Sky News, PICK TV and Challenge TV on Freesat from Monday 3rd December
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV We reported back in June 2012, that Pick TV and Challenge were free-to-air on satellite (Freeview "exclusive" Pick TV and Challenge now free-to-air on satellite with +1s - ) but Freesat homes had to manually tune to them.
From Monday they will all be in the Freesat programme guide.
Yay!! We can announce that Pick TV will launch on Freesat this Monday!! Channel 144 :-)
— Pick TV (@Pick_TV) December 1, 2012
YAY!! Challenge is coming to Freesat! We launch this Monday - Channel 145!Got the last post wrong!!
— Challenge TV (@ChallengeTV) December 1, 2012
@hj_gibbs @pick_tv Sorry Sky News Channel will be 202 :-)
— Challenge TV (@ChallengeTV) December 1, 2012
Help with Free satellite?
In this section
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Josh
5:25 PM
5:25 PM
Is this a joke of some sort they cooked up? I thought that Sky did not want to be assosiated in any way with Freesat, thus the reason for Sky News SD being FTA but not on the Sky EPG!
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sky news has always been on the Sky EPG
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Ian's: mapI's Freeview map terrainI's terrain plot wavesI's frequency data I's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Ian: Interestingly, Freesat seems to have kept 202 "free" for Sky News since the launch...
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Josh
8:55 PM
8:55 PM
Sorry, I mean Freesat EPG. How come it is only just now Sky are allowing Sky News to appear on Freesat?
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Josh: It's not a question of "allowing", it is one of handing over a very small payment.
The "rules" are here - http://webcms.freesat.co.…482/
Not sure what the actual fees are at the moment.
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Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 1 of 12
Freesat EPG Listing Policy
Revised 1st August 2010
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This document states the policy of Freesat (UK) Limited (FREESAT) for the allocation of Electronic
Programme Guide (EPG) numbers on the FREESAT platform. After any such allocations have been
made by FREESAT, the EPG number continues to belong to FREESAT and to be subject to its
discretion and applicable policy.
1.2 FREESAT allocates EPG numbers to a wide range of different services on the FREESAT platform,
e.g. television channels, radio stations and interactive applications. For the sake of convenience, all
services are referred to within this Policy as channels and those who provide such services are
referred to as channel providers.
2 EPG LISTING POLICY OBJECTIVE
2.2 FREESATs objective is to apply the Policy in such a way as it considers to be for the long-term
benefit of the FREESAT platform, to fulfil viewer expectations and in the interests of viewer
convenience (in each case as determined by FREESAT in accordance with this Policy).
3 LAUNCH ON TO THE FREESAT PLATFORM
3.1 Any channel provider that intends a channel to be launched on the FREESAT platform should submit
an approved application form to FREESAT and supply it with the information set out in section 3.2
(Launch Application Form) between 4 and 6 months before the intended launch of the channel onto
the FREESAT platform.
3.2 In order to be added to the launch grid of the FREESAT platform, a channel provider must submit a
Launch Application Form to FREESAT including the following information:
(i) a copy of the broadcasting licence (or equivalent authorisation) permitting the broadcast of the
channel on the FREESAT platform in the UK;
(ii) details of which satellite capacity provider the channel will use;
(iii) details of which entity will provide EPG scheduling data to FREESAT (whether this is the
channel provider itself or a third party acting on its behalf);
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 2 of 12
(iv) an indication of which genre it considers most appropriate for the new channel and sample
schedules (see section 4 below);
(v) details as to whether it considers that the channel is a public service channel (see section 6
below);
(vi) details as to whether it considers that the channel qualifies as an Associated channel (see
section 7 below);
(vii) the transmission hours of the channel; and
(viii) the proposed launch date for the channel
3.3 Notwithstanding section 3.1, a channel provider may submit a Launch Application Form to FREESAT
earlier than 6 months before the intended launch of the channel on the FREESAT platform.
3.4 The channel provider must provide (at its cost) all such information as FREESAT is likely to require, or
specifically requests, in order for FREESAT to properly consider an allocation of an EPG number in
accordance with the Policy (including without limitation sample schedules). The channel provider
should take steps to ensure that all information provided by it or on its behalf is accurate, complete
and up-to-date.
3.5 Requests by a channel provider to launch a channel on to the FREESAT platform on a speculative
basis (i.e. channels without confirmed genre and intended launch date) will not be considered, but
FREESAT will have due regard to confidentiality requirements and will permit the use of working
channel names.
3.6 The rate at which FREESAT can launch new channels onto the FREESAT platform is influenced by
operational and technical factors which will vary from time to time. Due to the above, FREESAT does
not guarantee that all channel providers will be able to launch a channel on FREESAT on the
proposed launch date specified in the Launch Application Form.
3.7 After receiving the Launch Application Form, FREESAT will contact the channel provider between 4 to
6 weeks prior to the proposed launch date and advise the actual channel launch date.
4 GENRES
4.1 Genres are the basis for the grouping of channels on the FREESAT platform. The genres available
for allocation of EPG numbers within the FREESAT platform are, at the time of adoption of this Policy,
the following:
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 3 of 12
Entertainment
News & Sport
Movies
Lifestyle
Music
Children
Special Interest
Radio
Shopping
Gaming & Dating
Adult
Regional
On Demand (formerly Interactive)
4.2 FREESAT will list a channel in a particular genre after considering the number of programming hours
a channel broadcasts pertaining to each genre and determining which genre has the most significant
number of programming hours dedicated to it. The following descriptions will be applied by FREESAT
in determining the genre categories:
4.2.1 Entertainment:
Programming of an entertainment nature that targets a wide viewing audience. For a channel to be
allocated an EPG number in the Entertainment genre it must contain a variety of entertainment
programming and the channel must not be more appropriately listed in another existing genre. (For
example, a music channel may carry programming that is of an entertainment nature and appeals to a
wide audience; nevertheless, such a channel is more appropriately listed in the Music genre).
4.2.2 News & Sport:
Programming related to news (featuring live news bulletins), current affairs (consumer, political, social
and economical) and/or sports (featuring regular broadcasts of sporting events).
News-related content channels are listed from channel number 200
Sports-related content channels are listed from channel number 250
4.2.3 Movies:
Programming consisting of feature-length films (made for television or cinema release) and/or preview
/ promotional material relating to films.
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 4 of 12
4.2.4 Lifestyle:
Programming related to the arts, culture, travel, design, fashion, the home, gardens, property, health,
food, family and family occasions and activities, hobbies and leisure pursuits, or magazine-style
programming.
Lifestyle-related content channels are listed from channel number 400
Magazine-style content channels are listed from channel number 450
4.2.5 Music:
Programming consisting of music and music related programming (in the form of live music, music
documentaries and/or music videos and the like). Video programming must be present on any channel
in this genre throughout the hours during which the channel broadcasts. If a channel comprises of
audio-only programming or audio-only programming with on-screen stills, it will not be assigned to this
genre.
4.2.6 Children:
Programming aimed at children aged 15 or under. There should be no material unsuitable for children
aged 15 or under on any channel assigned to this genre.
4.2.7 Special Interest:
Programming aimed at a focussed or niche group of viewers. This may include programming with
more than 10% of its programming hours in a foreign language and/or diaspora programme content.
Foreign language programming is defined as any programming that is not in English or Welsh (or
another language which is indigenous to the UK), whether subtitled or not.
If a channels programming is not appropriate to any other genre, FREESAT will allocate an EPG
number to the channel in the Special Interest genre.
Channels that do not meet the criteria for all other genres are listed from channel number 650
Foreign language content channels are listed from channel number 660
Faith-based/worship-related content channels are listed from channel number 690
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 5 of 12
4.2.8 Radio:
Audio-only programming that is licensed as a radio station rather than as a television channel. If a
channel comprises video programming or on-screen stills (other than via any interactive application
which may be launched from the channel) the channel will not be assigned to the Radio genre.
General Entertainment radio services will be listed from channel number 700
Diaspora radio servies will be listed from channel number 750
Other specialist radio services will be listed from channel number 777
Faith-based/worship-related radio services will be listed from channel number 790
4.2.9 Shopping:
Programming relating to shopping. Channels allocated an EPG number in this genre will be licensed
to supply a teleshopping service (a particular form of advertising involving the broadcast of direct
offers to viewers with a view to the supply of goods or services in return for payment) and may not
contain any conventional programme elements such as news, sport, films, documentaries or drama
etc..
4.2.10 Gaming & Dating:
Programming that falls into one or both of the following categories:
(i) programming aimed at the participation by adults in competitions, quizzes and gambling
(including betting, gaming or lotteries) whether on a for real or for fun basis; or
(ii) programming which offers viewers the opportunity to arrange a date or otherwise communicate
with each other (e.g. via on-screen text messages).
Gaming-related content channels are listed from channel number 850.
Dating-related content channels are provisionally listed from channel number 860.
If FREESAT considers a dating channel contains programming of a sexual or sexually suggestive
nature (as defined in 4.2.11 below), it shall, at its discretion, assign an EPG number in the Adult genre.
4.2.11 Adult:
A channel will be allocated an EPG number in the Adult genre if, in FREESATs reasonable opinion, it
is most appropriately located in this genre. FREESAT considers channels of an adult nature (Adult
Channels) to mean channels which contain content which is of an adult nature, such that it features
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 6 of 12
the depiction or behaviour of a sexual or sexually suggestive nature, especially if this is of a lascivious
nature. This includes the exhibition or depiction of sexual organs or activity of any kind.
When considering if a channel should be listed in the Adult genre, FREESAT will consider the amount
and nature of programming which is of an adult nature that is broadcast on to that channel. If
FREESAT determines that an existing channel listed in another genre of the EPG is most
appropriately located in the Adult genre, but there are no available channel numbers for additional
channels in the Adult genre, FREESAT shall be entitled to suspend the EPG listing for the channel
until either such a number becomes available, or until the content on the channel changes such that it
is no longer most appropriately located in the Adult genre. In such a case, FREESAT will first consult
with the channel provider.
4.2.12 On Demand:
FREESAT will assign an EPG number to a channel in the On Demand genre (formerly known as the
Interactive genre) if there is a substantial element of programming on the channel that falls into any of
the following categories:
(i) it features on-screen text services which are predominantly used by viewers to seek out
specific information; or
(ii) it can be accessed by the viewer as and when they demand;
(iii) it enables the viewer to interact with the content or service in some way by utilising a button
function on their TV remote control; or
(iv) it is delivered via internet protocol (i.e., the service is either wholly or partially delivered via a
broadband connection).
FREESAT may, at its discretion, additionally or alternatively list an Interactive channel within another
genre where it considers that the programming or content also is more appropriate for that genre.
4.2.13 Regional:
Programming aimed at a specific region and/or tailored for a specific region.
4.3 FREESAT may from time to time, in the context of a review of its Policy or otherwise, add, subtract,
amend or merge genres (including creating new types of genre). In order to do so, FREESAT may at
its discretion, following consultation with a channel provider, move channels where necessary. For the
avoidance of doubt, when FREESAT moves a channel to:
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 7 of 12
(i) a different existing genre then section 5.2 will apply; or
(ii) a new genre then section 5.3 will apply.
4.4 If at any time a channel is, in FREESATs reasonable opinion, not listed in the appropriate genre
(whether because of changes to the content of the channel or otherwise) then FREESAT may at its
discretion, following consultation with a channel provider, move channels where necessary. For the
avoidance of doubt, when FREESAT moves a channel to a different existing genre then section 5.2
will apply.
4.5 If FREESAT does not agree with the channel providers view of which genre is most appropriate for
the channel, FREESAT will place the channel in the genre which it considers to be most appropriate
for the channel (including placing the channel in a newly created or amended genre). Factors which
FREESAT will take into account when deciding where to place a channel may include, but are not
limited to:
(i) scheduling, event and synopsis information supplied in accordance with the Launch Application
Form;
(ii) the specific nature of the channel, e.g. text and radio channels differ from full video and audio
television channels and are likely to merit their own distinct genres rather than be listed
according to the predominant genre of their content; and
(iii) any other information which FREESAT considers relevant.
4.6 When considering which genre in which to place a channel, FREESAT will give greater weight to the
programming of the channel that is scheduled for broadcast at launch rather than to any
representations as to future content.
5 ALLOCATION OF EPG NUMBERS WITHIN GENRES
5.1 Prior to allocation of an EPG number, the channel provider must have entered into an EPG Agreement
with FREESAT and provided FREESAT with sufficient funds to clear any debts owed by the channel
provider or an associated company of the channel provider to FREESAT.
5.2 Unless sections 6 or 7 apply, FREESAT will generally allocate the next available number at the end of
the genre in which it has decided to place the channel. Where a genre becomes full, it may be
necessary to create an overspill section for that genre elsewhere on the EPG until FREESAT decides
to review the Policy and/or the channel listings made in accordance with the Policy.
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 8 of 12
5.3 Where FREESAT is considering the allocation of an EPG number to more than one channel at the
same time it will take into account the following:
(i) the applicability of sections 6 and 7 below to one or more of the channels;
(ii) the date on which the Launch Application Form was received by FREESAT;
(iii) the date that the channel provider has entered into an EPG Agreement with FREESAT;
(iv) the intended launch date of the channel; and
(v) viewer convenience and expectations.
5.4 If a channel provider does not launch a channel:
(i) within 14 days of the channel launch date which was notified by FREESAT, FREESAT reserves
the right at its discretion to withdraw any EPG number which FREESAT has allocated to the
channel; or
(ii) within 2 months of the channel launch date which was notified by FREESAT, any EPG number
which was allocated to the channel shall be automatically withdrawn, other than where
paragraph 5.5 applies.
5.5 If a channel provider, having been allocated an EPG number and a channel launch date, decides not
to launch the channel within the timescale set out above, FREESAT may, rather than withdraw the
allocated number, reserve such EPG number for the channel provider for up to 2 successive periods
of 6 months upon payment by the channel provider of 50% of the Annual Fee set out in the EPG
Services Agreement (the LCN Reservation Payment) per 6 month period provided that if the channel
is launched during such a 6 month period, the Annual Fee for the first year shall be reduced by the
pro-rated amount of the LCN Reservation Payment attributable to the period following launch.
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 9 of 12
6 LISTING OF PUBLC SERVICE CHANNELS
6.1. Public service channels are those channels identified as such in accordance with Section 310 of the
Communications Act 2003. When allocating EPG numbers to public service channels, FREESAT will
seek to give appropriate prominence to these channels in the appropriate genre and will have regard
to viewer convenience and expectations.
6.2. Public service channels vary in terms of launch date, content and target audience, and this may merit
FREESAT taking different approaches to determining what constitutes appropriate prominence in
some cases. FREESAT anticipates taking the following into account, inter alia, when allocating EPG
numbers to public service channels:
(i) the nature and content of the channel; and
(ii) the launch date of the channel onto the FREESAT platform.
6.3. FREESAT envisages that public service channels will be placed at, or near, the head of the relevant
genres listed in section 4 above, subject to the application of factors 6.2 (i) - (ii) above.
7 ASSOCIATED CHANNELS AND RESERVED EPG NUMBERS
7.1 FREESAT considers that viewer convenience and expectations will be best served if channels which
are Associated with another channel or other channels on the FREESAT platform are more closely
grouped together on the FREESAT platform. It is FREESATs intention that the Policy will operate
over time to achieve this.
7.2 In some genres FREESAT may (at its absolute discretion) reserve EPG numbers (Reserved EPG
number) for the future launch of channels that are Associated (as defined in section 7.3) with
channels already on the FREESAT platform. FREESAT has the right to withdraw Reserved EPG
numbers at any time.
7.3 A channel is Associated with another channel or other channels if it is manifestly linked to, and falls
within the same genre (as listed in section 4.1) as, the other channel(s). FREESAT anticipates taking
the following non exhaustive list of criteria into account when deciding whether a channel is manifestly
linked to an existing channel:
(i) if the channel is a time-shifted version of another channel
(ii) the way in which the channels are branded
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 10 of 12
(iii) whether the channels are under common control; and/or
(iv) the degree of existing or intended cross-promotion between the channels
8 VACATED EPG NUMBERS
8.1 When the EPG number for a channel is withdrawn by FREESAT for any reason, FREESAT will
consider re-allocating the EPG number to another channel, in accordance with 8.4 below, or may
alternatively and at its absolute discretion leave the vacated EPG number unallocated.
8.2 A channel provider may cease to make a channel available on an EPG number for a limited period of
time without that channel being considered to have been withdrawn provided that FREESAT
considers that the channel provider does intend to make that channel available again within a
reasonable period of time.
8.3 A channel provider must generally schedule and broadcast a channel for at least 21 hours of
properly scheduled, non-repeating programming in each 7 day period for a minimum of 3 hours a
day (unless otherwise agreed with FREESAT).
8.4 Subject to FREESATs obligations to afford appropriate prominence to public service channels in
accordance with section 6, where there is a vacated EPG number and subject to section 8.1 above,
FREESAT will apply the following order of priority in determining to which channel (including both
those which are already on the FREESAT platform and those which have submitted a Launch
Application Form in accordance with section 3) it will allocate the vacated EPG number to:
(i) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately above the vacated EPG
number;
(ii) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately below the vacated EPG
number;
(iii) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately above the channel above
the vacated EPG number;
(iv) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately below the channel below
the vacated EPG number;
(v) the channel nearest to the vacated EPG which is Associated with another channel or other
channels above the vacated EPG number; then
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 11 of 12
(vi) a different channel (Associated or otherwise) where FREESAT considers that it would best
serve viewer convenience and expectations.
8.5 Where an Associated channel is allocated an EPG number in accordance with the Policy, at the
request of the relevant channel provider, FREESAT will consider reallocating:
(i) to the Associated channel, the EPG number allocated to the other channel with which it is
Associated; and
(ii) to the other channel with which it is Associated, the EPG number allocated to the Associated
channel,
provided that the channels are no further than four EPG positions away from each other and that
doing so will result in EPG numbers being listed in an order which is more likely in FREESATs
opinion to best serve viewer convenience and expectations. This is likely to be limited to situations
involving time-shifted channels (e.g. ITV2 and ITV2+1) or channels within the name of which there is
an implied listings order (e.g. ITV2 and ITV3).
8.6 A channel provider may elect not to move an Associated channel into a vacated EPG number unless
FREESAT requires the channel to be moved in order to properly implement the Policy. In the event
that the channel provider makes such an election and the channel is not moved, the next eligible
Associated channel will be allocated the vacated EPG number following the order of priority set out
in section 8.4 above.
9 EVOLUTION OF CHANNELS
9.1 FREESAT accepts that any channel may evolve over time (including by way of change of name and
change of content) and that, in such circumstances, the channel provider may wish to retain the
existing EPG number for that channel. However, in order for a channel to retain its existing EPG
number it must fit within the relevant genre listed in section 4.1 and FREESAT may move the
channel to another genre in accordance with section 4.4.
10 CHARGES
10.1 FREESAT reserves the right to levy charges in respect of the submission of the Launch Application
Form, any configuration charges incurred by Freesat on behalf of the channel, the extension fee set
out in section 5.5 and the provision of any EPG services including the allocation and use of any EPG
number. In addition, FREESAT may suspend or withdraw the allocation or use of EPG number(s) if
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 12 of 12
any such charges are not properly paid in accordance with FREESATs payment terms as set out in
the EPG Agreement
.
11 INFORMATION PROVISION AND MONITORING
11.1 FREESAT is not obliged to monitor the content of the channels that are on the FREESAT platform in
order to ensure that they continue to comply with any representations made to FREESAT by the
channel provider about the channel or to investigate allegations brought by channel providers about
such ongoing compliance. However, FREESAT reserves the right at its discretion to monitor the
content of channels and to investigate allegations brought by other channel providers.
11.2 Channel providers shall at their cost provide all such information as FREESAT requests in order to
enable it:
(i) to conduct any monitoring or investigations which FREESAT at its discretion wishes to conduct;
and/or
(ii) to provide viewers with scheduling information.
11.3 Channel providers must take steps to ensure that all information provided by it or on its behalf is
accurate, complete and up-to-date.
12 REVIEWS
12.1 FREESAT will carry out periodic reviews of the Policy which are likely to be every two years, or
earlier at the discretion of FREESAT.
12.2 Following a review of the Policy, FREESAT will provide reasonable notice (where possible not less
than 2 months) to channel providers who will be affected by any change.
Freesat (UK) Ltd
Updated 1st August 2010
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Tuesday, 4 December 2012
M
Mike Dimmick2:45 PM
It's far easier for Sky's 'barker' channels to convert a Freesat user to a Sky subscriber, than a Freeview user to a Sky subscriber. In the former case, they just have to get the customer to plug in a Sky box to the existing cabling. In the latter, they have to get the customer to get all-new dish and cabling installed. That's been a stumbling block for them.
It may be that they see Freeview -> Freesat -> Sky as an easier upgrade than directly Freeview to Sky, but that the absence of their channels from Freesat puts Freeview viewers off choosing that.
It is an interesting change in dynamic, now that switchover is complete: no longer are they trying to grab a greater share of analogue viewers, they're now truly head-to-head with each other.
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Wednesday, 5 December 2012
R
Rob6:19 PM
it be nice if freesat has subtitled sky news and pick tv... it is subtitled on freeview,sky and cable... but not on freesat yet.. will this happen in future... because i want to go completely freesat as freeview is terrible here.
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C
Charles Stuart10:46 PM
Bristol
Is Freesat worth having? I'm completely satisfied with Freeview, living in a strong reception area for Mendip. However, this house that I moved into in June has a fully wired satellite dish and I just wondered what might I find on Freesat that I don't get on Freeview? The type of programming I like is documentaries, science fiction, property programmes, programmes about science, technology and ancient civilizations, and some game shows/quizzes (e.g. Countdown, University Challenge, The Chase, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?). I hate talent shows, celebrity-infested programmes and panel games.
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Charles's: mapC's Freeview map terrainC's terrain plot wavesC's frequency data C's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Charles Stuart: See:
Compare TV Freeview/Freesat | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
ITV3 is on Freesat, contrary to the presence of its logo appearing on the list of those that aren't.
Dave, Yesterday and Quest are on Freeview but not Freesat. As you are able to receive them via Freeview, then you could just revert back to it for them. Retaining connection to your terrestrial aerial provides a backup for no cost.
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