Note: This is an alternate universe. Granada Sky Broadcasting Reviews Channel Lineup Following ITV plc Merger

London, Early January 2005 — Granada Sky Broadcasting (GSB), the joint venture responsible for distributing a range of popular television channels on satellite and cable platforms, has confirmed it is undertaking a strategic review of its overall channel portfolio in the wake of the recent merger between Carlton Communications and Granada plc, which formed the newly unified ITV plc.

The merger, completed late last year, brought together two of the UK’s largest commercial broadcasters under one roof. This consolidation has placed Carlton Communications’ channel Carlton Cinema firmly under the ownership and management of GSB, alongside other key channels in the lineup including ITV2, ITV3, ITV News, Men & Motors, Granada Breeze, Shop! The Value Channel, and Wellbeing. The addition of Carlton Cinema extends GSB’s reach into niche film programming, complementing the existing entertainment and lifestyle offerings.

A spokesperson for GSB stated:
"With the formation of ITV plc, we now have an unparalleled opportunity to streamline and strengthen our channel portfolio to better serve our audience and advertising partners. We are actively reviewing all channels to ensure they align with our strategic objectives and deliver maximum value moving forward."

Industry insiders speculate that the review may result in the consolidation or repositioning of overlapping channels, especially given the challenges faced by niche channels such as Granada Breeze and Wellbeing, which have historically catered to more specialized audiences.

The Men & Motors channel, known for its male-oriented content including automotive programming and lifestyle, remains a strong performer within the portfolio, while ITV2 and ITV3 continue to build on their reputation for entertainment and drama respectively. Meanwhile, the addition of Carlton Cinema adds a classic film angle to the bouquet.

There has been no official word on potential channel closures or rebranding, but analysts expect the review to consider audience ratings, advertising revenue, and brand synergy in the coming months. The evolving digital television landscape and competition from emerging platforms have also been noted as factors influencing the review.

GSB’s channel lineup has played a significant role in expanding the reach of ITV’s content beyond its flagship terrestrial channel, offering viewers greater diversity in entertainment, lifestyle, and news programming.

Further announcements regarding any changes to the GSB suite of channels are anticipated later this quarter.

GSB Channel Portfolio (Current):

ITV2
ITV3
ITV News
Men & Motors
Granada Breeze
Shop! The Value Channel
Carlton Cinema
Wellbeing
For more information, please contact Granada Sky Broadcasting press office.

Write a tweet with the 2 companies that own the company

Granada Sky Broadcasting, owned jointly by @itvplc and @SkyUK, is reviewing its channel lineup following the recent ITV plc merger. Changes may be on the horizon! #TVnews #ITV #Sky

Write an article Febuary 5 2005, It mulls launching a CITV channel, and throws the fates of 3 of it's channels into question

Granada Sky Broadcasting Mulls Launching Dedicated CITV Channel, Puts Fate of Three Channels in Question

February 5, 2005 – London — Granada Sky Broadcasting (GSB) is reportedly considering the launch of a dedicated CITV channel aimed at younger viewers — a move that could significantly reshape its existing channel portfolio. The potential new venture comes as GSB evaluates its current offerings in the wake of ITV plc’s recent formation and ongoing strategy to consolidate and strengthen its television assets.

Insiders suggest that if a standalone CITV channel is launched, it would serve as a dedicated home for children’s programming within the ITV ecosystem, building on the brand's longstanding reputation on the terrestrial ITV network.

However, industry observers note that this strategic pivot may come at a cost to some of GSB's existing niche channels. Sources close to the broadcaster indicate that the future of three channels — Granada Breeze, Wellbeing, and Shop! The Value Channel — may be under review, with the prospect of downsizing, rebranding, or even closure.

Granada Breeze, which has targeted a predominantly female audience with lifestyle and leisure programming, and Wellbeing, focused on health and fitness content, have reportedly seen modest audience figures compared to GSB’s entertainment and drama channels. Meanwhile, Shop! The Value Channel, GSB’s dedicated shopping channel, faces increasing competition from other retail broadcasters and online platforms.

A GSB spokesperson said:
"We continue to assess our portfolio to ensure it meets the evolving needs of our viewers and commercial partners. The concept of a dedicated CITV channel is very much under consideration, but no final decisions have been made. We are carefully evaluating the performance and strategic fit of all our channels as part of this process."

The prospect of a CITV channel is exciting for children’s entertainment fans, providing a single destination for popular shows and potentially increasing viewer engagement across digital platforms.

With the UK digital television market growing ever more competitive, GSB’s review underscores the importance of focused, brand-aligned programming to capture and retain audiences across multiple demographics.

Further announcements regarding channel line-up changes and the future of CITV programming on satellite and cable platforms are expected in the coming months.

Current GSB Channels Potentially Affected:

Granada Breeze
Wellbeing
Shop! The Value Channel
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to industry news outlets.

Write an article March 3, ITV4 launches in a few months, CITV sometime next year, Shop!, Breeze, Cinema and Wellbeing are all being looked at, and so is ITV News, as ITN want to focus on the core ITV1 bulletins

Granada Sky Broadcasting Prepares for ITV4 Launch, CITV to Follow Next Year; Several Channels Face Review

March 3, 2005 – London — Granada Sky Broadcasting (GSB) has confirmed plans to launch the new entertainment channel ITV4 in the coming months, with a dedicated CITV children’s channel expected to debut sometime next year. Meanwhile, a comprehensive review is underway that could reshape the future of several existing channels in the GSB portfolio.

ITV4 is slated to cater primarily to a male audience, featuring a mix of sport, drama, and classic ITV programming, bolstering the broadcaster’s multi-channel offering as it competes increasingly in the digital arena. The channel’s launch is anticipated to strengthen ITV plc’s presence in a crowded marketplace and offer advertisers targeted options.

Additionally, a standalone CITV channel, long-awaited by fans of ITV’s children’s programming, is planned for rollout next year, providing a dedicated home for youth-oriented shows and potentially increasing visibility for the brand.

At the same time, GSB executives are reviewing the future of several current channels — including Shop! The Value Channel, Granada Breeze, Carlton Cinema, and Wellbeing. Sources say the review considers audience figures, brand alignment, and the competitive landscape.

Granada Breeze and Wellbeing, both lifestyle-focused channels, have struggled to find significant traction, while Shop! faces stiff competition from other shopping broadcasters and digital retail platforms. Carlton Cinema, now fully under the GSB umbrella following the ITV plc merger, is also being assessed for its ongoing viability amid shifting viewer habits.

Adding to the list of channels under scrutiny is ITV News. According to insiders, ITN, the independent news provider for ITV, is keen to concentrate its resources on the core ITV1 news bulletins rather than maintaining a separate dedicated news channel under GSB. This could signal an end or substantial overhaul for the ITV News channel, which currently offers around-the-clock national and international news coverage.

A spokesperson for GSB said:
"ITV4 represents an exciting new chapter in ITV’s multichannel strategy, and CITV’s launch next year will enhance our children’s programming offering. As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible content to viewers and our partners, we continue to evaluate other channels to ensure they fit strategically within our portfolio."

Industry analysts believe these developments reflect ITV plc’s broader goal to streamline its channel lineup, focus on core strengths, and better target audience demographics as digital television continues to expand in the UK.

Further details on channel closures or rebranding are expected in the coming weeks as GSB finalizes its multi-channel strategy for 2005.

Key Upcoming Launches:

ITV4: Launching in the next few months
CITV: Planned launch sometime in 2006
Channels Under Review:

Shop! The Value Channel
Granada Breeze
Carlton Cinema
Wellbeing
ITV News
Stay tuned for updates on ITV’s evolving multichannel lineup.

Hiroshima Home TV

On September 18, 1964, the station makes a license request as Setonaikai Broadcasting (unrelated to the current TV station of the same name). At the time, at least 42 companies wanted to apply for the third commercial television station in the prefecture, and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications appointed Nagano Isuo to coordinate these applications.[1]: 30  The company gained a preliminary license on November 18, 1969, on the founders' meeting on December 25, the name Hiroshima HOME Television was selected (Setonaikai Broadcasting in Kagawa started in April that year.)[1]: 30 

In 1970, the station bought land to build its facilities,[1]: 30  in Shiroshima Kita-cho, Hiroshima City, building took place between March and September 23.[1]: 32  Test broadcasts were conducted from October 1; on December 1, at 6:50am, the station signed on its regular service for the first time, the first program being a morning bulletin from ANN News. At the time, the network carried programming from Nippon Educational Television (NET TV, current TV Asahi); the original abbreviation was UHT (UHF Hiroshima-Home Television).

In a ratings survey conducted by Video Research in January 1971, UHT achieved high ratings of 6,3% during the day and 12,3% during primetime hours. At the same time, the number of UHF-ready television sets in the prefecture increased to more than 544,000 units,[1]: 34  that same year, the station's fortunes were worth 1,345 billion yen.[1]: 36  In a survey in January 1973, its median all-day ratings were 8,4% and during primetime, 19,2%, becoming one of the most-viewed UHF stations of the time.[1]: 38  Profits that year exceeded 2 billion yen.[1]: 40 

Affected by the 1973 oil crisis which caused a slowing of the Japanese economy, as well as the intensification of competition with the start of a fourth commercial station, growth in revenue slowed in the middle of the decade.[1]: 48  However, in 1978, revenue was worth 3,248 billion yen, an 11,7% increase, surpassing 3 billion yen.[1]: 50  News gathering information abroad started in 1979 with dispatching of teams to Hawaii and Sichuan Province.[1]: 50 

Equipment was upgraded on October 27, 1983[1]: 165  and sound multiplex broadcasts start on November 14, 1985, the first full ANN affiliate to do so.[1]: 165  The station introduced its new corporate identity on April 1, 1986. Along with it, the main abbreviation changed to HOME.[1]: 58 

The station's mascot, Polpol (ぽるぽる), was created upon the station's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2000, tie-in merchandise was also released. The character is a yellow, pudgy character with a cute face. [2] Digital terrestrial broadcasts commenced on October 1, 2006; analog terrestrial broadcasts concluded on 24 July 2011. Write a forum conversation 23 May 2005, On Freeview it appears Shop! The Value Channel has just started a "firesale", everything must go, Is the channel closing? There are rumors of this Japanese channel joining Freeview, Could that be why Shop! is closing, It no longer broadcasts on other platforms and ever since Littlewoods pulled out of the venture in 2002, Granada Sky Broadcasting have been running it like Bid TV, but kind of dodgy. and sometimes orders get suddenly cancelled with no refund. but anyways today it appears a mega sale is happening, and GSB put the channel under review quite recently anyway

Forum Thread: Shop! The Value Channel – Firesale on Freeview? Closing Down?

User1 (May 23, 2005, 10:15 AM):
Has anyone else noticed that Shop! The Value Channel on Freeview seems to have started some kind of huge "firesale"? It’s like everything must go. Could this mean the channel is shutting down soon? It’s weird because it’s no longer broadcasting on Sky or cable platforms as far as I know.

User2 (May 23, 2005, 10:38 AM):
Yeah, I spotted that too. The “mega sale” is out of the blue. Makes me think GSB is trying to clear inventory before pulling the plug. I remember they put a bunch of channels under review recently — Shop! was definitely one of them.

User3 (May 23, 2005, 11:05 AM):
I read somewhere that GSB has been running Shop! more or less like Bid TV ever since Littlewoods left back in 2002. Some shady stuff has gone down too — like orders getting canceled at the last minute with no refunds. Nothing like a proper shopping channel.

User4 (May 23, 2005, 11:25 AM):
It wouldn’t surprise me if this channel is closing. Freeview is trying to get more variety and I’ve heard rumours that a Japanese channel might be coming to Freeview soon. Could that be related? Maybe GSB needs to clear the slot for this new channel.

User5 (May 23, 2005, 11:50 AM):
Interesting theory... Shop! hasn’t been big on other platforms for a while. If the channel’s only really left is Freeview and sales have been dodgy, GSB probably doesn’t see the point in keeping it going. The firesale looks like a last-ditch effort to make something before closing.

User6 (May 23, 2005, 12:10 PM):
I wonder how long the firesale will last? If the channel is ending, it would be nice if GSB made an official announcement. They’ve been pretty quiet about these things lately.

User1 (May 23, 2005, 12:30 PM):
Agreed — silent treatment isn’t helping. Meanwhile, I’m watching the sales hoping to snag a bargain, but still wary about placing orders!

End of thread, ongoing discussion expected as more news breaks.

Wrie a conversation talking about what has been happening with Shop! recently, including the review, Also the user reveals the JP channel coming

Forum Thread: What’s Going On With Shop! The Value Channel? And That New Japanese Channel Rumor

UserA (May 24, 2005, 9:00 AM):
So here’s a quick recap in case anyone missed it — Shop! The Value Channel has been under review by Granada Sky Broadcasting for a while now. I think the official announcements came around March, when it was confirmed that several channels were being looked at because of low ratings and changes in strategy. Shop! was one of them, along with Granada Breeze, Wellbeing, and Carlton Cinema.

UserB (May 24, 2005, 9:20 AM):
Yeah, I’ve been following that too. Shop! stopped broadcasting on Sky and cable last year, right? So the only place left was Freeview. And now with this sudden firesale airing on Freeview, people are pretty sure it’s a sign the channel is winding down, or at least rethinking its future.

UserC (May 24, 2005, 9:45 AM):
I heard that since Littlewoods backed out of the joint venture back in 2002, Shop! hasn’t really been doing well. GSB apparently started running it more like one of those late-night bargain channels, but with lots of complaints about dodgy order cancellations and no refunds. Not a great look for loyal shoppers.

UserA (May 24, 2005, 10:10 AM):
Exactly, and the review initiated by GSB after the ITV plc merger is about streamlining their channel lineup, focusing on the stronger brands like ITV4, upcoming CITV, and the core ITV channels. So something niche like Shop! The Value Channel probably doesn’t fit their new strategy anymore.

UserD (May 24, 2005, 10:30 AM):
The interesting twist is the rumor about a Japanese channel launching on Freeview soon. I’ve seen whispers on other forums saying that Hiroshima Home TV — a broadcaster with a long history — is in talks to launch a cultural and lifestyle channel on Freeview.

UserB (May 24, 2005, 10:50 AM):
That could explain why Shop! seems to be clearing shop for good on Freeview — maybe GSB or Freeview are making room for this Japanese channel to enter the UK market. Considering GSB runs a joint venture with Sky and ITV, maybe they’re partnering up with overseas broadcasters for fresh content.

UserC (May 24, 2005, 11:15 AM):
If Hiroshima Home TV or some similar Japanese station launches here, that’d be quite a coup for Freeview. A chance to diversify their offerings with international programming. Makes sense to replace underperforming shopping channels with something unique.

UserA (May 24, 2005, 11:40 AM):
In any case, for anyone still watching Shop! on Freeview, it might be time to keep an eye out for official shutdown notices. The firesale might be your last chance to grab deals, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on it sticking around much longer.

UserD (May 24, 2005, 12:00 PM):
Definitely. This kind of lineup reshuffle is typical when broadcasters rethink their digital strategy — cut the weak, make room for new content. We’ll see some interesting changes later this year, that’s for sure.

UserB (May 24, 2005, 12:30 PM):
Thanks for the update all! Can’t wait to see what the new Japanese channel brings. Hope it’s something fresh and well-produced.

UserC (May 24, 2005, 12:45 PM):
Agreed! New channels mean new choices, and that’s always a good thing for viewers.

End of conversation.

Write a follow up with the confirmation, also the sale is now being promoted as a "going out of business sale", to last till either all stock is cleared out or July 1, whichever comes first

Forum Thread: Confirmation — Shop! The Value Channel Closing; “Going Out of Business” Sale Announced

UserA (June 10, 2005, 9:00 AM):
Alright everyone, it’s official now. Granada Sky Broadcasting has confirmed that Shop! The Value Channel is closing down. The current firesale has been rebranded as a “Going Out of Business Sale,” and it’s set to last until either all stock is sold out or July 1, whichever comes first.

UserB (June 10, 2005, 9:25 AM):
Thanks for the heads-up! So that explains the mega discount madness on Freeview lately. Makes sense they want to clear everything before shutting down the channel completely.

UserC (June 10, 2005, 9:50 AM):
It’s a shame, but after years of poor viewership and sketchy order problems, I guess it was inevitable. Anyone know if there’s any official transition announcements regarding replacement channels on Freeview?

UserA (June 10, 2005, 10:10 AM):
The rumor mill’s been turning — the Japanese lifestyle and cultural channel (likely Hiroshima Home TV or similar) is confirmed to launch on Freeview later this year. That would be the slot freed up by Shop!’s closure.

UserD (June 10, 2005, 10:40 AM):
From a business perspective, GSB is probably better off focusing on ITV4, CITV, and a streamlined portfolio anyway. Niche shopping channels just don’t perform well anymore, especially with online shopping gaining ground.

UserB (June 10, 2005, 11:00 AM):
True. Well, for anyone interested — jump on the sales while they last! Hopefully all orders go through smoothly this time without cancellations or refund issues.

UserC (June 10, 2005, 11:20 AM):
Agreed! It’s bittersweet, but new channels and better programming options sound promising. Thanks for the update!

End of thread.

Write a reply confirming the replacement, and the date it joins

UserE (June 10, 2005, 11:45 AM):
Just to confirm, the new Japanese channel replacing Shop! The Value Channel on Freeview will be Hiroshima Home TV. It’s scheduled to launch on July 15, 2005. Should be an interesting addition with its focus on Japanese culture, lifestyle, and entertainment. Looking forward to seeing how it shapes up!

[Upbeat, energetic voice-over with lively background music]

Voice-over:
"Prices have just been SLASHED at Shop!'s Going Out of Business Liquidation!

Everything must go – unbelievable deals on all your favorite products!

Hurry in now and grab incredible bargains before they're all gone!

Shop! — the biggest clearance SALE you’ve ever seen!

Don’t miss out — prices this low won’t last!

Shop! The Value Channel — clearing stock, closing down soon!". Write a conversation June 18 asking how the sale is progressing, Does it look like they will sell everything before the 1st or is that still the day they are closing

Forum Thread: How’s the Shop! Going Out of Business Sale Progressing? Will They Sell Everything Before July 1?

User1 (June 18, 2005, 9:15 AM):
Hey all, just wondering how the Shop! “Going Out of Business” sale is going so far. Has it looked like they’re clearing out most of the stock quickly or do you think everything will still be there by July 1? Does anyone think they might extend or cut it short?

User2 (June 18, 2005, 9:40 AM):
Great question. I’ve been tuning into Freeview here and there, and it seems like the sale’s busy but not exactly flying off the shelves like crazy. Some items still appear available. I’d guess they will at least go full term to July 1 unless something big sells out suddenly.

User3 (June 18, 2005, 10:05 AM):
I agree with User2. The inventory looks steady—not sure if all sales are legit either with the history of order cancellations. But GSB probably wants to clear as much as they can before shutting down rather than shutting early. July 1 is probably still the planned shutdown date.

User4 (June 18, 2005, 10:30 AM):
I placed a few orders last week and everything went through fine this time, so it seems like they’re cleaning up the process. If that continues, maybe they can sell out faster, but the sale promo is pretty aggressive so I expect it to last the full period.

User1 (June 18, 2005, 11:00 AM):
Thanks for the insights folks! I was worried they might suddenly close early without notice like some other channels have done, but sounds like July 1 is the firm deadline for now.

User5 (June 18, 2005, 11:30 AM):
Hopefully the channel stays on air until then. After July 1, we can finally see what this Hiroshima Home TV channel is like. Sounds like a refreshing change!

User2 (June 18, 2005, 12:00 PM):
Absolutely, looking forward to it myself. Until then, I’m keeping an eye on bargains on Shop! just in case.

User3 (June 18, 2005, 12:20 PM):
Just a heads-up — if anyone’s thinking of ordering more, double-check the return policies this time around due to past issues.

User1 (June 18, 2005, 12:45 PM):
Good advice. Thanks again, everyone! Let’s hope the closeout sale goes smoothly for all involved.

End of thread.

Write the Final Days ad on June 25

[Upbeat, urgent voice-over with energetic music]

Voice-over:
🚨 FINAL DAYS at Shop! The Value Channel’s Going Out of Business Sale! 🚨

This is your LAST CHANCE to grab unbelievable deals on all your favorite products!

Prices are slashed LOWER than ever — but stock is running out FAST!

Don’t miss out on massive savings before we CLOSE for good on July 1st!

Shop! The Value Channel — everything must go, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good!

Tune in now on Freeview and shop these final deals before time runs out!

Hurry — FINAL DAYS, FINAL SALES!

Write a Last Day ad, going into detail about the massive savings

[Urgent, energetic voice-over with dramatic, fast-paced music]

Voice-over:
🔥 TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! 🔥

Shop! The Value Channel’s Going Out of Business SALE ends TONIGHT at midnight!

This is your FINAL opportunity to cash in on MASSIVE SAVINGS across the entire range!

Get incredible discounts like:
• Up to 70% OFF top electronics and gadgets!
• Jaw-dropping HALF-PRICE deals on home and kitchen essentials!
• HUGE markdowns on fashion and accessories — everything must go!
• Amazing value bundles you won’t find anywhere else!

Stock is EXTREMELY LIMITED and once it’s gone — IT’S GONE FOREVER!

Don’t wait another second — call or shop online NOW to grab the biggest bargains before the curtain falls!

Shop! The Value Channel — closing forever at midnight TONIGHT.

Your last chance to SAVE BIG!

Tune in on Freeview or visit us online — but don’t delay! Sale ends at midnight sharp!

Write a forum conversation, At midnight they aired B&W footage of the empty studio, then went to a slide saying they had ceased trading, all orders will be fufilled, and thank you for your custom

Forum Thread: Shop! The Value Channel Signs Off with Poignant Final Broadcast

User1 (July 2, 2005, 12:15 AM):
Did anyone else stay up to catch Shop! The Value Channel’s final moments last night? At midnight, they aired some black-and-white footage of their empty studio — really atmospheric and kinda bittersweet.

User2 (July 2, 2005, 12:30 AM):
Yeah, I saw that too. It was pretty touching for a shopping channel. After the B&W footage, they displayed a simple slide saying they had ceased trading, that all orders will be fulfilled, and a big thank you for the customers’ support. Nice way to say goodbye.

User3 (July 2, 2005, 12:45 AM):
Totally unexpected tone for a closing broadcast! Usually channels just go dark or switch over without a word. This felt like a proper farewell. Glad they thanked the viewers, despite all the order hiccups in the past.

User4 (July 2, 2005, 1:00 AM):
Agreed. Wonder what’s happening now with the Freeview slot? Hopefully the new Hiroshima Home TV channel debuts smoothly. Looking forward to something fresh with a cultural twist.

User1 (July 2, 2005, 1:15 AM):
Me too. It’s definitely the end of an era for Shop!, but exciting times ahead on Freeview. Thanks for the memories, I guess!

User5 (July 2, 2005, 2:00 AM):
Thanks for the heads-up about the final broadcast. Wish I had caught it. Here’s hoping the new channel has better luck and fewer glitches.

User2 (July 2, 2005, 2:30 AM):
Same here. Farewell, Shop! The Value Channel – you’ll be remembered for the bargains and the chaos alike!

End of thread.

Write a conversation July 7, the EPG title has been renamed and a MHEG caption is now in place, Cute image

Forum Thread: Shop! The Value Channel Slot Updated on Freeview – New EPG Title & Cute MHEG Caption

User1 (July 7, 2005, 9:10 AM):
Has anyone noticed the Freeview EPG slot that used to be Shop! The Value Channel? The name’s been changed — I saw it’s now listed as “HOME TV” or something similar. Also, there’s a new MHEG caption on screen when you tune in. Cute little animated mascot or something?

User2 (July 7, 2005, 9:35 AM):
Yeah, I saw that last night. It definitely feels like the Hiroshima Home TV channel slot is gearing up to go live. The MHEG caption has this cheerful yellow character waving at you — reminds me of that Polpol mascot from the Japanese station’s promo materials.

User3 (July 7, 2005, 10:00 AM):
Just checked myself. The EPG title change definitely confirms the transition. The MHEG caption has some basic info about the upcoming launch with a countdown timer too. Looks very polished for a pre-launch screen.

User4 (July 7, 2005, 10:25 AM):
Love the little mascot! It’s a nice touch after the dull shopping channel era. Feels like something fresh and family-friendly is finally coming to Freeview.

User1 (July 7, 2005, 10:50 AM):
Agreed — it’s quite a contrast. Curious to see if they’ll keep this style after the full launch or switch to more formal branding. Either way, it’s heartening to see the slot getting some attention.

User2 (July 7, 2005, 11:15 AM):
Maybe this is just the beginning of a steady rollout. I’m excited to sample some Japanese lifestyle and culture programming. Freeview definitely needed a bit more international flavor.

User3 (July 7, 2005, 11:40 AM):
Same here. Let’s keep an eye on it — would be great if they announce the exact launch date soon.

User5 (July 7, 2005, 12:05 PM):
Thanks for the heads-up everyone! I’ll check tonight and hopefully share some screenshots of that cute mascot too.

End of thread.

Write a reply saying i love him already

User6 (July 7, 2005, 12:30 PM):
I love him already! That little mascot is adorable — way more charming than anything Shop! ever had. Can’t wait to see more!

Write a conversation Jul 10, The EPG name is now "Hiroshima Home TV/JOGM-TV", Nice to see the callsigns also used

Forum Thread: EPG Update – Now “Hiroshima Home TV/JOGM-TV” on Freeview!

User1 (July 10, 2005, 9:00 AM):
Hey everyone, just noticed that the Freeview EPG listing has been updated again. The channel is now called “Hiroshima Home TV/JOGM-TV”. Really nice to see the callsign included alongside the name!

User2 (July 10, 2005, 9:25 AM):
Yeah, I spotted that too! It’s a bit unusual to see the callsign on the EPG, but it feels very official. Gives it that authentic broadcaster vibe, kind of like old school terrestrial channels.

User3 (July 10, 2005, 9:50 AM):
Agreed! Most digital channels just use a brand name, not callsigns. Including JOGM-TV definitely highlights its Japanese identity, which is cool. Feels like a proper launch is really around the corner now.

User4 (July 10, 2005, 10:10 AM):
I like that they’re embracing the Japanese heritage here. It adds character and even a bit of nostalgia for viewers who know about these broadcasting traditions.

User1 (July 10, 2005, 10:35 AM):
Does anyone know if the MHEG caption is still there too? Or has that been replaced now that the channel name is finalized in the EPG?

User2 (July 10, 2005, 11:00 AM):
Last night I checked and the MHEG screen was still up, showing some info about upcoming programming and a soft launch notice. So they’re probably keeping it as a teaser until the official start date.

User3 (July 10, 2005, 11:20 AM):
Makes sense to me. Slowly building some anticipation before launching fully. Looking forward to seeing what kind of shows they bring.

User4 (July 10, 2005, 11:45 AM):
Same here! After the Shop! chaos, this feels like a breath of fresh air for the Freeview lineup.

User5 (July 10, 2005, 12:15 PM):
Thanks for the updates, folks! Definitely loving the attention to detail with the callsign. Can’t wait to see Hiroshima Home TV/JOGM-TV live.

End of thread.

User6 (July 10, 2005, 12:45 PM):
I love that they're using the callsign too — it feels so authentic and professional! Really looking forward to this channel going live.

Write a conversation asking well, who's next on the GSB firing line, How about their OTHER failed joint venture (Wellbeing was a joint venture with Boots)

Forum Thread: Well, Who’s Next on the GSB Firing Line? Could Wellbeing Be the Next to Go?

User1 (July 12, 2005, 8:30 AM):
So Shop! is finally gone, and Hiroshima Home TV is about to launch. Makes you wonder — who’s next on the chopping block at Granada Sky Broadcasting? They’ve been reviewing a lot of underperforming channels lately.

User2 (July 12, 2005, 8:55 AM):
Good question. Wellbeing has always struck me as a bit of a lost cause. Remember, it was a joint venture with Boots, right? But it never really took off the way ITV’s other lifestyle channels did.

User3 (July 12, 2005, 9:20 AM):
Yeah, Boots was involved in Wellbeing originally, but the channel has been pretty quiet and low profile for ages. If GSB is focusing on stronger brands like ITV4 and CITV, I wouldn’t be surprised if Wellbeing is on the chopping block next.

User4 (July 12, 2005, 9:45 AM):
It makes sense. Between declining viewer numbers and changing digital TV tastes, niche lifestyle channels like Wellbeing could be vulnerable. Plus, Boots probably didn’t see much benefit from it either.

User1 (July 12, 2005, 10:10 AM):
True. They might consider rebranding, merging with another channel, or just closing it altogether. Wonder if Granada Breeze could be in the firing line too?

User2 (July 12, 2005, 10:35 AM):
Granada Breeze has never been a ratings powerhouse either, so yeah, both Breeze and Wellbeing might be on thin ice. GSB’s been pretty clear they want a tighter, stronger lineup.

User3 (July 12, 2005, 11:00 AM):
I’m curious if ITV News channel is still safe too, considering ITN wants to focus on ITV1 bulletins. GSB seems to have a lot to sort out.

User4 (July 12, 2005, 11:25 AM):
No doubt. GSB’s next moves could reshape multichannel TV in the UK quite a bit. Anyone else think they might announce more changes soon?

User1 (July 12, 2005, 11:50 AM):
I wouldn’t be surprised. With digital competition heating up, the review process must be gathering momentum. Wellbeing could be the next domino to fall.

User2 (July 12, 2005, 12:10 PM):
Agreed. Guess we’ll all have to wait and watch. Would be interesting to see how Boots reacts if their joint venture is pulled.

User3 (July 12, 2005, 12:30 PM):
Exactly. Either way, time for GSB to focus on channels with real growth potential.

End of thread.

Yomiuri Telecasting Company: Background to the launch
In 1953 , prior to its launch in Tokyo, Nippon Television Network Corporation (hereafter referred to as "NTV") submitted an application for a broadcasting license in Osaka to the Radio Regulatory Commission . However, at the time, there were only two radio waves allocated to the Osaka area, and licenses were given to two stations, NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and Osaka Television Broadcasting (OTV, now Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation ), and the license for "NTV Osaka Broadcasting Station" was rejected.

The reason for the rejection was that "Nippon Television represents the Tokyo area, and broadcasting in Osaka would be 'crossing borders.'" [ note 2 ] Matsutaro Shoriki , head of the Yomiuri Shimbun and Nippon Television , applied to the Radio Regulatory Commission to establish regional broadcasting stations in Sapporo , Nagoya , and Fukuoka in addition to Osaka, but this was also rejected for the same reason . [ note 3 ]

At that time, the Yomiuri Shimbun had expanded into Osaka, and was competing fiercely with the Asahi Shimbun , the Mainichi Shimbun , and others in sales. Since Osaka Television Broadcasting was a television station established by the Asahi Shimbun, the Mainichi Shimbun, and the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation and New Japan Broadcasting (now the Mainichi Broadcasting System), Tsutomu Mitsuo , the president of the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun (now the Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka Headquarters) at the time , was convinced that "in order to increase circulation against the two newspapers, we need to have our own affiliated television station," and the Yomiuri Shimbun also decided to create a television station with investment from the Kansai business community, centered around the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun. Tsutomu was the representative promoter and gathered promoters from the business community.

The name of the broadcasting station was " Shin -Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. " (abbreviated as NOTV = New Osaka Television . It was called " No-Tele "), and the founding general meeting was held in February 1957. The company building was constructed by borrowing most of the grounds of the Tenman Betsuin temple of the Otani-ha Shinshu sect in Iwai-cho , Kita-ku, Osaka (now Higashi-Tenma ) .

In October 1956, they submitted an application for a broadcasting license to the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. In October 1957, a provisional license was issued to Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting as a quasi-educational station (Channel 10, JOIX-TV). The company held its founding general meeting on February 12, 1958, and on August 1 of the same year, the company changed its name from "Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting" to "Yomiuri Telecasting Co., Ltd." (abbreviated as YTV, nicknamed Yomiuri Television). On the 28th of the same month , it opened as the second commercial television station in the Kinki region, completely transferring all of the Nippon Television programs that had been networked with OTV.

The opening of Yomiuri Television resolved the dissatisfaction of sponsors of Nippon Television Network Corporation's programs, which had not been broadcast in the Kinki region due to OTV's cross-network policy. [ Note 4 ] This also contributed greatly to the increase in circulation of the Yomiuri Shimbun in western Japan .

Among the commercial television stations headquartered in Osaka (Osaka-based television stations), it is the only one that does not have capital from a Kansai private railway , and its capital is composed of Yomiuri Shimbun Group and Nomura Securities affiliates . [ Note 5 ]

Network transition
August 28, 1958 - Launched. As the first station in the Nippon Television Network, it declared itself a "station network station." Since then, Nippon Television has consistently been the main broadcaster of all programs.
April 1, 1966 -News network NNN was launched and the station joined.
June 14, 1972 - Joined the NNS, which was launched on this day.
chronology
The original company building (part of it) was demolished around 1990, and the site is currently used as a parking lot as of 2021 (October 1989, Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
The original company building (part of it) was demolished around 1990, and the site is currently used as a parking lot as of 2021 (October 1989, Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City)

The second-generation company building before the logo change (March 2006)
The second-generation company building before the logo change (March 2006)

The second-generation company building after the logo change (from autumn 2007 to 2019. The black building is the Osaka Tokio Marine & Nichido Building)
The second-generation company building after the logo change (from autumn 2007 to 2019. The black building is the Osaka Tokio Marine & Nichido Building )

Yomiuri Television's broadcasting equipment transport vehicle (Hino Profia) with the new "ytv" logo painted on it
Yomiuri Television's broadcasting equipment transport vehicle ( Hino Profia ) with the new "ytv" logo painted on it
November 26, 1956 - Application for a 10 kW television broadcasting license [ 7 ] .
1957 (Showa 32)
January 14 - The founding office is opened within the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun (now the Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka Headquarters) . [ 7 ]
October 22 - Preliminary license issued.
1958 (Showa 33)
February 12 - Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. inaugural general meeting [ 7 ] .
February 13 - With investment from the Osaka Yomiuri Shimbun and others, the company is established as a quasi-educational station , the Shin-Osaka Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (NOTV). Registration completed . [ 7 ]
August 1 - Company name changed to "Yomiuri Television Broadcasting Corporation" (YTV).
August 3 - Test radio signal transmission from 12:17 p.m. [ 7 ]
August 16 -Test broadcasts begin [ 7 ] .
August 20 - Full license issued (call sign: JOIX-TV, call name: Yomiuri Television) [ 7 ] .
On August 28th, at 9:00am , the station started broadcasting from 2-36 Iwai-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka (later changed to "1-8-11 Higashitenma" due to a change in the name of the town in response to the implementation of the residential address system ) ( Osaka's second station). The station was launched by transferring Nippon Television (NTV) programs that had been networked with Osaka Television Broadcasting (OTV, now Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation ). As the first Nippon Television affiliate, it announced that it would become a "station network station" (the forerunner of full network stations) . [ Note 6 ]
January 8, 1959 (Showa 34) - Early morning broadcast begins (from 8:00 a.m. [ note 7 ] [ 7 ] )
1960 (Showa 35)
January 20 -Application for an experimental color television station license [ 7 ] .
February 15 - A 2-inch color VTR manufactured by RCA is introduced . [ 8 ] [ 9 ]
March 31 - Three color video cameras are installed. A full-scale system is in place to prepare for the start of color broadcasting. [ 9 ]
September 2 - At 2:20 p.m., a color broadcast test signal was transmitted. [ 7 ] [ 10 ]
September 10 - After passing the inspection by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Kinki Radio Regulatory Bureau, regular color television broadcasting begins at 1:15 p.m. [ 7 ] (the first in the Osaka area, along with NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation) . [ Footnotes 8 ] [ 11 ] In addition, the first color spot broadcasting in Japan also begins. [ 10 ]
October 21 - RCA color television cameras are installed. In-house production of color programs begins. [ 10 ]
November 21 - RCA studio color cameras are introduced. [ 12 ]
November 30 - The company completes the conversion of its Studio 3 broadcasting equipment to color. [ 12 ]
December 4 - The color broadcast vehicle is completed. [ 12 ]
December 13 - Broadcast of "Your Color Show", the first music program in Western Japan to be shot with a studio color camera. [ Notes 9 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ]
June 10, 1962 – Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network line becomes the first to be colorized (high-standard) on the Hokuriku down route (Tokyo → Hokuriku → Osaka). This allows Nippon Television to broadcast color simultaneously. [ 13 ] [ 14 ]
1963 (Showa 37)
April 1 - The Tokaido route (Osaka → Nagoya → Shizuoka → Tokyo) of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network line is converted to high-standard color . [ 15 ] This makes it possible to simultaneously broadcast in color to Nippon Television.
December 1 - The Tokaido down route of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation's microwave simultaneous television network is converted to color (high standard). [ 16 ]
1964 (Showa 39)
February 2 - A color camera is brought to the Takarazuka Revue and the "Takarazuka Revue 50th Anniversary Performance - Invitation to the Review" is broadcast in color. [ 17 ]
March 8 - The Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament is broadcast in color for the first time. [ 16 ]
August 28 – On this day, which marks the sixth anniversary of the station's launch, the station will broadcast six and a half hours of color programming as "Color Campaign Day." [ 17 ]
August 28, 1965 – On this day, the seventh anniversary of the station's launch, the station broadcast seven hours of color programming a day, including the in-house produced "Victor Kayo Show," as "Color Campaign Day. " [ 18 ]
1967 (Showa 42)
April 1 - Programming and production agreement (NY Agreement) signed with Nippon Television Network Corporation.
October 11 - A Toshiba Ampex 2-inch high-band VTR (VR-2000) is purchased and installed. [ 19 ]
November 1 - The Bureau is changed from a quasi-educational bureau to a general bureau . [ 20 ]
1970 (Showa 45)
March 14 - In commemoration of the Osaka Expo , which had its opening ceremony on this day, the station became the host and broadcasting station for " The Japan World Expo Begins, " the first joint production and simultaneous broadcast by all commercial television stations affiliated with the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association at the time. [ Footnote 10 ] [ 21 ]
October 4 - " I Want to Go Far Away " begins broadcasting.
1978 (Showa 53)
September 20 - 1-inch VTR is introduced. [ 22 ]
September 22 - The company obtains a preliminary license for practical test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting . [ 22 ] [ 23 ]
September 30 - The company obtains a full license for the practical test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting . [ 23 ] [ 24 ]
October 1 - Test broadcasting of audio multiplex broadcasting begins (second after Nippon Television Network Corporation. However, initially, only bilingual broadcasts were available via the Internet, and stereo was only available through the company's own transmission, including video feed). [ Note 11 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 25 ]
November 11 - The first stereo broadcast of a self-produced program on this day was the live broadcast of "Game 10 of the Japan-US Baseball Series" from Nishinomiya Stadium . [ 23 ] [ 26 ]
December 31 - On this day, the show " Pink Lady Sweat and Tears of New Year's Eve 150 Minutes!! " aired nationwide on Nippon Television , and was the first to be broadcast in stereo via the Internet. [ 22 ] [ 27 ]
1979 (Showa 54)
March 19 - Starting from this day, the live Nippon Television program " NTV Kohaku Uta no Best Ten ," which is broadcast every Monday, becomes the only regular simultaneous internet program to begin broadcasting in stereo (the other programs began broadcasting in stereo on August 8 of the same year). [ 28 ]
August 1 - The company began broadcasting its self-produced nationwide program " 2-ji no Wide Show " in stereo over simultaneous internet lines on the same day. [ Footnote 12 ] [ 29 ]
August 8 - Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (now NTT ) completes construction to convert television relay lines in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Hokuriku (Kanazawa) to stereo. [ 30 ] [ 31 ] As a result, the company begins full-scale stereo broadcasting via its own Internet lines.
In the early 1980s, Sanrio appointed "Toppy and Cuppy" as mascot characters, designed by Shinichi Emura, and these characters were used for about 10 years . [ 32 ] [ 33 ]
1988 (Showa 63)
August 1 - The head office building is moved from Higashitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka to Osaka Business Park (OBP) at 2-2-33 Shiromi, Higashi-ku (now Chuo-ku), Osaka . The 10 mark begins full-scale use.
April 1, 1989 ( Heisei 1) - Clear Vision broadcasting begins.
1993 (Heisei 5)
June 6 - " Osaka Honwaka TV " begins broadcasting.
October 21 - " Downtown DX " begins broadcasting.
January 8, 1996 - Detective Conan begins broadcasting.
1998 (Heisei 10): Appointed "I Need-kun" as a pet character. (At that time, there was a slogan called "I Need 10").
July 1, 2000 - The mascot character "TV-yan" (a character based on a television cathode ray tube. The design was later slightly changed in 2002) was unveiled. The character is a blue TV with a yellow screen. The character appears on screen and on the network's website. In 2002 he got a dog-like sidekick known as Telepochi
2003 (Heisei 15)
July 13 - " Takaji's Sokomade Itte Iinkai " begins broadcasting.
December 1st -Yomiuri Digital Television (JOIX-DTV, 14ch) begins broadcasting on terrestrial digital broadcasting . At the same time as the start of regular broadcasting, the operation of an analog/digital integrated master is also started (the master manufacturer is also changed from NEC to Toshiba ).
2004
May 24 - The "Yomiuri Television" ending logo is modified to include a image of TV-yan next to it
July 29th - August 7th, 2005 - A large-scale event called " Tempozan 10 Days Exciting Treasure Island " was held at Tempozan Harbor Village .
Write a conversation Aug 3 2005, UK/Freeview launch from Aug 20, A user says he already knows what channel will be sacrificed for it

Forum Thread: Yomiuri Telecasting’s UK Freeview Launch Set for August 20 — Thoughts?

User1 (August 3, 2005, 10:00 AM):
Just heard that Yomiuri Telecasting will finally launch on UK Freeview starting August 20! Excited to see a genuine slice of Japanese programming coming to our screens. Anyone know much about their lineup?

User2 (August 3, 2005, 10:20 AM):
Yeah, can’t wait! It sounds like it’ll feature some great lifestyle and cultural shows. The timing fits perfectly too, just after the Shop! channel closed.

User3 (August 3, 2005, 10:45 AM):
I’m guessing the channel slot freed up by Shop! The Value Channel is the one being used for this launch. So that’s probably the channel that’s being sacrificed.

User4 (August 3, 2005, 11:10 AM):
That makes sense. Shop! was struggling and going out of business anyway. GSB needed to repurpose those slots, and Yomiuri Telecasting seems a perfect replacement.

User5 (August 3, 2005, 11:35 AM):
Anyone know if the broadcast will have English subtitles or if it’ll be mostly in Japanese?

User2 (August 3, 2005, 12:00 PM):
From what I’ve read, some programs will have subtitles, but a lot will be aimed at the niche market interested in authentic Japanese content, so language might be mostly original. Still cool to have access though.

User1 (August 3, 2005, 12:30 PM):
It’ll definitely shake up Freeview’s line-up. Looking forward to seeing how it goes!

User3 (August 3, 2005, 12:45 PM):
Agreed — new content is always welcome! Here’s hoping it draws good ratings.

End of thread.

Write a conversation saying Shop was already replaced by Hiroshima Home, This is going after another failed GSB channel

Forum Thread: Yomiuri Telecasting Launch on Freeview — But Shop! Was Already Replaced by Hiroshima Home TV?

User1 (August 3, 2005, 1:00 PM):
Just to clarify, Shop! The Value Channel was actually replaced a few weeks back by Hiroshima Home TV on Freeview. So the slot for Yomiuri Telecasting won’t be the same one.

User2 (August 3, 2005, 1:20 PM):
Yeah, that’s right. Hiroshima Home TV has taken over the Shop! slot since mid-July. So the new Yomiuri Telecasting channel must be coming in on a different Freeview slot.

User3 (August 3, 2005, 1:45 PM):
Makes you wonder which existing channel they’re going to sacrifice for this. GSB has quite a few underperforming channels — maybe it’s Granada Breeze or Wellbeing?

User4 (August 3, 2005, 2:10 PM):
My money’s on Wellbeing. It’s been a quiet joint venture with Boots and never really caught on. Seems like the obvious candidate to be replaced next after Shop!

User5 (August 3, 2005, 2:30 PM):
I agree with User4. Wellbeing has been struggling and there hasn’t been much news about it lately. A fresh new Japanese channel might finally push it off the lineup.

User1 (August 3, 2005, 2:50 PM):
Hopefully GSB will make an official announcement soon. It’d be good to know which channel is making way for Yomiuri Telecasting instead of guessing.

User2 (August 3, 2005, 3:15 PM):
Fingers crossed it’s a smooth transition. The viewers deserve better than these constant shuffles without info.

User3 (August 3, 2005, 3:40 PM):
Agreed. Can’t wait to see the new content, but would also like to hear what happens to the other GSB channels.

End of thread.

Write a follow up confirming, Closure from Aug 15

Forum Thread: Confirmation — Wellbeing to Close August 15 to Make Way for Yomiuri Telecasting

User1 (August 10, 2005, 9:00 AM):
Got official confirmation today that Wellbeing will be closing on August 15. This clears the way on Freeview for Yomiuri Telecasting’s launch on August 20.

User2 (August 10, 2005, 9:30 AM):
Thanks for the update! Makes perfect sense given Wellbeing’s low profile lately. Sad to see it go, but excited about the fresh programming coming in.

User3 (August 10, 2005, 10:00 AM):
Wow, that’s quick! Five days between closure and new launch. Hopefully the transition is seamless and viewers get detailed schedules soon.

User4 (August 10, 2005, 10:25 AM):
It’s about time GSB cleaned up their lineup. Wellbeing wasn’t really adding much, so this is good news for channel quality on Freeview.

User5 (August 10, 2005, 10:50 AM):
Fingers crossed that Yomiuri Telecasting brings some unique content and gets decent ratings. Looking forward to it.

User1 (August 10, 2005, 11:15 AM):
Agreed! Here’s hoping for a smooth launch and no glitches. Thanks again for the info, everyone.

End of thread.

Write a conversation Aug 15, All day yesterday Wellbeing had been running a caption inbetween shows saying "The Wellbeing TV channel closes at midnight, Thanks for watching.", At midnight they played a ident, freeze frame,. then black, then the following MHEG "Wellbeing has now closed"

Forum Thread: Wellbeing Officially Closed Last Night — Final Sign-Off Details

User1 (August 15, 2005, 10:30 AM):
Did anyone catch the final hours of Wellbeing yesterday? All day they kept running that caption between shows saying, "The Wellbeing TV channel closes at midnight, Thanks for watching." Felt like a proper goodbye for once.

User2 (August 15, 2005, 10:50 AM):
Yeah, I was watching sporadically. At midnight they played the clean Wellbeing ident, then froze the frame for a few seconds before cutting to black. It was very understated but kind of respectful.

User3 (August 15, 2005, 11:10 AM):
Right after that, the MHEG screen came on with the message, “Wellbeing has now closed.” Nice to see them use MHEG to officially notify viewers instead of just switching off abruptly.

User4 (August 15, 2005, 11:30 AM):
I appreciated that too. After some of the messy closures like Shop!, this was a well-handled sign-off. Felt professional and gave closure.

User1 (August 15, 2005, 11:45 AM):
Totally. I’m curious whether Yomiuri Telecasting will start immediately or if there’ll be a gap on the Freeview slot.

User2 (August 15, 2005, 12:05 PM):
From what I’ve heard, Yomiuri Telecasting is scheduled to launch on August 20, so the slot will be dark for a few days.

User3 (August 15, 2005, 12:25 PM):
Makes sense to have a short break to do final technical adjustments. Looking forward to the new channel though — fresh content is always welcome.

User4 (August 15, 2005, 12:45 PM):
Agreed! Goodbye Wellbeing, and hello Yomiuri Telecasting!

End of thread.

Write a conversation Aug 18, the EPG now reads "Yomiuri Television/JOIX-TV", and there is now an image in place

Forum Thread: EPG Update — Now Showing “Yomiuri Television/JOIX-TV” with New Image on Freeview!

User1 (August 18, 2005, 9:10 AM):
Hey folks, just noticed the Freeview EPG slot that used to be Wellbeing is now labeled “Yomiuri Television/JOIX-TV.” Also, when you tune in, there’s a colorful image now displayed instead of a blank screen or just MHEG text. Looks like things are gearing up nicely!

User2 (August 18, 2005, 9:35 AM):
I saw that too! The image looks like a scenic view or something representing Japanese culture. Definitely a step up from the old Wellbeing placeholder. They’re really making this launch feel official.

User3 (August 18, 2005, 10:00 AM):
Nice to see the callsign JOIX-TV included in the EPG as well, similar to Hiroshima Home’s JOGM-TV. Gives it a proper broadcaster feel. Feels like Yomiuri Television is almost ready to go live.

User4 (August 18, 2005, 10:25 AM):
For a station with such a long history back in Japan, it’s great to see them honoring their identity here. Excited to actually catch some of their content soon!

User1 (August 18, 2005, 10:50 AM):
Anyone know if the MHEG caption is still up or has it been replaced by this image? I tuned in but wasn’t sure what to make of it.

User2 (August 18, 2005, 11:10 AM):
I caught it too — the image is displayed alongside a simple MHEG text with some info about the upcoming launch and a countdown. So they’re keeping viewers informed while teasing what’s to come.

User3 (August 18, 2005, 11:35 AM):
Sound like a smart move. Keeps interest alive and builds anticipation on Freeview ahead of August 20.

User4 (August 18, 2005, 12:00 PM):
Definitely. Looking forward to seeing the first programs when Yomiuri Television officially goes live!

End of thread.

Write a reply describing the character next to the logo

User5 (August 18, 2005, 12:25 PM):
Just wanted to add — the character next to the Yomiuri Television logo on the image is really charming! It looks like a cute blue TV set with big friendly eyes and a bright yellow screen. Kind of retro but also playful, really gives the channel some personality. Reminds me of classic Japanese mascots, like they’ve designed it to be approachable and fun for all ages. Definitely a nice touch!

Write a press release from GSB about the review, They have already made an example out of 2 channels, the investigation continues, Next target is likely to be ITV News Channel

Granada Sky Broadcasting Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: August 25, 2005

Granada Sky Broadcasting Confirms Ongoing Channel Portfolio Review – ITV News Channel Likely Next Focus

London – Granada Sky Broadcasting (GSB) today reaffirmed its commitment to strategically evaluating its suite of television channels as part of an ongoing review following the consolidation of ITV plc. Having already made significant changes to its portfolio with the closure of Shop! The Value Channel and Wellbeing, GSB confirms that the review process continues as it seeks to optimize its offerings for viewers and advertising partners alike.

A GSB spokesperson said:
“We have taken decisive steps with the successful closure and replacement of channels such as Shop! The Value Channel and Wellbeing, demonstrating our dedication to maintaining a strong, focused lineup. However, our work is far from over. The review remains ongoing to ensure that each channel aligns with our strategic objectives and delivers value across our audience base.”

Industry insight and internal considerations point to the ITV News Channel as the next channel under close scrutiny. With ITN increasingly concentrating resources on delivering core news bulletins for ITV1, GSB is working carefully alongside partners to assess the future viability and strategic fit of a dedicated 24-hour news channel within the portfolio.

The spokesperson added:
“We continue to engage in detailed discussions with ITN and other stakeholders as we explore the best approach to news delivery across our platforms. Our priority is to offer high-quality content to audiences while ensuring sustainable commercial performance.”

GSB remains focused on strengthening channels that resonate strongly with viewers—including the recently launched Hiroshima Home TV and the soon-to-launch Yomiuri Telecasting channel—while repositioning or consolidating others where appropriate.

Further updates on channel portfolio decisions will be communicated in due course as the review progresses.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:
Granada Sky Broadcasting Press Office
Email: press@gsb.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7946 1234

Write a conversation asking if the JP services are simulcasts or specialized UK feeds

Forum Thread: Are the Japanese Channels on Freeview Simulcasts or Specialized UK Feeds?

User1 (August 26, 2005, 9:00 AM):
Hey everyone, with Hiroshima Home TV and Yomiuri Telecasting launching here on Freeview, does anyone know if these channels are just simulcasting what airs in Japan, or are they offering special UK-specific feeds with tailored programming?

User2 (August 26, 2005, 9:25 AM):
Good question! I’ve been wondering the same. It would make sense for them to create specialized feeds to cater to UK viewers, maybe with English subtitles or localized scheduling, but I haven’t seen any official info.

User3 (August 26, 2005, 9:50 AM):
From what I’ve read, Hiroshima Home TV’s Freeview feed includes a mix of simulcast content and some curated programs likely selected for UK audiences. Not sure about Yomiuri yet, but suspect it’ll be similar.

User4 (August 26, 2005, 10:15 AM):
Yeah, pure simulcasts might be tough due to time zones and content rights. Having a specialized UK feed allows them to schedule shows at better viewing times and maybe add subtitles.

User5 (August 26, 2005, 10:40 AM):
I caught a bit of Hiroshima Home TV yesterday and noticed some English captions on a few programs. So at least some effort is being made to localize the content.

User1 (August 26, 2005, 11:00 AM):
Thanks for the insights, folks. It’s great they’re considering UK viewers’ needs rather than just rebroadcasting everything directly from Japan. Looking forward to seeing what Yomiuri Telecasting does.

User2 (August 26, 2005, 11:20 AM):
Same here. Hopefully both channels continue expanding their localized content to attract a wider audience here.

End of thread.

Write a reply confirming what YTV does

User6 (August 26, 2005, 11:45 AM):
I can confirm that Yomiuri Telecasting’s Freeview service is a specially curated UK feed rather than a straight simulcast. They select and schedule programming specifically for the UK audience, adjusting broadcast times accordingly and including English subtitles on many shows. This approach helps make the content more accessible and enjoyable for viewers here, balancing authentic Japanese culture with viewer convenience. It’s definitely not just a direct rebroadcast of their Japan schedule.

Write a reply saying it runs off of the playout server recently vacated

User7 (August 26, 2005, 12:10 PM):
From what I’ve heard, Yomiuri Telecasting’s UK feed actually runs off the playout server that was recently vacated by Wellbeing after it shut down. Makes sense from an operational standpoint, reusing existing infrastructure to get the new channel up and running quickly. Clever move by GSB to keep costs down while launching fresh content!

Write a conversation saying so.... the UK versions are run by GSB under license to use the name and programming rather than by the actual Japanese companies?

Forum Thread: So... Are the UK Versions of Hiroshima Home TV and Yomiuri Telecasting Run by GSB Under License?

User1 (August 26, 2005, 1:00 PM):
Okay, so from what I’m gathering, the UK feeds of Hiroshima Home TV and Yomiuri Telecasting aren’t actually operated by the Japanese companies themselves but are managed by Granada Sky Broadcasting under license to use their names and programming. Is that right?

User2 (August 26, 2005, 1:25 PM):
Yeah, that’s my understanding too. GSB handles the playout, scheduling, and localization here in the UK, while licensing content and branding from the original Japanese broadcasters. It’s a common setup for international channels wanting a presence in foreign markets without having to build full operations overseas.

User3 (August 26, 2005, 1:50 PM):
Makes sense. That way, GSB can tailor programming for UK viewers, add subtitles, and manage advertising or compliance with UK regulations, while the Japanese companies provide the bulk of the content. Win-win for both parties.

User4 (August 26, 2005, 2:10 PM):
Exactly. Plus, it explains why they reuse existing GSB infrastructure like the playout servers. It’s more cost-effective than having the Japanese companies run everything remotely.

User1 (August 26, 2005, 2:30 PM):
Thanks, everyone! That clears it up. I’m actually impressed by how seamless it seems, considering it’s essentially a licensed partnership rather than the broadcasters doing everything themselves.

User5 (August 26, 2005, 2:45 PM):
Same here. Hopefully it means we’ll get more interesting international channels like this in the future, using similar models.

End of thread. Freeview channel list (23 Nov 2005, also their respective MUX)

1 BBC ONE PSB1
2 BBC TWO PSB1
3 ITV1 PSB2
4 Channel 4 PSB2
5 five PSB2
6 ITV2 PSB2
7 BBC Alba PSB1
8 Cardiff TV LOC
9 BBC Scotland PSB1
10 ITV3 PSB2
11 Sky Three COM5
12 ABC1 COM6
13 E4 PSB2
14 FilmFour PSB2
15 Channel 4 +1 PSB2
16 QVC COM4
17 UKTV Gardens COM5
18 More 4 PSB2
19 UKTV Bright Ideas COM5
20 UKTV Drama COM4
21 five US COM4
22 TJC COM4
23 BBC THREE PSB1
24 BBC FOUR PSB1
25 UKTV Style COM6
26 ITV4 PSB2
27 UKTV History COM6
28 Granada Breeze PSB2
29 ITV2 +1 COM4
30 E4+1 PSB2
31 E4 Extra COM5
32 fiveLife COM4
33 ftn COM4
34 GREAT! movies COM6
35 ITV1 +1 PSB2
36 Bid TV COM5
37 Price-drop TV COM4
38 five +1 COM4
39 DMAX COM6
40 S4C2 COM5
41 TMF COM4
42 GREAT! action COM4
43 Food Network COM5
44 HGTV COM6
45 Gems TV COM5
46 Men and Motors PSB3
47 Quiz Call COM5
48 Challenge COM5
49 Community COM5
50 GREAT! tv COM6
51 Ideal World COM6
52 GREAT! romance COM6
53 TG4 NIMUX
54 RTÉ 1 NIMUX
55 RTÉ 2 NIMUX
56 That's TV (UK) COM6
57 The Hits PSB3
58 Bad Movies COM4
59 Hallmark COM4
60 CBS UK COM5
61 GREAT! mystery COM4
62 GREAT! romance mix COM6
63 Here to Stay! COM6
64 Carlton Cinema COM4
65 That's TV 2 COM5
66 TBN UK PSB3
67 TRUE CRIME COM4
68 TRUE CRIME XTRA COM4
69 LEGEND XTRA LOC
70 QUEST +1 COM5
71 That's TV 3 PSB2
72 Jewellery Maker COM6
73 HobbyMaker COM6
74 L!VE TV COM4
75 That's Melody COM6
76 That's Dance COM5
77 That's Melody MCR GMAN
78 That's Fabulous GMAN
79 That's Dance MCR GMAN
80 That's TV (UK) MCR GMAN
81 ITV News Channel COM4
82 TalkingPictures TV COM6
83 Together TV COM4
84 PBS America COM6
86 That's TV 2 MCR GMAN
87 That's TV 3 MCR GMAN
88 TV Warehouse GMAN
89 Shop on TV COM4
90 Together TV +1 COM6
91 WildEarth COM4
92 TV Warehouse+1 GMAN
93 Screenshop COM4
95 Rewind TV COM6
96 SonLife COM5
100 Freeview PSB2
201 CBBC PSB1
202 CBeebies PSB1
203 CBBC HD PSB3
204 CBeebies HD PSB3
205 POP LOC
206 Tiny Pop LOC
207 POP UP COM6
208 Kix! COM4
209 Ketchup TV COM4
210 Ketchup Too COM4
211 YAAAS! COM4
213 Moochi COM4
231 BBC News PSB1
232 BBC Parliament PSB1
233 Sky News COM5
236 GB News COM6
250 BBC Red Button PSB1
251 Al Jazeera Eng COM4
252 Al Jazeera Arabic COM4
253 Trailblazer COM4
254 On Demand 365 COM4
255 FRANCE 24 COM4
256 Odyssey TV COM4
258 Men and Motors COM4
259 MBC COM4
260 ASHARQ NEWS COM4
261 AL ARABIYA COM4
262 Shots! COM4
263 Sonlife COM4
264 Alaraby Network COM4
265 ROK COM4
266 Revelation TV COM4
267 God TV COM4
268 3ABN COM4
269 New Media TV LOC
270 Yomiuri Television/JOIX-TV COM6
271 Ehime Broadcasting Company/JOEI-TV COM4
272 NHK WORLD COM4
273 Hiroshima Home TV/JOGM-TV COM4
274 Amazing Facts COM4
275 wedotv movies COM4
276 CNA COM4
277 UK Radio Portal COM4
278 Nosey COM4
279 Purpose Media COM4
280 Talk COM4
281 EXTREME CHANNEL COM4
282 GINX TV COM4
283 Global Arabic TV + LOC
284 GIGS COM4. Write a forum conversation Nov 29 2005, 4 "non-important" channels are to leave or close on Freeview to make room for Paramount Comedy, Nickelodeon, MTV Hits and CITV, A user's money is on Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel closing, The latter because ITV have been subjecting it to relentless budget cuts and sackings (transferring the money to the main ITV News on ITV1), and also cutting it's hours from 6am to 6pm so ITV4 can have the rest, the former because after Carlton and Granada merged into ITV, and Carlton Cinema came under management of GSB, it (and ITV in general) have left it on autopilot

Forum: Freeview Fanatics
Thread: Channel closures to make room for Paramount Comedy, Nick, MTV Hits & CITV?
Date: 29 November 2005

User: DigiDave
Hey all, been hearing rumours that four “non-important” channels are expected to close on Freeview soon to clear space for some new ones — Paramount Comedy, Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and CITV. Anyone got any guesses which channels might be cut? I’m thinking maybe some of the COM4 or PSB2 slots, but which ones?

User: TVBuff1985
@DigiDave
That jives with what I’ve been hearing too! It’s gotta be channels that aren’t pulling strong numbers or strategic value. Off the top of my head, I’d put my money on Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel.

Here’s why: ITV have been cutting the ITV News Channel’s budget almost relentlessly. Staff headcount has been dropping steadily, and they’ve recently slashed its broadcast hours to 6am–6pm only, letting ITV4 take over the rest of the time. Seems like a classic sign that they’re phasing it out.

As for Carlton Cinema, since the ITV merger with Granada and with Carlton Cinema now under Granada Sky Broadcasting (GSB), they haven't really promoted it. It’s basically been left on autopilot for ages. I imagine it’s a low priority for them compared to their other channels.

Both those seem the likeliest candidates to make way for bigger hitters like MTV Hits and Nickelodeon.

User: FreeviewFan101
Totally agree about ITV News Channel. Less airtime, sake of redirecting funding elsewhere on ITV1 really points towards its eventual closure or removal from Freeview. Carlton Cinema also seems a logical choice, hardly advertise it anymore.

I’d be surprised if other channels like Quiz Call or Bid TV get cut; they bring in easy revenue, even if the content is rubbish.

User: ChannelChaser
Don’t forget that Freeview bandwidth is limited, and PSB multiplexes are reserved mostly for PSB content. Most of the channels mentioned for closure are on COM4 and PSB2, so this move would be about reshuffling COM multiplexes mainly.

New kids like Paramount Comedy and MTV Hits are geared toward younger audiences, so I can see them taking over some COM4 or COM6 slots currently held by underperforming channels.

User: DigiDave
Great points, guys! So likely candidates to go:

Carlton Cinema (COM4, under GSB and low priority)
ITV News Channel (COM4, budget cuts and hours slashed)
Possibly a couple of other minor COM4/COM6 channels with low viewership — maybe that bad movies channel or a shopping channel?
User: TVBuff1985
Could be. Shopping channels like Price-drop TV or Bid TV tend to stick around as revenue generators. But some of the smaller niche or “bad movies” channels have weaker draws and might be squeezed out. They could also shuffle some of the less subscribed music or specialty channels.

But definitely keep an eye on Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel — my bets on them closing!

User: FreeviewFan101
Thanks for the insight! Looks like the Freeview lineup is going to change pretty soon — might actually be good to get these new bigger kids on the block. Nickelodeon and CITV will be a welcome addition for kids.

User: ChannelChaser
Exactly. It’s how Freeview evolves — out with the old, in with the new! Though sad to see some channels go, it’s all about making room for bigger content.

Summary:

Confirmed speculation: 4 less-essential channels to be removed to allow Paramount Comedy, Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and CITV to launch on Freeview.
User consensus: Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel are the most likely to close due to lack of investment, reduced hours, and low priority after corporate reshuffling.
Other minor COM4/COM6 channels with low viewership may also go, but shopping channels likely to remain due to revenue.
Hope that helps sketch out the likely upcoming Freeview changes!

Write a follow up with the 4 channels closing, also at the start confirming which 2 will be replaced by Paramount and CITV

Forum: Freeview Fanatics
Thread: Channel closures confirmed – Carlton Cinema & ITV News Channel gone!
Date: 6 December 2005

User: DigiDave
Hey all, just wanted to post an update following the recent changes on Freeview.

So here’s the official rundown: Paramount Comedy has replaced Carlton Cinema (COM4), and CITV has taken over the slot previously held by ITV News Channel (COM4). Both closures were expected given the buzzing rumours, and now it’s confirmed.

Along with those, the other two channels that have closed to make room for Nickelodeon and MTV Hits are Bad Movies (COM4) and That's TV (UK) (COM6).

User: TVBuff1985
Cheers for the confirmation, @DigiDave! As many of us suspected, Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel are finally gone after years of neglect and cutbacks. I think ITV News Channel going dark on Freeview marks a significant change — no more round-the-clock rolling news on Freeview from ITV itself.

Bad Movies was always a niche channel and seemed like an easy candidate to clear out. That’s a bummer for some, but it was never mainstream.

As for That’s TV (UK) closing on COM6, that was a bit of a surprise but makes sense if they needed a slot to squeeze Nickelodeon in.

User: FreeviewFan101
I’ve noticed Paramount Comedy is much livelier than Carlton Cinema was — actual promos and fresh programmes! CITV is a nice addition for the kids, too.

Bit sad to lose ITV News Channel, but with GB News and Sky News still around, I guess the space had to be given up.

Bad Movies and That’s TV weren’t much on my radar, so little loss there.

User: ChannelChaser
This reshuffling shows how competitive Freeview slots are! Paramount and Nickelodeon are big brands and should bring solid viewing figures.

ITV’s decision to focus news content into main ITV1 and digital satellite/cable platforms appears to be reflected in them pulling out from Freeview news.

User: DigiDave
Totally agree. Freeview’s evolving fast with more popular and frequently watched channels taking precedence. Here’s the final list of the 4 channels closed to make room for the newcomers:

Carlton Cinema (replaced by Paramount Comedy, COM4)
ITV News Channel (replaced by CITV, COM4)
Bad Movies (replaced by Nickelodeon, COM4)
That’s TV (UK) (replaced by MTV Hits, COM6)
User: TVBuff1985
Thanks for summarizing! Looks like Freeview’s music and kids’ offerings just got a great boost.

Summary:
Confirmed closures:

Carlton Cinema (COM4)
ITV News Channel (COM4)
Bad Movies (COM4)
That’s TV (UK) (COM6)
Replacements:

Paramount Comedy (COM4) replaces Carlton Cinema
CITV (COM4) replaces ITV News Channel
Nickelodeon (COM4) replaces Bad Movies
MTV Hits (COM6) replaces That’s TV (UK)
The lineup change has been welcomed overall, with the new channels expected to attract larger and more diverse audiences.

Looking forward to hearing what you think about the new lineup!

Write a reply saying actually the 4 Viacom services don't start till Jan 23, CITV not till March, ITV will be closing News on the 23rd and Carlton on the 31st, Bad Movies and That's will close sometime this month

User: TVBuff1985
Hey everyone, just to clarify a couple of things about the upcoming changes:

The four Viacom services — Paramount Comedy, Nickelodeon, MTV Hits, and also That’s TV replacements — aren't actually launching until January 23rd, 2006. So even though Carlton Cinema and ITV News Channel are closing soon, the new channels won’t be there straight away.

Also, CITV’s launch is scheduled for March 2006, so it’s a bit later than the others.

Regarding the closures:

ITV News Channel will be closing on December 23rd, not immediately.
Carlton Cinema is set to close on December 31st.
Bad Movies and That’s TV (UK) are expected to close sometime this month (December), but exact dates haven’t been confirmed yet.
So there will be a short gap on Freeview where those particular slots are empty before the Viacom channels and CITV take over. Thought I’d post this just so people aren’t caught off guard expecting the new channels straight away.

Cheers! Write a conversation saying it was kind of inevitable,  considering GSB's "hitlist" this year, So they have closed 4 channels overall in 2005