Virgin renames Sky News 'Sky Snooze'

Virgin Media has renamed some of the channels previously home to Sky's now-departed basic channels.

Shortly after 1am, channel 602 - the former home to Sky News - was renamed "Sky Snooze try BBC". Channel 515, formerly Sky Sports News, was given the name "Old Sky Sports Snooze."

Both channels carried a message from Virgin:

"Thanks to Sky, some of the non-premium Sky channels, like Sky One and Sky News are no longer available. They've picked up their ball and gone home.

"We believe that Sky want to limit your choice and force consumers into switching service.

"At a time when Sky are taking content away, Virgin Media is standing up for consumers, making sure you get a better deal and giving you more. More films. More TV. More control. All through our on demand service."

Channel 120, meanwhile, initially still showed programme data for Sky One but carried the name "Virgin Central 2," a reference to Virgin's on demand channel on channel 119. A rolling promo appeared shortly thereafter highlighting Virgin Central along with the scrolling message:

"Thanks to Sky, the Sky One channel is no longer available. They've picked up their ball and gone home. Foul play? We think so."