Kemo
07-14-2021, 08:28 PM
In a recent article, we detailed how poor WWE ratings led to the removal of highlight shows from Channel 5 programming. Channel 5 is a free to air channel in the UK. Since that article was published, more details have come to light regarding the changes.
The WWE highlight shows for RAW and Smackdown are no longer part of scheduled Channel 5 programming. However, they are available as part of the My5 on-demand service. We also mentioned that the deal with Channel had been lost. It has since been confirmed that the deal was not exclusively with Channel 5, but rather with ViacomCBS. Channel 5 comes under the ViacomCBS banner, and that deal is very much still in place.
We also incorrectly stated that the only places to watch WWE in the UK were via subscription channels such as BT Sport. While BT Sport is the primary channel, the highlight shows for all three brands are available on Paramount TV. This is a free to air channel available on the UK’s Freeview service. Channel 5 is a terrestrial channel, available with or without a digital connection. Freeview is a free to use digital TV service.
We originally reported that the reason for Raw and Smackdown highlights being removed from Channel 5 programming was due to poor WWE ratings. However, according to WWE sources, this was not the case.
Currently, in the UK, WWE shows can be watched on the following channels and via their associated on-demand services.
Paramount Network (My5 on-demand)
BT Sport
BT Sport is part of a subscription package costing a minimum of £15 a month, while Paramount is a free to watch channel. Both Raw and Smackdown are broadcast live as part of their subscription package. BT Sport also offers access to all WWE PPV events.
The WWE highlight shows for RAW and Smackdown are no longer part of scheduled Channel 5 programming. However, they are available as part of the My5 on-demand service. We also mentioned that the deal with Channel had been lost. It has since been confirmed that the deal was not exclusively with Channel 5, but rather with ViacomCBS. Channel 5 comes under the ViacomCBS banner, and that deal is very much still in place.
We also incorrectly stated that the only places to watch WWE in the UK were via subscription channels such as BT Sport. While BT Sport is the primary channel, the highlight shows for all three brands are available on Paramount TV. This is a free to air channel available on the UK’s Freeview service. Channel 5 is a terrestrial channel, available with or without a digital connection. Freeview is a free to use digital TV service.
We originally reported that the reason for Raw and Smackdown highlights being removed from Channel 5 programming was due to poor WWE ratings. However, according to WWE sources, this was not the case.
Currently, in the UK, WWE shows can be watched on the following channels and via their associated on-demand services.
Paramount Network (My5 on-demand)
BT Sport
BT Sport is part of a subscription package costing a minimum of £15 a month, while Paramount is a free to watch channel. Both Raw and Smackdown are broadcast live as part of their subscription package. BT Sport also offers access to all WWE PPV events.