In a rare turn-of-events, Freeview have actually released two changes to the EPG lineup this month! We have already reported on the January Freeview update from way back on the 7th (Feels like a lifetime ago, January being as long as it is), but there's been an unexpected and sudden change to a beloved channel towards the end of January too!
If you're trying to get to London Live and having trouble, this last-minute update will be the culprit!
London Live Channel Name Change
From the 22nd of January, 2025, Everyone TV (That's the people who run Freeview and Freely) issued an update for the Freeview EPG.
This was unexpected, as they have made it a habit to issue one update a month and collate all their changes into it.
On this occasion, however, they made a very specific couple of changes without anyone realising!
The most important of the two changes is to London Live, a fan-favourite channel with a cult following that broadcasts a mix of reality TV, UK documentaries and other British programmes including sitcoms like Peep Show.
So, why would London Live be changed and why can't you find London Live on the EPG?
The change was simple, on the face of it.
London Live is now called London TV.
The channel London Live no longer exists and has been rebranded into the new London TV channel. Therefore, while the position on the EPG is the same, you will need to look for London TV not London Live to find it!
What does the London Live rebrand really mean?
Well, London Live, such as it was, was operated by the Russian-British chairman of the Independent and Evening Standard. The replacement, London TV, is organised through the smaller, local company conveniently called "Local TV".
This change of ownership could see the content on London Live (Now London TV) mix up a bit! Currently, Local TV is responsible for local programming to Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Yorkshire, Liverpool, Birmingham, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside. With the broadcaster now taking over London Live and transforming it into London TV, they could find a larger place on the EPG and help flesh out the local offerings with national-level shows and news.
It's still not certain exactly what direction Local TV will take their new acquisition, but for now you can at least be safe in the knowledge that London Live isn't "missing" from your EPG, it's just rebranded into London TV!
Remember to Retune
As always with these Freeview updates, make sure you retune your box or TV! You don't want to still be trying to connect to London Live and wondering why it's all saying London TV, getting mixed up!
The best way to avoid any confusion over the rebrand is to check now on your EPG what the channel is called. If it's called London TV, you're sorted! If it's still called London Live, give a re-scan a go.
Remember to sign up to our newsletter so you can see all the Freeview channel changes each month! View all the previous updates here.
Leave a comment