Now 90s streams back to FreeviewNow 90s - the channel dedicated to 1990s music - is back on Freeview after a break of just over a month following the signing of a new carriage deal.
But in a cost-conscious move, Now 90s will no longer be broadcast terrestrially 24/7. Instead, the channel has opted to be streamed to viewer's sets via compatible connected TVs and boxes.
To avoid being relegated to the section of the Freeview channel list reserved for streamed channels (260-299), Now 90s will be available to non-streaming devices for two hours each morning, broadcasting over the terrestrial airwaves from 05:00-07:00, in order to keep its existing channel number slot on 84.
Two hours of terrestrial broadcasting is the minimum required of any broadcaster showing entertainment programming to qualify for a Freeview channel number in the sub-100 channel range, according to rules issued by Digital UK, who are responsible for managing Freeview channel numbers.
Technically, for those two hours each morning, Now 90s will have a wider reach than it did before, with technical coverage up from around 75% of households to just above 90% of households - so for some viewers, Now 90s will appear on the Freeview channel list for the first time.
Now 90s was taken off Freeview in August when its previous six month carriage agreement had expired.