Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I don't think it's new money, though, Richard. Isn't this funded from the licence fee? The BBC were already wasting that, so it's a question of the pot being made to go further.

The fact that the channel is run by a rich family makes no difference. If anything, it could be better, because they may decide to put some of their own money into this if there is a likelihood of a return on investment.

I am not sure how the local channels are expecting to survive, but they could all put something into a pot for programming that would be available on all the local channels, which they would then supplement with local programming. That might be a cost effective way of growing an audience.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Doesn't pooling programming for a group of local TV channels defeat the object of local channels?

The budgets and audience are not big enough to support these local channels, I'm expecting these to fail and die over the next couple of years and in the meantime they will will be full of mediocre content

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Whatever ones views on how efficiently the BBC is run, the fact remains that public money is being used to subsidise a TV channel opened by a rich family at a time of austerity.

They were free to open a TV channel previous to this, subject to securing capacity, like anyone else.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Media News: CSC Media buy new Music Channel.

I have just found out that Starz TV is now own by CSC Media but have axe BuzMuzik due to BuzMuzik having 'a similar format' as Starz TV.

CSC will soon relaunch True Entertainment +1 on Sky using BuzMuzik's space.

Info from: My old Sky Box, Digital Spy Forum.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I have a distinct feeling of Jeja Vu here. It reminds me of the launch of local radio in the 80s. They all eventually got absorbed by groups who would these days be termed as national broadcasters.

As for why it's happening. Another motive is that there is a desire for people to re-engage in politics. The thinking is that people first engage as youngsters in local issues. Today's councillor is tomorrow's waste of breath (I might have altered that slightly).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Well, on the first point, the Government is making this money available because it wants to see more local programming. The fact that they have been able to do this without using additional public money is a plus, surely.

As for the issue about rich people making use of that money to provide what is needed, I really don't see what the issue is. As long as they provide what the Government procures, what does it matter that it is a 'rich family' providing the service? Who else is going to do it? You need money to embark on ventures such as these.

In respect of the subsidy, nothing would have happened without it. This kick start might be all it needs to ensure a vibrant network of local channels. However, I do think that there is a high risk that most of these channels will fold because unless sufficient money is put into them on a consistent basis to ensure good journalism and access to programmes people actually want to watch, the limited audience will lead to limited income from advertising. That will result in rubbish programmes and BARB audience figures that are so small they don't register.

---------- Post added at 13:34 ---------- Previous post was at 13:32 ----------

There is no reason at all why programmes cannot be pooled across the UK to support the local programming - that's what will bring in the money, I'd have thought.

If it's just boring stuff day and night, who on Earth is going to watch it?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Understandably, I think we're all getting sidetracked from the question "Is public money being put into local TV?" The answer is yes regardless of whether it is old or new money or the wealth or poverty of the local TV franchise owners.

Returning to a previous point, YouView looks set to focus on-demand services which reinforces the direction Virgin Media is taking too. I hope VM is able to increase its range of on-demand providers as this could be a key strength for it.
https://community.youview.com/youvie...ups_investment

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Heard a whisper that Nikleodeon could be bringing Teen nick to the uk on both Sky and Virgin. Only a rumour for now.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

:sleep::sleep:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

The reason is there will no doubt be more and more pooled programmes and less and less local programmes as time goes on with financially unviable low viewing figures defeating the purpose of the so called local channels

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thanks for rumour.

---------- Post added at 19:11 ---------- Previous post was at 19:07 ----------

If you do not like Local TV - here some bad news.



---------- Post added at 19:15 ---------- Previous post was at 19:11 ----------

Can I ask if all the Local TV talk move to http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11...-local-tv.html

And keep this thread for all things Virgin Media.

Thanks you Media Boy.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

SKY Sports boxing show Ringside, which is usually a SKY Sports exclusive, is on SKY 2 tomorrow night at 11pm, and repeated on Saturday morning at 9am. The show is also listed for next Friday and Saturday too. Good news if you like boxing but don't subscribe to SKY Sports. Not sure if it's a permanent feature however my SKY+ box, and parents V+ box allow a series link.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Could Reality TV Show Big Brother Be Effected By The Sale of Channel 5? Rumour Has it That Channel 4 & ITV are Interested in The Show So Big Brother Could Be on The Move Again When Channel 5 is Sold. There is Only 2 Normal Series and 2 Celeb Series Left on Big Brother Until The Contract ends on Channel 5. BSKYB & Discovery are The Front Runners to Take over From Richard Desmond.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I think we'll see a few more sports get showcased on Sky1 or Sky2 from the Skysports channels tbh. It's Sky basically saying "look at what you're missing out on." lol.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Isn't Boots an All on as well, the rugby league magazine?