Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

Now that is a wast no point in that :o: more bbc channels more the licensing
fee with go up

Think we should have a choice if we want the bbc channels couse I wouldn't never watch them for people who don't watch them should'nt have to pay a tv licensing fee just a rip off

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

This was my take on it, Horizon. It will be very good news for us if there are first run shows on these new US channels when they are launched. It would be Virgin Media's answer to Sky Atlantic!

---------- Post added at 12:17 ---------- Previous post was at 12:15 ----------

The licensing fee is currently frozen, so no chance of that. There is no reason at all why the BBC should not add +1 channels like all other major channels have done.

Given the number of programme clashes, particularly around 9 and 10pm, additional +1 channels from the BBC will be very welcome in my household.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

Given that Sony have their own TV channel, it makes you wonder why they didn't put it on there. Same with critically acclaimed Damages, which the BBC abandoned. The answer is that unpopular shows don't bring in the advertising revenue.

Netflix came to the rescue in both of those cases.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

I just hope BBC use their local feeds for +1s from the beginning and don't use a non regional feed like they did with BBC One HD for a long time. They still haven't regionalised the BBC Two HD feed as I wanted to see a Scotland only show on it and realised that I had to switch to SD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

BBC TV is just poor I think it's not for me bbc radio 1xtra is the only good1 that's just my point

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

The BBC is not the largest percentage of my viewing, but I think it is important that we have a broadcaster that is not completely controlled by what is popular (i.e. brings in advertising revenue) and caters for minority interests. Sadly the BBC does get swayed a little to much by audience ratings and competing for prime time viewing numbers with ITV, but it is better than having every channel run on programming that is ad revenue driven.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

good news for those who still want to watch the talent that is Emil Heskey! I think Del Piero is playing down under as well

Still think BT are lacking a bit more content IMO, glad I get for free with XL, be interested to know how many pay as extra channel and think its better than previous incarnation that was ESPN and its sister channels of North America and classic

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

Be careful what you wish for! 1 Extra would not be the same under a pure commercial model, if it existed at all.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

I totally agree. 1 Extra would not still be running (or have been launched) if it wasn't for the unique way the BBC is funded.

I think it's great that we have to pay for things we may never watch. It means we also get things we want to watch (and listen to) but would otherwise not exist.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

More info on the beebs plans here - http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11...one-1-bbc.html

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

Sorry, DJ, but I can't agree with that. They have far more programmes on in a week that are worth watching than the likes of Sky One.

However, I guess it depends on what you like to watch. I just don't go for shallow programming, reality shows and documentaries based on the afflictions some poor people have to put up with.

I do think, however, that the funding for the BBC should be re-thought. For example, rather than a licensing fee, why not set up a subscription channel (or bouquet of channels) with advertisements showing quality dramas, shows, documentaries, films, etc, which can then be repeated in the summer months on BBC1 and 2? I also think that all the existing BBC channels should carry advertisements between programmes (not during programmes).

I think if a Conservative Government is elected next time around, they will either reduce or abolish the licence fee, but I don't think any other political party will go that far if elected.

However, the licence fee annoys so many people, I think that sooner or later the Government of the day is going to have to do something about it. I just hope the result is one based on intelligent thinking and does not result in dumbing down of programmes.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

We have a public service broadcaster that is the envy of the world. If you want mindless, repetitive sport or trashy reality tv for morons then the BBC is not for you. If you are happy with continual recycling of the same content then look no further than Sky.

American TV has some gems but it is full of rubbish too. Without the TV paid for by the licence fee art and religious TV (the latter is never watche by me but is vital to many) as well as experimental comedy and drama will never be broadcast.

If you want TV for morons then abolish the licence fee. If you want accountable broadcasters backed up by more experience than all others put together then put up with paying your taxes and enjoy something that many other countries would love.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

well said agree with you,look at the history channel.No history on the channel but lots of realiy tv like pawn stars

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

I think a reduction in the licence fee, bolstered by advertising and subscription services is the way to go.

I would not want the quality of programming sacrificed by any alternative solution, but I do think the BBC could be run a lot more efficiently. It needs some commercial discipline to achieve this.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 5.
 

Agree the need to run more efficiently, but in my opinion, removing the licence fee will mean dross programs from the BBC. Regardless of other views, the BBC is the envy of the world, and they have such wide and varied programs that cater to every taste.

Removing the fee will remove these