TV fans ‘gutted’ as beloved channel disappears on Freeview – but there’s another way to keep watching
ANOTHER channel has disappeared from its slot on Freeview this week in the latest shake-up of free TV.
Fortunately, it's not the absolute end for the channel as bosses tell The Sun "we’re not closing down".
is aimed at video gaming fans and claimed to be the "world's first and largest gaming TV network" when it launched only six months ago on Freeview.
The channel was available to stream on TVs and boxes connected to the internet or Wi-Fi from number 282 on Freeview - and was also accessible on Freeview's successor service, Freely.
But from this week it is no more as a standalone channel.
It was previously available on Sky and years before that Virgin too.
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Gaming lovers have shared their dismay at the announcement.
"Gutted GINX is shutting down on freeview!" one user wrote on X.
"Never got a chance to catch it cuz didn’t have an arial plugged into tv- I think if it didn’t need that requirement I would have watched a lot.
"I did watch the twitch streams and will continue to!"
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However, a spokesperson told The Sun that the channel will live on in another form.
"GINX TV would like to clarify that we’re not closing down and remain committed to serving our Freeview audience," they explained.
"Whilst we are making changes to our Freeview distribution services we will no longer be available on channel 282, however, we are excited to announce that GINX TV will be accessible on Freeview through ‘Channelbox’ on channel 271.
"The move to Channelbox enables GINX to continue delivering what we do best: the latest gaming news, live gameplay streams every weekday, and exclusive esports events from across the world.
"We want to thank our loyal Freeview audience for their continued support and assure viewers that GINX remains your home for all things gaming on TV.
"We expect to be up and running on Channelbox within the next 7 days, and look forward to continuing to engage with our dedicated Freeview viewers."
The channel does continue on Twitch from 4pm each day, where GINX has almost 10,000 followers.
Meanwhile, Freeview also announced a handful of other changes to the service this week.
That includes the replacement for London Live, which closed on Sunday after ten years on air.
Read More on The Sun
London TV takes its place in the same spot, number 8.
Meanwhile, That’s Fabulous MCR has switched to That’s Oldies on number 78.
More channel closures 'inevitable'
An industry expert told The Sun that more channel closures are likely in 2025 and beyond.
"This is inevitable, more broadcasters will cull broadcast/linear TV channels as viewers are flocking to streaming services," Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight said.
"The big TV switch off is around the corner, with all programming set to be delivered via the internet.
"Viewers are now spoilt for choice with how and where they watch the TV shows they love across a range of connected devices.
"To respond, broadcasters need to be prepared and work more closely with telecom providers to ensure a seamless experience for users."
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