Sky UK Removes Regional News Channel Over High Satellite Costs
Sky UK permanently removed London TV from its satellite, Glass, and Stream EPGs on June 2, 2026, while the channel remains available on Freeview and Virgin Media. This action reflects the economic strain on regional broadcasters due to high satellite carriage costs and is strategically connected to impending Ofcom regulatory expansions on EPGs.
Key Takeaways
- Sky UK removed London TV from its EPGs for satellite, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream platforms on June 2, 2026.
- London TV remains accessible on Freeview channel 8 and Virgin Media channel 159.
- The removal is part of Sky's cost-and-bandwidth adjustment, alongside other temporary channel rebrands.
- Maintaining an active Astra satellite transponder slot incurs substantial, ongoing capital costs for broadcasters.
- Sky's EPG deletions may be connected to anticipated expansions of Ofcom regulatory oversight later in 2026.
Why It Matters
Sky's decision to drop a regional news channel from its EPGs highlights growing pressure on linear TV distribution, particularly for mid-tier broadcasters. High satellite carriage fees are becoming unsustainable as regional advertising shifts to digital. This move, alongside general EPG 'housecleaning,' suggests Sky is preemptively streamlining its offerings and reducing operational costs ahead of impending Ofcom regulatory expansions later in 2026. This strategy allows for a leaner, more profitable channel directory to avoid compliance costs. Watch for other platform operators to make similar EPG adjustments as they prepare for new regulatory burdens and adapt to changing advertising revenues.
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