Originally Posted by Mr K (Post 35956574)

Sensing now the time to get VM at its weakest no doubt..... Really don't watch ITV, rather have UKTV, but each to their own and the more choice, the better.

Beginning to think this outcry over UKTV is partly because we don't really make sitcoms any longer (the ones we do are terrible) - there's a large market for them. Steptoe/Dads Army/Porridge/Only Fools/Likely Lads/Fawlty Towers, are classics and do stand up to repeating. People need a bit of cheering up these days.

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35956591)

Perhaps more ominous news regarding UKTV..

https://www.theguardian.com/media/20...as-row-deepens

Originally Posted by Mr K (Post 35956617)

Think you're wrong there OB, have a look at the official support forum...

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35956619)

Absolutey. As I said earlier, the UKTV dispute will have repercussions far beyond the removal of these ten channels as other channel providers take advantage of the situation. I had assumed that the ITV thing had gone away (VM probably did too) and that the next major supplier to threaten to remove their channels would be Sky.

---------- Post added at 14:50 ---------- Previous post was at 14:49 ----------



Obviously designed to put pressure onto UKTV to accept a deal.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35956605)

I think VM know that this is how most people feel. The objections we are hearing are from a vocal minority.

I certainly have never worried that the UKTV channels were in the package I pay for, and I will be happy for those who miss them if a deal can be done, but I don't blame Virgin for standing firm on the rip off arrangements that previously applied.

I have no inside information, but I reckon what is likely to happen now is:

1. Ofcom makes clear to UKTV that it will not permit them to make their free channels available to other plarforms without charge but not to Virgin Media. This is patently unfair practice. They should tell UKTV to address that without delay if they don't want to risk censure. That move alone should bring back Dave, Dave ja vu, Drama, Home, Really and Yesterday to our screens.

2. It should rule that UKTV was in breach of an agreement with VM in that it failed to deliver the required 'on demand' content in line with their contractual commitments (assuming that they find that as a fact).

3. It should rule that negotiations in respect of Virgin's stance with regard to UKTV's premium channels and on demand content should remain an issue for negotiations between the parties.

I'm sorry, but I think the anger towards Virgin Media is misplaced because they have right on their side. People should be attacking UKTV for the present state of affairs.

---------- Post added at 14:08 ---------- Previous post was at 14:03 ----------



Yes, Ofcom needs to review the rules as a matter of urgency. This has become a fast evolving industry and Ofcom appears not to be keeping up. If ITV has certain privileges as a public service provider, it needs to behave like one.

---------- Post added at 14:19 ---------- Previous post was at 14:08 ----------



I agree. A deal is likely to be forthcoming sooner rather than later, I feel.

Originally Posted by oxfordmark (Post 35956614)

IF ITV went, surely that would constitute a break in contract for the customer?!

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35956621)

Yep they are pretty vocal on there..

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35956630)

I know. They are indeed the vocal minority. It's not the numbers so much as the proportion of subscribers out of the 4 million or so.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35956630)

I know. They are indeed the vocal minority. It's not the numbers so much as the proportion of subscribers out of the 4 million or so.

Originally Posted by Dingbat (Post 35956618)

Can’t be bothered waiting for them to sort this UKTV (and now ITV) business out, so I’m ditching VM TV and going back to Sky.

While talking to the VM Retention’s agent, it seems that there’s lots and lots of others doing the same.

This debacle is gong to bite VM where it hurts.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35956627)

Another possible repercussion that VM have not taken into sccount. If the clause in the contract allowing them to remove channels with nothing that customers can do about it is found to be unfair, it will have to be removed of amended.

This could mean that, in the future, even the removal of something minor like a shopping channel could allow customers to leave within contract without financial penalty.

Originally Posted by Gavin-D (Post 35956633)

They deserve all they get after this a complete shambles

I feel sorry for those who've just taken new contracts they'll have to hope the price rise letters get sent out so they can cancel that way

Originally Posted by Dingbat (Post 35956618)

Can’t be bothered waiting for them to sort this UKTV (and now ITV) business out, so I’m ditching VM TV and going back to Sky.

While talking to the VM Retention’s agent, it seems that there’s lots and lots of others doing the same.

This debacle is gong to bite VM where it hurts.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35956634)

Which would be stupid, right?

Let's not over-react. Carriage disputes like this go on all the time in the US.

It has happened before between Sky and Virgin. Sky almost had its Discovery channels dropped barely a few months ago.

The TV industry is now under threat from the global streamers, and whether we like it or not, the telcos have to respond. They cannot afford to keep paying channels sky high prices for their content when all the content on providers like Netflix can be had for under a tenner.

I am afraid it is UKTV who are in denial.

Originally Posted by oxfordmark (Post 35956639)

Are you in contract?