Al Jazeera Makes the Leap: From Broadcast to Streaming – What You Need to Know!
Get ready for a major shift in how you consume news! Starting September 30, international news giant Al Jazeera is leaving traditional broadcasting behind. Instead, it’s diving headfirst into the world of streaming. Are you prepared for this significant change?
A recent pop-up message on the Al Jazeera broadcast channel has alerted viewers of the impending transition. It’s a transition that marks the end of its regular service delivered via aerial broadcasting.
3
This strategic shift comes after 14 years of presence on Freeview. Al Jazeera’s decision is a consequence of its Digital Terrestrial carriage deal expiring, which was part of an agreement with Freeview multiplex operator Arqiva.
Understand the Impact on Al Jazeera’s Viewership
The channel removal is particularly significant for Freeview users who tune in on channel 235, Freely hybrid TV viewers on channel 306, and EE TV customers on channel 235. What does this mean for you? If you’re used to watching Al Jazeera the old-fashioned way, it’s time to adapt!
Even with this bold transition to streaming, it’s worth noting that Al Jazeera will not be available on EE TV boxes that are set to Internet mode. But worry not! There are alternative Internet-based methods to access this trusted news source.
Al Jazeera will continue to operate as a streaming channel, accessible on smart TVs that support Freeview Play, an on-demand service from Freeview, or the recently launched platform, Freely.
3
What Exactly is Freely?
If you’re unfamiliar with Freely, you’re in for a treat! Freely is the latest innovation in television viewing, enabling audiences to watch shows without the hassle of traditional TV aerials. This platform, developed by the creators of Freeview and Freesat, is integrated into select smart TVs.
Launched in April, Freely is run by major broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 through a collaborative organization called Everyone TV. This unique partnership grants Freely access to an impressive cache of around 70,000 hours of content!
From reality hits to classic dramas, you can expect to catch fan-favorites such as The Traitors, Doctor Who, and Strictly Come Dancing all in one place. And guess what? With Freely, you can enjoy both live TV and popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV!
Essential Viewing Channels for Al Jazeera
For those of you keen to continue watching Al Jazeera, here’s how you can do so:
On Freeview Play, you can find Al Jazeera English on channel 251, where it has been for some time now. Al Jazeera Arabic viewers can tune in on channel 252. But wait – there’s more!
If you’re using the Freely platform, Al Jazeera English streams for free on channel 557, with the Arabic version on 558. But remember, Freely users still need to connect to a TV aerial, not for streaming, but to enhance connectivity in case of any Wi-Fi hiccups.
And here’s a handy note – Freely users with satellite-compatible smart TVs can still catch Al Jazeera via satellite!
In summary, the shift from broadcasting to streaming is a game-changer for Al Jazeera and its viewers. Embrace the new era of news consumption, and let Al Jazeera continue to keep you informed, no matter how you choose to watch!