Sky has once again reshuffled its radio lineup, and this time, the changes are more than just a few number swaps. The Sky radio channel changes rolled out in May 2025 have impacted a wide range of stations, particularly for users on Sky Q and Sky+HD. Whether you’re a casual listener or a loyal fan of certain stations, it’s essential to understand what’s new and what it means for your daily listening habits.
Why Did Sky Update Its Radio Channels?
The recent Sky radio channel changes are part of an ongoing digital strategy by Sky to streamline its Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and align station positions in a more logical and user-friendly way. Additionally, these changes reflect the declining use of satellite radio as more users switch to app-based services on Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
In December 2023, Bauer Media removed its major stations like Absolute Radio, Magic, and Greatest Hits from Sky’s satellite feed. This left several EPG slots vacant, prompting Sky to reshuffle the remaining services to improve navigation and accessibility.
Major Changes Implemented on 27 May 2025
Sky implemented the update automatically, meaning that users of Sky Q and Sky+HD didn’t need to retune or manually adjust anything. Here’s a summary of key movements in the EPG:
| Radio Station | Old Channel | New Channel |
| talkSPORT | 108 | 107 |
| Capital FM | 109 | 108 |
| Heart | 111 | 109 |
| Heart 80s | 112 | 110 |
| BBC World Service | 115 | 113 |
| BBC Radio Scotland | 116 | 114 |
| BBC Asian Network | 119 | 117 |
| BBC Radio 6 Music | 120 | 118 |
| LBC | 123 | 121 |
| Smooth Radio | 124 | 122 |
These are just a few examples. In total, 34 radio stations were shifted to new positions.
Sky Glass and Sky Stream Users Not Affected
It’s important to note that users of Sky’s internet-based services like Sky Glass and Sky Stream weren’t affected by these changes. These platforms rely on apps for radio listening, which are managed separately and don’t follow the traditional EPG format used by satellite.
Channel Closures Coming in July 2025
In addition to the Sky radio channel changes, Sky is also phasing out some TV and radio channels. On 1 July 2025, the following will be permanently removed from the satellite guide:
- India Today (Channel 523)
- Music India (Channel 711)
However, Aaj Tak will continue to be available on Channel 710. This move is part of Sky’s shift toward online and on-demand content delivery.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re a Sky Q or Sky+HD user, you might need to update your presets or favorites list to reflect the new channel numbers. You can also switch to app-based radio services for more convenience, especially if you’re using newer platforms like Sky Glass.
Final Thoughts
The Sky radio channel changes of 2025 are more than just administrative updates. They reflect a wider evolution in how we access and consume media. While they may require some initial adjustment, these changes aim to offer a cleaner, more logical experience for users across the UK and Ireland.