Millions of TV viewers warned of channel changes as three stations are quietly removed

FREESAT has made a string of changes to its channel list ahead of Christmas, including the quiet axing of three popular stations.

While the broadcaster is launching the last remaining ITV HD channels as the winter holidays kick off, a trio of radio broadcast transmissions won't make it to 2024.

Millions of Freesat viewers have been forced to wave goodbye to Absolute, Absolute 80s and Planet Rock music stations amid the festive period.

It comes ahead of their outright removal from satellite this week.

Owner Bauer Media has decided to cancel broadcasting of the radio channels on both satellite and cable TVs from December onwards.

The company, instead, is looking to focus on online delivery of Absolute, Absolute 80s and Planet Rock, via its apps and website.

Older Humax boxes will also have an updated channel library.

Freesat viewers aren't the only ones impacted.

A wider collection of Bauer stations including Greatest Hits Radio was removed from Sky on Wednesday.

It's not all doom and gloom, however.

Freesat makes regular changes to its channel list.

Viewers in the Scottish Borders and Channel Islands can now receive their local version of ITV1 on Freesat channel 103 for the first time.

Meanwhile, ITVBe has switched from SD to HD resolution on channel 119.

ITVBe is a free-to-air channel that features everything from early morning kids TV like Bob the Builder, to evening favourites like Dinner Date and Love Island.