Movistar plus+ dials down garage tv: motorsports fans face change
Spanish subscribers to Movistar Plus+ awoke this morning to the abrupt disappearance of Garage TV, a long-running channel dedicated to the world of motorsports. The channel, a staple for enthusiasts, ceased broadcasting at midnight on March 31, 2026, leaving many questioning the shift in Movistar Plus+'s programming strategy.
A sudden farewell for motorheads
The shutdown isn't an isolated incident within Movistar Plus+'s evolving channel lineup. While the operator recently announced the arrival of new HD channels—a promising sign for viewers—the removal of Garage TV presents a clear setback for those seeking dedicated motorsports coverage. The abruptness of the change, reported by subscribers across social media, underscores a significant alteration to the platform's offerings.
Garage TV, consistently broadcasting 24 hours a day, provided a wide range of automotive and motorcycle-related content, from thrilling race coverage to in-depth weekly programs and monthly specials. Its presence on dial 83 of Movistar Plus+ had become a familiar fixture for dedicated fans. A recent reshuffling of channels in February of this year saw the channel migrate from dial 79, a move seemingly designed to enhance its visibility – a visibility now extinguished.
The official Movistar Plus+ channels are currently noting the cessation of broadcast and promising updates as more information becomes available. However, a silver lining for Garage TV devotees exists: the channel continues to operate online through its official website, allowing fans to access past programs and ongoing content. This digital haven provides a crucial alternative for those unwilling to part with the channel’s signature programming.
Interestingly, while Garage TV has vanished from Movistar Plus+, its presence has also seemingly evaporated from other pay-TV providers like Digi TV, Telecable Euskaltel R. This widespread disappearance suggests a decision originating from the channel itself, rather than a localized maneuver by Movistar Plus+. Telecable's website currently lists the channel, though it's likely an outdated listing. The absence across other platforms highlights the scope of this transition.
The recent additions of new fixed channels brimming with series and programs, along with the launch of a new sports channel to replace Ellas Vamos by M+, demonstrate Movistar Plus+'s current focus on broadening its appeal and expanding its content library. This strategic redirection seems to have come at the expense of dedicated, niche channels like Garage TV.
Daniel Caballero, a telecom specialist, notes, “This move signals a continued trend of consolidation and refocusing within the Spanish pay-TV market. Operators are prioritizing broader appeal and high-value content, even if it means sacrificing specialized channels that cater to smaller, dedicated audiences.”