Another reason to ditch Freeview? UK homes, with just an aerial, miss out on new channel

Freeview users may soon have even more reasons to consider ditching their TV aerials and moving to streaming instead. It's just been confirmed that an all-new channel from the team at Channel 4 is launching soon. However, instead of broadcasting to the world via the usual aerials stuck to chimneys, this platform is using the web instead.

That means homes without any internet access won't be able to tune in and watch.

The new service, which is called "A Comedy Thing by Channel 4", will arrive on screens later this month and will be accessible via YouTube.

The UK provider says A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 will publish weekly long-form programming (approx. 20-30 minutes) for YouTube, whilst cutdowns will engage audiences across TikTok and Instagram.

This new service is aimed at appealing to Gen Z viewers who increasingly consume entertainment online rather than via traditional methods.

Sadly, that's not great news for Freeview as this channel won't appear on the TV guide. It's even worse for those who simply rely on an aerial and don't have broadband, as it won't be available at all.

Explaining more about the launch, Sacha Khari, Head of Digital Commissioning at Channel 4, said: "Channel 4 has a long history of shaping British comedy, and with A Comedy Thing by Channel 4, we're bringing that legacy into pixels. It's built for a community who get their laughs online first but still love the buzz of a live gig. Whether you're discovering your next favourite comic on YouTube or catching them on stage later, this channel delivers straight to your feed.

"We're teaming up with Strong Watch Studios and a brilliant line-up of sharp, standout comics to create original formats, perfectly suited to digitally savvy audiences.

"Our digital shows are already building loyal fanbases and getting real recognition and A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 is the next step."

This isn't the only reason to consider switching to streaming.

Freely, which is owned by the team at Freeview, appears to be the future with this broadband-powered service getting regular updates, new channels and more features.

Freely launched last year and is now included on swathes of smart TVs from manufacturers such as Panasonic, Hisense and Toshiba.

It's worth noting that Freely also doesn't get A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 in the planner either, but those with these connected screens in their homes should find they have instant access to the YouTube app.