Sky TV Announces Permanent Closure of Three Channels in Major March Overhaul
Sky TV has confirmed a significant shake-up to its broadcasting services this March, with three channels set to be permanently closed and six others undergoing temporary rebrands. This move is part of a broader strategy by the broadcaster to streamline its offerings and adapt to evolving viewer demands.
Permanent Channel Closures and Temporary Rebrands
The channels earmarked for permanent removal are That's 80s (Satellite 359), That's Oldies (Satellite 360), and That's Melody (Satellite 361). These channels will cease broadcasting at 23:59 on February 28, 2026, and will disappear from the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) on Monday, March 2, 2026. This follows recent closures, such as Sky Showcase and Sky Max, which stopped broadcasting in late February.
In addition to the permanent closures, Sky is implementing six temporary rebrands. On Friday, March 6, 2026, Sky Horror Hits (Satellite 302 – Sky Glass/Stream 302) will be renamed to AwardSeasonHD. The next day, Saturday, March 7, 2026, Sky Book Day (Satellite 303 – Sky Glass/Stream 303) will change to WomenInFilmHD, coinciding with International Women's Day.
Other temporary changes include Nick Jr. Too (Satellite 612 - Glass/Stream 208 Glass) rebranding to Nick Jr. Peppa and Nicktoons (Satellite 605 - Sky Glass/Stream 206) becoming Nick Alvinnnn!!!. These adjustments bring the total number of channel changes to nine for March.
Impact on Viewers and Service Updates
Sky has advised customers to keep their plans up to date to avoid missing out on channels, as some viewers may lose access unless they upgrade. This is part of an extensive "switch off" strategy that has seen multiple channels axed in recent months.
Beyond channel changes, Sky is also altering its broadband services. From April 1, 2026, the money-back aspect of the Speed Guarantee will be scrapped, and the Wall to Wall WiFi Guarantee will no longer apply. Sky and Now broadband customers will see monthly payments increase by £3, regardless of their current plan, with some lower-tier packages facing up to a 12.5% rise.
A Sky customer expressed frustration on the company's forum, noting that the changes mean customers can only terminate their contracts without fees if the guarantees fall short, rather than receiving refunds.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
These developments highlight Sky's ongoing efforts to restructure its services amid shifting market dynamics. The temporary rebrands, such as the WomenInFilmHD change, show a focus on thematic programming tied to events like International Women's Day.
As the broadcasting landscape evolves, Sky continues to adjust its channel lineup and pricing strategies. Customers are encouraged to stay informed about these changes to manage their viewing and billing effectively.
