Three of Freeview’s dedicated arts, craft and hobby channels are changing, as competition between two rival companies hots up.
For viewers of Create & Craft and The Craft Store, the first technical changes have occurred over a week ahead of the planned effective merger of the two channels.
From 25th February 2022, Create & Craft will take over The Craft Store’s current channel number. The channel will showcase some of the presenters and products previously shown on The Craft Store.
But channel labels have already changed on Freeview:
At the time of publication, The Craft Store continues to broadcast on channel 85. But for viewers with a TV that automatically updates, the channel label has changed to ‘Create & Craft’.
On Freeview channel 95, Create & Craft continues to broadcast. For viewers with a TV that automatically updates, the channel label has changed to ‘Craft Extra’.
The change is the result of a recent takeover of Create & Craft by Hochanda Global, who run The Craft Store. Shoppers have been reassured that the Create & Craft’s Club membership will continue under new ownership.
According to the broadcaster, Create & Craft will be live on Freeview between 07:00 and 22:00 once it moves to channel 85. Night time programmes will be available on Sky and Freesat, as well as through smart TV apps.
The channel is currently running on air promotions advertising the move on 25th February.
HobbyMaker channel
Meanwhile, rival teleshopping company Gemporia has chosen this occasion and rebranded its service on Freeview channel 73.
Previously known as ‘Shopping Quarter‘, the channel is now known as HobbyMaker. It continues to broadcast the same mix of programmes from Sewing Street and Jewellery Maker.