Advanced Television

C4 carriage fee row: All4, 4HD off Freesat

February 21, 2018

Channel 4 is pulling its flagship HD channel and All4 catch-up service from Freesat in a row over carriage fees. Channel 4’s standard definition channels will remain on the satellite platform as per their obligation as a public service broadcaster.

In an email to users, Freesat said: “We’re sorry to announce that All 4 and 4HD will be leaving Freesat on Thursday 22nd February, 2018. Channel 4 is still available in standard definition, but any recordings you have scheduled for 4HD will need to be re-set in SD (via channel 104). E4, More 4, 4seven and Film4 remain unaffected and can be accessed via the TV guide as usual, but the rollback guide and catch-up TV for all of the Channel 4 channels will no longer be available via your Freesat box.”

A Channel 4 spokesperson told SEENIT: “We’re disappointed Freesat is changing its charging structure, leading to a very significant cost increase for Channel 4, which ultimately takes funding away from our content investment budget. To reduce the overall burden of our Freesat costs and make internal savings we have regrettably given notice to withdraw All 4 and C4 HD while we consider our long term relationship with Freesat.”

Freeview and YouView, the UK’s other subscription-free platforms – both of which Channel 4 has a stake in – will continue to feature the full line-up of Channel 4 HD channels and catch-up services.

 

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Catch Up, DTH/Satellite, FTA, VOD