Once more into the breach as Freeview drop this month's EPG and channel update. We've got a mix of updates today from brand new channels, movements in the EPG and even some cancellations.
Let's get started!
New Channels Launched July 2025
India Today
First of all, we have a brand new launch on the Freeview EPG. India Today can now be found at Freeview Channel 258.
India Today is the latest in a long line of international news channels to join Freeview, which now hosts news channels from the UK, USA, Japan, South Africa, Europe and India.
The channel is English-speaking so content is accessible and understandable, no subtitles or holding Google translate up to the TV needed.
It's always good to see more coverage from a larger range of outlets, rather than relying on the singular reporting of any one channel. How much the specific news of India Today will really catch on remains to be seen, but it being there gives people the freedom to choose, which in itself is a win. A choice you don't make is still a choice.
Channels Moving July 2025
GREAT! Movies
Our old friend GREAT! is shifting two of its channels about this month, with GREAT! Movies pushed to Freeview Channel 50.
GREAT! Movies does what it says on the tin, and I suspect is on a number of people's favourite lists to catch when something interesting is on. The move doesn't shake the boat too much, although the GREAT! range as a whole is a little sporadically spread through the EPG rather than nicely grouped, but alas.
If you missed any releases from a few years ago over The Pandemic then you will often see things from that time played for free on GREAT! Movies which is a bonus.
GREAT! TV
The other move we have is GREAT! TV which find itself at Freeview Channel 34, where GREAT! Movies used to be.
GREAT! TV is much more focused on older content and "retro" content from television. From reality to drama to documentaries and comedy. GREAT! TV hosts a wide selection with the intent to keep nostalgic content alive and well on modern TV.
GREAT! Movies has a wider time-span, but GREAT! TV can't be rivalled for the mix of TV shows.
Freeview Channel Shutting Down July 2025
ITVBe+1
In a rather poignant (or ironic) twist of fate, ITVBe+1 took a few weeks longer to shut down than it's namesake ITVBe. ITVBe caused a stir last month when the 10-year-running channel was axed, leaving viewers deprived of the constant reality TV.
ITVBe was replaced, but it seems ITVBe+1 held on just a little longer. Now, Freeview have cleaned it up and ITVBe+1 leaves the EPG.
The assumption is that next month we have a +1 version of ITVBe's replacement put into the spot at Freeview Channel 93.
Remember to Retune
When there's been movement, and especially brand new channels, it's always worth re-scanning to make sure your EPG is coherent. Some changes will automatically show up but others might need an auto-search.
If you still don't see the new channels you should do the longer "blind scan" which will scan impartially to the dictated EPG, which can help pick up new channels when they've not been catalogued yet.
I hope you all enjoyed the Wimbledon, and I'll see you next time.
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