The remote controller has separate groups of channels, each accessible by means of a Favorite Channel Key. Channels preferably are grouped in accordance with a common characteristic, such as sports channels, movie channels, etc. One of several channels within each group can be selected by operation of the usual up/down channel controls on the remote control unit. When a Favorite Channel Key has not been actuated, the up/down controls are operative to scroll through all of the channels available to the television receiver.