Box TV channels to extend reach via the internet and Freeview

Box TV has announced it will be expanding the reach of its portfolio of channels by making them available online. Three of its channels are to be delivered as streamed channels onto the latest generation of Freeview receivers.

The company, a joint venture between Channel 4 and Bauer Media, currently runs seven music channels, six of which are extensions to existing Bauer Media radio and magazine brands.

York next for 4G tests

at800 has announced that it will conduct further testing of 4G mobile broadband at 800 MHz in York. 

Around 10,000 addresses in an area to the west of York City Centre will receive a postcard later this week from the organisation responsible for ensuring people continue to receive free-to-air television when 4G mobile services operating at 800 MHz are launched, explaining that 4G at 800 MHz could cause problems with their Freeview service.

The tests are taking place in an area of York where the majority of households receive their Freeview signal from the Emley Moor transmitter in West Yorkshire. Other parts of York receive Freeview from Bilsdale in the North York Moors.

Wales all clear for 4G at 800 MHz

Wales has today become the second nation of the UK after Northern Ireland to have its airwaves completely cleared for new 4G mobile services in the former 800 MHz TV frequency band.

TV transmitters in parts of South/Central Wales, including Carmarthenshire's Carmel transmitter, which previously used frequencies earmarked for 4G have seen frequency changes during the past few hours.  A similar retune event took place today south of the Bristol Channel in North Devon.

Competition Commission prevents Global dominance

The UK Competition Commission has today put the brakes on Global Radio's expansion plans. Following Global's acquisition of GMG Radio last year, the company is now being told it must hand radio stations over to new owners.

The Competition Commission felt that the takeover of GMG Radio - which includes Smooth and Real Radio - would affect regional advertising markets in seven locations across the UK, two of which are in Wales.

CSC to launch Drama channel

CSC Media Group is to launch a further entertainment channel in June on digital satellite. True Drama will replace timeshift channel True Entertainment+1 on the 4th June.

CSC, founded by the producers of the ground-breaking music programme The Chart Show, which ran on ITV, also operate two movie channels under the "True" brand, as well as numerous music channels including Chartshow TV.

BBC Trust delivers findings on Red Button service

• Almost half of Red Button budget spent on distributing the service before cutbacks in late 2012.

The BBC Trust has today published its findings following a review of the BBC Red Button service, alongside BBC Online. Broadly, the service was found to be in good health, but the Red Button's increased connectivity to internet services means the Trust wants to merge the Red Button and Online service licences.

Ten years ago, the Red Button and Online services all came under the "BBCi" banner, before being re-branded into separate services.

DAB listeners on the up

The number of listeners to DAB digital radio has increased in the last quarter, according to the latest set of listenership figures from audience measurement organisation RAJAR covering the first three months of 2013.

According to Digital Radio UK, "26 million people - 50% of the population now tune in to digital radio each week (up 2.6 million year on year). DAB now accounts for a record 22.5% of all radio listening (up 15% year on year)." The figures also reveal that online listening has overtaken listening to radio via digital TV platforms for the first time.

New channels coming soon for Manchester Freeview viewers

Changes to the Manchester Freeview line up are to be announced "soon", according to Manchester TV Network.

Following the withdrawal of shopping channel High Street TV and the closure of the 24 hour version of Argos TV (which was available elsewhere in the UK on Freeview between 6pm and 11pm), there are now two vacant slots on the multiplex, which has six 24 hour slots in total.