Sky has lodged an appeal with the body that co-ordinates the Freeview electronic programme guide (EPG) over plans to shift Sky News further down the guide.

DTT Multiplex Operators Limited (DMOL), the Ofcom-licensed provider of Freeview EPG services, has published a series of proposed changes to Freeview channel numbering.

The proposals involve various services, including News and Children’s being moved further down the EPG in order to make space for more ‘general entertainment’ networks and a new local television channel. The new numbering is due to come into force on September 19th, but the proposed changess have been put on hold pending the outcome of an appeal by Sky.

In a submission to DMOL, Sky detailed its objections to the reshuffle, which would result in the Sky News channel being further down the EPG. Sky believes that it is not appropriate to move the news channels, both from a commercial perspective, but also more generally that news and children’s programming are core to the public service remit Freeview.

The broadcaster said that DMOL has not “demonstrated that there is, in fact, a problem that needs addressing” with the reshuffle, or shown there is a “resounding consumer call” to make changes that “will do little (if anything) in terms of improving consumer experience”.

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