BRITISH viewers will see a long-running channel taken off the air this week.
Sky is axeing a popular channel that has been available to TV fans since 2002.
After more than 22 years on-air, the broadcaster has decided to call time on Sky Replay.
Initially launched as Sky One Mix in 2002, the channel was renamed several times over the years.
It was known as Sky Two from 2005 to 2020.
Sky Replay
So while the Sky Replay brand was introduced in 2020, the channel itself has been a long-time favourite with viewers.
It is primarily used for catching up on shows that aired on Sky Max and Sky Witness.
This includes popular hits like A League Of Their Own, Four Weddings, and SEAL Team.
However, viewer numbers have dwindled as streaming becomes a more popular way of consuming content.
With people easily able to watch repeats on-demand and online, less viewers are tuning into regular TV channels.
And now customers have been assured they will still be able to access all the shows they’re used to seeing on Sky Replay via other means.
The channel will cease broadcasting on Thursday, October 30.
Other channel changes
The move comes just days after The Sun also revealed that MTV is closing all five of its music channels in the UK.
However, reality fans will be glad to learn the flagship MTV channel will still be available.
Meanwhile, Sky has warned customers that some channels may move position on the electronic programme guide following the axeing of the channel.
A major reshuffle has already been applied to Sky Q boxes today with the kid’s channels changing numbers.
It follows closures like CITV which have left gaps.
Will more channels close?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Channel closures have sadly become commonplace in the streaming age.
But the loss of Sky Replay shouldn’t come as much of a shock given that it was entirely geared towards showing repeats.
It’s largely been on life support for satellite viewers with really old Sky boxes unable to access streaming apps.
Catch-up and +1 channels have become pretty redundant when viewers can hit a couple of buttons on their remote to watch what they’ve missed on-demand instantly.
So, Sky customers need not worry about missing any shows as they’ll all continue to be available on their primary channels as well as on-demand and on the Sky Go app.
However, I wouldn’t be surprised if more go in the not so distant future.
See the full list of new numbers on satellite below:
- Nick Jr. Too – was 613, now 612
- POP – was 614, now 613
- Tiny Pop – was 615, now 614
- Nickelodeon+1 – was 616, now 615
- POP+1 – was 618, now 617
- Tiny Pop+1 – was 619, now 618
- Nick Jr+1 – was 622, now 619
- BabyTV – was 626, now 623
- Nick Jr. HD – was 645, now 643
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