Sky appeals over proposed Freeview EPG change
Sky has lodged an appeal against plans to change the ordering of the Freeview electronic programme guide (EPG), which are due to come into effect next month.
The company is unhappy about the proposals by Freeview EPG provider DTT Multiplex Operators Limited (DMOL) to relocate the news and children's channels to further down the list, as this would bump its Sky News channel from its current position of 82 down to 133.
According to Sky, moving these sections further down the list is unjustifiable due to their importance to the public service remit of the Freeview platform.
The broadcaster said: "Sky considers that the proposed changes are not justified, lack the support of an objective evidence base and, that by implementing these, DMOL would not be acting in a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory manner."
Though the plans to move the news and children's sections will now be delayed, the other intended changes - including the introduction of a new dedicated local TV channel - will go ahead as planned.
DMOL will also be opening up space for additional free-to-air channels to be introduced over the next three to four years.
