Say goodbye to three beloved music channels—That's 80s, That's Oldies, and That's Melody—as they've vanished from Freeview and Sky TV, leaving fans scrambling for alternatives. But here's where it gets controversial: is this the latest sign of traditional TV's decline, or just a blip in the ever-evolving media landscape? Let’s dive in.
For Freeview viewers, the loss hits particularly hard. That's Oldies, perched on channel 75, was the platform's last full-time music station. Sky users aren't spared either, with all three channels (previously on 359–361) now absent from their TV Guide. The culprit? Parent company That's Media Limited, reportedly grappling with cost-cutting measures and delayed financial filings. This isn’t their first stumble—in December 2024, That's TV (UK) and That's TV 2 briefly went dark due to suspected financial distribution issues. Companies House could now initiate strike-off proceedings if they don’t get their act together.
But don’t despair just yet. Music lovers still have options. Platforms like Pluto TV, Rakuten TV, and Samsung TV Plus offer alternatives from Vevo, NOW Music, and Xite. That's TV itself streams four music channels via Rakuten TV and Pluto TV, including That's 80s. LG TV owners can access these via LG Channels, and That's TV 2 now dedicates its daytime schedule to classic 60s and 70s music videos. Even That's TV 3 keeps some music programming during quieter hours, despite rumors of its closure.
And this is the part most people miss: the broader shift in TV consumption. The decline of linear music channels isn’t new—MTV’s music-focused stations have faded, and Channel 4 axed 4Music and The Box in 2024. With That's TV’s latest cuts, Sky viewers are left with only NOW Music for full-time tunes. Streaming services have stepped in to fill the void, but at what cost?
Here’s the kicker: as traditional TV wanes, a potential Freeview switch-off looms. A study titled Stream On: The Future of UK TV predicts that by the mid-2030s, every UK household could access internet-delivered TV, rendering terrestrial distribution obsolete. While 94% of UK adults already have home internet and 92% use VOD services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer, streaming isn’t without drawbacks. Unlike free-to-air TV, broadband-based services require a paid internet connection—typically £10–£15 monthly for the minimum 10Mbps speed needed. Could this force millions into unexpected broadband bills?
Controversial question: Is the shift to streaming democratizing entertainment, or creating a pay-to-watch divide? Share your thoughts below.
The UK Government is reviewing TV distribution’s future, with free-to-air broadcasts’ fate tied to multiplex licence extensions beyond 2034. The Broadcast 2040+ coalition, backed by The Great Network (home to Great! TV, Great! Christmas, etc.), is fighting to preserve linear TV. But with no review deadline in sight, the outcome remains uncertain.
So, what’s next? Will traditional TV survive, or is streaming the inevitable future? Let us know your take in the comments—this debate is far from over.
