If you like smooth fm, as many do, Foxtel has a dedicated channel just for you.

Same if you like the arts.

Effective October 11, the two will be squeezed onto one channel. To be more precise Foxtel Arts and Smooth will share the same broadcast signal but will still occupy two channel numbers (133 and 806) to save on bandwidth.

The two channels will be day-parted, with Smooth programming throughout the day and overnight from midnight to 6pm and Foxtel Arts content scheduled from 6pm to midnight, daily.

“We have taken this decision because it makes a lot of sense both in financial terms and audience optimisation,” said Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s executive director of television.

“Foxtel Smooth’s peak audiences are in daytime, while for Arts, audiences tune in during the evening, so this is really about combining the best of both worlds for our customers. Yes, this is consolidation. However, as our television and video world continues to evolve, it is imperative we review every aspect of the business.”

It makes sense, especially if you happen to be a subscriber to Foxtel Arts which currently costs $10 per month as stand alone channel. It provides an incredible range of live music performances in HD from Rock, Jazz and Classical to Opera as well as docos on all aspects of art.  As good as the content is, most of it runs on a six hour loop anyway so with a Foxtel iQ box it is easy to time shift. Best of all, from October the Foxtel Arts Channel will be free to all Foxtel users.

smoothfm, of course, has always been a free addition to the basic Foxtel plan and free to air for all Australians and worldwide.