at 10:21 ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 ----------

It looks to me from the listings that Sky Showcase is the new Sky One with some programmes from other Sky channels simulcast, and Sky Max takes over from Sky Replay, but now broadcasts in HD.

Clever marketing by Sky, but it disguises the fact that Sky has less material to play with in a world where the best new material is being diverted to the streamers.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

UPDATE: New Channels numbers for Sky Channels on Virgin Media UK (Confirmed numbers):

109. Sky Showcase HD
110. Sky Showcase
111. Sky Witness HD
112. Sky Witness
121. Sky Max HD
122. Sky Max
123. Sky Comedy HD
135. Sky Comedy
136. Sky Crime HD
137. Sky Crime
138. SYFY HD
139. SYFY
140. Sky Arts HD
156. Pick
160. Challenge
163. E! HD
164. E!
165. Sky Arts
180. Sky Replay
206. Sky Witness +1
207. Sky Crime +1
229. SYFY +1

Sources: Radio Times, Total TV Guide, TV Choice and What's on TV.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

So much for Sky's "we want to be considered a PSB so we've put Sky Arts in Top 24 EPG position on as many platforms as possible" aim. They've already shown it's going to be demoted on their own Satellite platform soon, now Cable.

Sky Arts SD Ch 123--> Ch 165
Sky Arts HD Ch 156--> Ch 140

Surprising none of the vacated Fox UK channel numbers have been used, particularly 157 and 158. VM holding them back to allow a wider reshuffle at a later date?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

You've been busy with those TV guides. :D

---------- Post added at 11:52 ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 ----------

Their pretence at becoming a PSB provider probably collapsed with their failed request to close the Freeview multiplexes earlier than expected.
https://rxtvinfo.com/2021/bt-and-sky...an-of-freeview

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The big thanks goes out to my local Premier Shop and Tesco.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I’m surprised to note that according to your post, Radio Times still shows Sky Replay, Media Boy. Are you sure it’s still listed after 1 September?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes It listings on September 1st (Page 84) on the line at the start of Pay TV Channels - Sky Showcase (Top), Sky Replay (Middle) and SYFY (Bottom).

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes, it looks like there will be even more linear channels as a result of this change. Who knew? :D:p:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

TV360: New Channels numbers for Sky Channels on Virgin Media UK's TV360 Boxes (Confirmed numbers):

109. Sky Showcase HD
111. Sky Witness HD
121. Sky Max HD
123. Sky Comedy HD
136. Sky Crime HD
138. SYFY HD
140. Sky Arts HD
156. Pick
160. Challenge
163. E! HD
180. Sky Replay
206. Sky Witness +1
207. Sky Crime +1
229. SYFY +1

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

According to Sky's origional press release Sky Replay will no longer have a slot in the lineup. Perhaps they have reconsidered their position, or there is just a generic schedule that Sky have forgotten to inform the mags to stop publishing.

"Notes to editors

Sky’s linear and on-demand entertainment channels, including their EPG slots from 1 Sept, are:

Sky Showcase – 106
Sky Max - 113
Sky Witness – 107
Sky Atlantic – 108
Sky Comedy - 114
Sky Documentaries - 121
Sky Crime - 122
Sky History - 123
Sky Nature - 124
Sky Arts - 130
Sky Kids (on-Demand)
E! – 151
SyFy - 152"

https://www.skygroup.sky/en-gb/artic...se-and-sky-max

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Radio Times says Sky Replay will be on Sky Channel 145 from September 1st (Channel is on that EPG number right now).

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

TV & Satellite Week have not listed it at all from 1 September.

---------- Post added at 13:12 ---------- Previous post was at 13:12 ----------

Yes, and showing even more repeats. Wow!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Some book don't listing all channels. I buy Radio Times every week. It good for Virgin Media and Freeview listings.

Out of all the books I did buy today - Radio Times, TV Times, Total TV Guide, TV Choice and What's on TV - Sky Replay was only in Radio Times.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

TV & Satellite Week lists the most I think. At least it did, I haven't bought a listings mag for a very long time.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Radio Times aren't always great on details. An example from the last Christmas edition (we only buy the Christmas edition to be clear) was that the Local Radio list still had 4+ year old information for our most local (community) station. The license at that time went to another (bigger) company and basically the station has changed name 3 times since it was known as what the magazine said.

And the publication is called RADIO Times... :erm: :dunce::D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Showing peak time content across both of the new brands is a bit strange. I guess it will take a few weeks to see how the new channels perform.

---------- Post added at 13:47 ---------- Previous post was at 13:43 ----------

Maybe they are reserved for the +1 versions. More repeats for OLD BOY. ;)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

[QUOTE=cheekyangus;36090757]So much for Sky's "we want to be considered a PSB so we've put Sky Arts in Top 24 EPG position on as many platforms as possible" aim. They've already shown it's going to be demoted on their own Satellite platform soon, now Cable.

Sky Arts SD Ch 123--> Ch 165
Sky Arts HD Ch 156--> Ch 140/QUOTE]

Sky Channels on Freeview are NOT moving to new channels numbers from September 1st so Sky Arts will still be on Freeview Channel 11.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Sky Replay is in Total TV Guide aswell , listed as Sky 145 and Virgin 180 from 1st of September

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Oops just seen it.

---------- Post added at 13:58 ---------- Previous post was at 13:55 ----------

Sky UK set to close E! UK as TV Channel by 2023

News just in Media Boy Sources has told me that Sky are looking to close E! and move it to a streaming only service some point in 2022.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I know. That's why I deliberately didn't mention that.

But only being prominent on Freeview is not the action of an aspiring PSB, they have to be prominent on ALL major platforms.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

CNN is listing on VM EPGs as 'No Longer Available' as of 1st Sept.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Well, TV & Satellite week showed it before, and it’s only there in this week’s magazine until 31 August.

As two magazines show Sky Replay on ch 180 from 1 September (moved from 160), it would appear that this could be correct information. However, I think that having Sky Showcase, Max AND Replay is a bit over the top. There are no extra shows as a result of this change, but one more repeat channel. This has devalued the Sky package, not enhanced it.

I guess TV & Satellite Week have calculated that Sky Replay will get even fewer viewers following this move and have decided to drop it.

---------- Post added at 14:47 ---------- Previous post was at 14:45 ----------

Fortunately, the app is on the 360, so I hope that’s not going too. I quite like watching CNN from time to time.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

All other Turner Broadcasting System Europe (WarnerMedia) are still listed after September 1st so Virgin Media maybe set to launch CNN HD on September 1st? Boomerang HD may also launch.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Well spotted. What does it say about the two kids channels that I was told about as well the other week?

Any closures would be happening quicker than I thought though, given that questionnaires only went out the other week!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Look like TV & Satellite Week has drop listings Sky Replay for Sky Max.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Perhaps, but I think that is wishful thinking. If that’s happening, why is it not showing on the EPG?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

If CNN HD do launch Virgin Media need to move CNN to an slot on an HD Stream.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Looking at the listings to me indicates SKYMax is just SKYReplay rebranded.

---------- Post added at 15:15 ---------- Previous post was at 15:14 ----------

Could be but the listings are too similar to SKY Replay, there is no info in work about SKY Replay at the moment so i think it's a case of wait and see.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Look like Virgin Media has signed an new deal with Turner Broadcasting System Europe (WarnerMedia):

-2021: CNN HD and Boomerang HD launches?
-2016: TruTV launch
-2013: HD Channels of TCM and Cartoon Network to launch deal signs
-2010: Cartoonito launch, CNN repacked

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It must be difficult fitting in all of the linear channels available at the moment. It was fairly normal for them to drop a channel to make way for a new one back when I used to get it. They would then shuffle other listings around over the next few weeks and eventually add removed listings back.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Radio Times has just cut the size for SYFY listings down to fix the listing for Sky Replay in from Saturday. And play ring around the roses with some channels on the page to put Sky Max beside Sky Showcase.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It may well be wishful thinking. Having said that, I don't remember Virgin ever showing both the HD & SD versions of a channel in the EPG before an SD to HD swap. The HD channel usually takes the old SD channel number.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Sky Max is more of a rebrand of Sky One, as it will be taking on all of the Sky Original drama, entertainment and panel shows from Sky One, with only the scripted comedy moving to Sky Comedy.

Sky Replay is mainly just a repeats channel for Sky One and Sky Witness, so it looks like it will continue in that capacity for Sky Max and Sky Witness shows, which seems fairly pointless now Sky Showcase will have content from those channels. It really is a case of repeats repeats repeats from Sky with this move.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I see that Digital Bit Rate has not been updated since Sunday night at about 2am.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Looks like changes at CNN from next week.

Channel 607 is listed as Channel No Longer Available from midnight on 1st Sept

Could this be a switch to CNN HD or a complete drop?

**just realised this has been posted earlier (sorry)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Hopefully a complete drop. Cant stand the liberal leftist, Biden supporting bias of that channel.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

You do know you don’t have to watch it?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Apparently CNN announced in April they were putting their online UK stream behind a paywall in UK, and in July announced a CNN+ service to "run in parallel" everywhere in the world.

Maybe they are asking for too much money and VM decided it wasn't get enough viewers to cough up?

According to some eagle-eyed early birds on Official VM Forums there was small message on the bottom of the feed saying it would no longer be available on Virgin Media from 31st. There isn't a message at the time I'm typing this. One poster GrahamLondon wrote "Even online they want Cash for the UK feed, now" which makes it sound like they'd asked for money publicly, but I've heard/read nothing to this effect, so not sure what that's about.

---------- Post added at 11:40 ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 ----------

There are a lot of complaints on Twitter about the channel being removed from VM. One even posted a screenshot of the on-screen message that VM themselves have put up.

This message isn't showing for me though.

Screenshot on this tweet. ---> https://twitter.com/lyndahall0402/st...56640600481792

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The message has been on V6's - not heard of any 360 messages.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes, they seem to go offline whenever changes are expected. Hopefully they will use the downtime to fix the signal quality.

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Hmm! well, that seems to be confirmation that it is going.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Post on the Community forum about CNN

https://community.virginmedia.com/t5...4804704#M18418

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

thanks for the confirmation Ben

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Shame. I thought CNN was one of the better US news channels on Virgin. I’m not inclined to pay for the streamer in order to watch it, though.

It would be nice if they replaced it - say with ABC News or CBS News, but I don’t think there are any such plans.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The news services are so spread out, they could be doing with a clear up.
Remember when UKTV was dropped they ‘apparently’ started accepting bids for the EPG slots.

Same ‘might’ happen with GB News possibly taking it for higher prominence on the guide.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The news section has been spread out since the launch of Virgin Media and before if you look at its predecessors. With any luck, the Warner/Discovery merger could result in a similar move to put GB News "behind a paywall". That's assuming GB News lasts that long. ;)

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Perhaps NBC/Sky could revive their plans for an international version of Sky News to fill the gap.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It will continue as normal for anyone with Sky:

https://twitter.com/cnnipr/status/1430531834237095937

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I expect to see it disappear off FreeSat if it's joining the sub club as it'll be encrypted.

It's going to bite them in the behind, I don't get the impression people want to pay for TV news, news channels are all about maximising availability. I can't see all the likes of those hotels and airports wanting to pay, they'll just move to another channel, or not replace them at all.

I can see them having to reverse this move in a year or 2.

There are certainly some very passionate viewers on other forums and social media, one said they had it on in the background virtually all day and recorded shows on top of that. Several others have said they only subscribed to VM for CNN so will be moving.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

That's interesting, so this seems to be just another case of Virgin failing to negotiate a contract renewal. Slightly at odds with the statement on the community forum and Virgin's frequently regurgitated tweets.

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Virgin probably lost considerably more customers from it not carrying Sky Atlantic than they will through removing CNN. Will they really be concerned by this?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Totally agree, every time a channel is announced as leaving the forums and Twitter etc is full of folk saying it’s all they watch.

It will continue online and if folk are so passionate about wanting to watch it £20 a year is a no brainer.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It could also be the case that Warner intends to remove CNN from Sky at the earliest opportunity too, but that carriage agreement isn't yet due for renewal.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

At the moment it is FTA on Sky and available on Freesat. Surely any contracts there will only be for inclusion in the EPG.