Thread Title: Exciting Changes Coming to UK TV! EBC/JOEI-DTV Launch on Sky & More

User1 (Original Post) - 12 August 2009, 11:32 PM:
Hey everyone, I just noticed something interesting on Sky tonight. The label EBC/JOEI-DTV has appeared on one of Sky’s transponders. It looks like Ehime Broadcasting is getting ready to make its UK launch soon. Also, some weird stuff is happening with GSB - anyone know what’s going on there? And further note, it looks like Granada Breeze is now off-air, showing a holding caption and playing some music. Their website has a message saying:

It’s with much regret that we have to tell you all, that the Breeze web site is no longer available. We hope you have enjoyed the site and we appreciate your loyalty to us over the last 13 years. Thanks for watching Breeze - have fun, enjoy life and be happy!

Are EBC doing what ITV did to get ITV3 on Sky by buying a channel space and closing down the existing channel?

User2 - 12 August 2009, 11:35 PM:
Wow, that’s big news! I didn’t know EBC was planning to launch in the UK. Does anyone know what kind of programming they’ll be offering? As for GSB, I’m just as confused as you are. Maybe they’re rebranding or something?

User3 - 12 August 2009, 11:37 PM:
I think User1 might be onto something. It reminds me a lot of what ITV did with Granada Plus to make space for ITV3. Pretty sneaky, but effective! If EBC is buying the channel space, that could explain why Granada Breeze is being taken off the air. Sad to see Breeze go after all these years though. :(

User4 - 13 August 2009, 11:46 PM:
I’ll miss Granada Breeze too. They had some pretty unique programming. Looks like EBC is probably taking over that slot given the timing and the holding message on Breeze. Makes sense from a logistical standpoint. Any word on when EBC is officially launching?

User5 - 13 August 2009, 11:47 PM:
User2, from what I know about EBC, they air a mix of local news, entertainment shows, dramas, and some anime. If that’s what they’re bringing to the UK, it could be pretty exciting! But like the rest of you, I’ll miss the quirky charm of Granada Breeze.

User6 - 13 August 2009, 11:48 PM:
Just checked my TV guide and EBC/JOEI-DTV is listed as “Coming Soon,” no specific date yet. Given the secrecy and sudden shutdown of Breeze, I’d say we might not have to wait long. And yeah, totally feels like another ITV3 situation.

User7 - 13 August 2009, 11:55 PM:
Well, this is interesting! Change is always happening in the TV world. Hopefully, EBC will bring some fresh content to the lineup. Still, RIP Granada Breeze, you will be missed. 😢

User8 - 13 August 2009, 11:56 PM:
Just checked the EBC Japan website, and it looks like they’re planning international expansion, which fits this move. I bet we’re in for some cultural treats from Ehime. They’ll probably issue a press release soon, so we should keep an eye out!

User1 - 13 August 2009, 11:56 AM:
Thanks for all the responses, everyone! It does seem like EBC is taking over Granada Breeze’s slot. Let’s hope the new channel lives up to the expectations. And if anyone gets more info on the exact launch date, keep us posted!

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Write a convo at around 12:03 AM, it cuts to a “there are no programmes on this channel at present” slide generated by the Sky box, video stream appears on CITV (because CITV timeshared with Breeze), so now CITV shows the holding caption during it’s downtime, as well as having usage of the space 24/7, Also is Breeze’s channel number still labelled Breeze or has it changed now, also EPG data seems to be changing,