BBC adds regional HD programming for England

Regional versions of BBC1 will be rolled out across England in April 2023.

This will mean local programming, such as news, will be available in HD, without the current need to switch to standard definition when it comes on. Where possible, the regional version of BBC One HD will also be easier to find, in the top slot (1/101) of the electronic programme guide (EPG).

As a result of these changes, the BBC will no longer have local programmes available in standard definition for Freesat and Sky devices.

Freeview, Sky, YouView and Freesat viewers will be able to watch this service from April, and for satellite viewers on Sky and Freesat, the BBC will be completing the HD upgrade to the rest of its channels - adding HD versions of BBC2 Northern Ireland, BBC ALBA and BBC Parliament.

The BBC already broadcasts BBC1 in HD in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the digital terrestrial (Freeview, YouView) and digital satellite platforms (Sky, Freesat), and recently rolled out of regional versions of BBC1 HD on newer internet-connected platforms including Sky’s Glass, Virgin Media Cable and Stream platforms and more recently BT’s TV Box Pro and TV Box Mini.

Kieran Clifton, BBC director of distribution, said: “By spring next year, viewers in England will be able to receive BBC One HD for their region and not have to tune away to watch their local news and programming.  This, coupled with upgrades to BBC channels that aren’t currently available on some devices in HD, will mean viewers will get a more easily accessible, better quality experience when watching BBC programmes from early next year.”