Updated: Freesat adding 18 channels, radio stations

Freesat has announced the addition of 18 free-to-air satellite TV channels and radio stations to its electronic programme guide.

A first set, which Freesat said it would launch on Thursday, is expected to include Zone Horror, Zone Reality, Netplay TV and TWC Fight. The service began transmitting broadcast data for those channels, along with Russia Today, Shop On TV, Gala TV, Gems TV, Inspiration TV and Pitch World, last week.

Digital Spy forum members reported the 10 channels appearing on the Freesat EPG on Wednesday, July 23.

The second set of newcomers, on August 1, will all be radio stations and include Capital FM, Xfm, Classic FM and NME Radio.

"Following last week’s launch of BBC and ITV regional variants, these new TV and radio channels further enhance Freesat’s offering and provide extra choice to viewers and listeners," said Freesat managing director Emma Scott. "This is great news for Freesat customers and something we will continue to do this year and beyond."

The channels are all presently free to air and already viewable using the manual tune function on Freesat equipment.