[Stooky Bill]

It may be but more likely because Oxford sub-opt is closing on 26 December as us Cambridge sub-opt.

If they did not start with South they. would have to switch regions around twice - once when Oxford closes and again when South HD launches

So starting with South makes the switch easier.

I think that is likely to be the reason.

Last bulletins from Oxford and Cambridge are on the 16th.

There's not really that much to do in terms of distribution for the closure of either. They'll just carry the bulletins from Cambridge and Southampton (as happens a lot of the time anyway) from that date. Once the SD regional services on satellite close they just won't be replaced. 

Nothing can happen after the 18th as both Sky and the BBC have a Christmas change freeze