The world of television is changing, and it's not just about the shows we watch, but how we watch them. The sudden disappearance of three music channels has left viewers in shock, but it's just the tip of the iceberg.
That's TV, a parent company, has pulled the plug on three beloved music channels: That's 80s, That's Oldies, and That's Melody. This move has left Freeview and Sky TV users in the lurch, especially those who relied on these channels for their daily dose of music. For Freeview, That's Oldies on channel 75 was the last full-time music station, and its absence is a significant loss. Sky TV users also bid farewell to these channels, previously found on 359 to 361.
But here's where it gets controversial: the company behind these channels, That's Media Limited, is facing financial troubles. Reports suggest cost-cutting measures and late filings of accounts, which could lead to Companies House initiating strike-off proceedings. This isn't the first time; in 2024, two Freeview channels went off-air due to suspected financial issues.
Fortunately, music lovers can still get their fix. That's TV is streaming four music channels through Rakuten TV and Pluto TV, including That's 80s. LG TV owners can access these channels via LG Channels. That's TV 2 and That's TV 3 also offer music content, with the former showcasing classic music videos and the latter running music programs during off-peak hours.
The decline of traditional music television is evident, with MTV's linear channels and Channel 4's music offerings already gone. Sky viewers now rely on NOW Music channels for their music fix. Streaming services like Vevo, NOW Music, and Xite on platforms such as Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, and Samsung TV Plus have stepped in to fill the void.
And this is the part most people miss: the potential switch-off of Freeview is looming. A recent study, Stream On: The Future of UK TV, predicts that every UK household could have internet-delivered TV by the mid-2030s, rendering traditional terrestrial distribution obsolete. Broadband connections offer a seamless experience for streaming and other online activities, and most UK adults already have access to the internet and video-on-demand services.
While streaming offers convenience and advanced features, it comes with a cost. Unlike linear TV, which is free with an aerial, streaming requires a broadband connection and associated fees. Freesat, for instance, offers free-to-air channels via satellite but requires a minimum connection speed of 10Mbps, which can be costly. This shift could lead to millions of UK viewers facing new broadband bills.
The UK Government is reviewing the future of television distribution, with the fate of free-to-air broadcasts beyond 2034 hanging in the balance. The extension of multiplex licenses is crucial to keeping traditional linear television and radio broadcasts alive. The outcome of this review remains uncertain, but the future of television as we know it is at stake.
