Sky shuts down S4C channel as part of latest update

S4C’s standard-definition (SD) channel was switched off on Monday (August 3), as part of the broadcaster's weekly update.

The Welsh-language broadcaster now streams only in high definition.

S4C HD has also switched channels as part of the latest Sky update .

Sky Forum has revealed that S4C SD closes on Sky on August 3rd.

— Media Boy UK on X (@MediaBoyUK) July 31, 2026

On Sky, S4C HD is now available on channel 104 in Wales, 135 in Scotland, and 134 everywhere else in the UK (previously on Satellite 804 and Sky Glass/Stream 829).

S4C, which stands for Sianel Pedwar Cymru (Channel Four Wales), began broadcasting on November 1, 1982.

Today it airs more than 115 hours of Welsh-language programming each week, up from its original 22 hours of Welsh content alongside English-language Channel 4 programmes.

The channel’s average weekly TV audience in Wales is 306,000, with digital viewership on the rise.

S4C commissions most of its content from independent producers across Wales.

BBC Cymru and ITV Cymru Wales are also contracted to provide the Welsh channel with content.

Popular children's programme returning to S4C after 20 years

Meanwhile, S4C has announced the return of a much-loved children’s character.

Sali Mali will make a return to TV for the first time in nearly 20 years in a new live-action series, according to the BBC.

Mary Vaughan Jones created the character for the 1969 children’s book series.

Sali Mali first appeared on S4C in 1994 in the series Caffi Sali Mali, played by Rebecca Harries.

Her last live-action appearance was in Pentre Bach (2004–2007).

Mojo Productions will produce the new series for S4C, and casting is under way to find a new actress to take on the iconic role.

Animated Sali Mali episodes first aired in 2000, and the most recent episodes were shown on S4C in 2021.

Are you excited for the return of Sali Mali on S4C? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.