Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

What did your solicitor say?

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

That no new contract had been mentioned, let alone agreed upon, so they had no right to extend my contract.

---------- Post added at 14:31 ---------- Previous post was at 14:27 ----------

But if you denied agreeing to a new contract, you can bet your life that they will be able to find the recording. Funnily enough, when customers are promised a deal and it fails to materialise, the recordings are never available. All people get are "there's nothing in the notes to suggest what you are saying".

It's the first i've heard of downgrading needing a new contract, even Sky don't do this. I wonder if the policy has been changed out of desperation (which I would legally question) or if it's CS lying again??

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I'm really struggling to believe this but I'll leave it there.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

UKTV must be spending a lot on sponsored Twitter ads, it's every time they tweet about VM and comes across as really desperate.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I can confirm that my contract has no longer been extended and has been put back to its original end date.

You can believe what the hell you like, it's of no consequence to me either way.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Yes, they do seem keen to keep stoking the fire, don't they. The must want a deal more than Virgin, putting them in a weaker negotiating position.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

They are desperate as it will hurt them far more then it will hit Virgin if the impasse continues..

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I dont think either side is desperate because if they were one side would have given in by now.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Not so. You only need stubborness on one side to create such a situation.

I don't like the tone of the tweets by UKTV that I have seen and it leads me to believe that the stubborness is at their end.

They will learn and come crawling back eventually. At a considerable cost to themselves.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

There's a lot of pro VM trolling there OB ! Can t see how VM aren't losing big time from this given lost customers and big discounts/cash credits they are giving out very readily. Seems that like VM are desperate ones.

I suspect the channels will come back as its in both parties interest, but it may be a few months. Expect a significant price rise to follow to make up for lost custom/discounts. Maybe all this has been manufactured as an excuse for that price rise ! Cynical moi ;)

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

No trolling here, Mr K, I am trying to introduce some reason into the hysteria.

I really don't buy the assertion that VM is losing trouserfuls of money over this. Yes, there is some dissatisfaction and some customers will move on, but the majority will stay, and new subscribers will continue to come on board.

UKTV channels really aren't good on quality, they put out old and dated material in the main. If I subscribe to pay tv I expect more. As for price rises, they will come round every year, whichever platform you talk about, and the reason for those price rises will be speculated on ad nauseum.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Have to agree, and how many on this forum who are moaning are actually going to cancel.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Very few, I suspect! :p:

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Well no I'm not going to cancel, but only because VM have given me more than enough discount/credit to buy a NowTV box / subscription to watch the UKTV channels if I so wish. This is what they actually suggested ! It's a strange and desperate retention policy to fund and advise buying a rival TV system !

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

And for you, a practical solution. Another happy customer, then!

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Only GOLD is currently on Now TV, but they are negotiating to get the rest onto Now TV. I'm waiting until this is done before I subscribe. As I will then have all the Pay channels I want (including UKTV & Sky Atlantic) it will be pointless paying for them twice with VM.

If VM don't try and put me into another contract (see thread about this), i'll keep the free TV service as I will still be able to record most of my viewing via TiVo, get the triple play discount and get a 40% discount on the TiVo fee

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

As I said in your other thread. Changing any part of your current contract be it going to the free TV service or what ever has logically to become a new contract.

The terms of your contract will have changed and will cancel your existing one.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Spot on Pip.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

We had a similar scenario a few years back when Sky 1 was pulled.

What was annoying it was before the penultimate episode of SG1. Luckily My uncle recorded the last ever episode for us.

Sky 1 cam back, so UKTV will come back.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Although, as I have already mentioned to Richard, he can pull out of a contract as soon as the next price rises are announced.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

They would have a total cheek to put in a price rise this year after everything they lost

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I would not put them past it to have a price rise though.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Just stumbled across this on the Freeview website

https://www.freeview.co.uk/news-and-...-freeview.html

Talk about kicking Virgin when they're down. Valid point though about free channels being missing from pay TV.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Has anyone not read the latest Guardian piece?

https://www.theguardian.com/media/20...a-uktv-dispute

Main points - UKTV losing about £1m a week
Freeview TV campaign targeting Virgin viewers
Audience levels for UKTV losses range from 20% to 35%
Sky have not seen any significant rise in subscriptions since the channels were pulled
(Replacement channels on VM aren't being charged any carriage fees)

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

well they will have to do a deal wont there

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Well if this is true then UKTV really do need a deal

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

So do VM ! If VM customers are looking to Freeview/Sky VM could lose these people for good. Seems ITV have taken advantage of VMs weak position making them overpay for their channels.

Putting all UKTV channels onto Freeview might totally wrong foot VM. Wouldn't be surprised....

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Pretty interesting read but not convinced. No source given for the facts and figures plus this time of year is notorious for a drop in viewing figures as the school holidays start and millions of Brits go abroad on holiday. Would be fascinated to know Dave and Gold's viewing figures for the same 2 week period in 2017. That would be the most accurate barometer.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Well Gold had the highest pay TV viewing figure last Tuesday (that's without VM). https://mobile.twitter.com/UKTV/stat...94219615756290

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Another load of unsubstantiated facts Chad because as usual the media pluck up figures multiply it by ten and Bobs your uncle.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

This is getting boring now they just need to do a deal soon or the customers will just get used to not having them and get on with there lives i am with Virgin mostly for the broadband and V6 box not UKTV i admit i did watch some of theses channels but i am not going to cry about it

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I am referring to them reintroducing a minimum term when customers change packages as part of this.

---------- Post added at 12:25 ---------- Previous post was at 12:21 ----------

Well, it's coming to something when one is to expected to hope that a price rise takes place.
Another thing preventing me from leaving is that I have paid line rental upfront for a year and they will not refund this.

---------- Post added at 12:26 ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 ----------

Neither would I.

---------- Post added at 12:33 ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 ----------

They are probably based on the BARB figures; yes it would be interesting to compare from one year ago. The removal of the channels is bound to have had an effect on UKTV viewing figures but, given that half of the channels are freely available elsewhere, but the drop reported here looks to be higher than would have been expected.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Any contract always has a minimum term, previously VM may have considered this to be the extent of the previous contract.

Now they don't. VM are not doing anything wrong.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

It used to be 30 days, so is it now one year?

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

You've been moaning about VM for years haven't you? Yet seem to be using excuses of why you cant leave that have happened in the past year.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I can't make any sense of what this is supposed to be saying.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Seems obvious to me and possibly others.

You've continually moaned about VM, have contacts in higher management of VM which you have used to get a better deal, consulted solictors ete, etc.

Eventually it always comes back to bite you. Why don't you contact your VM management contacts to get the answer to your question?

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Why not?

From my time on these forums, it seems you love to moan about Virgin Media, if memory serves me right you were moaning about them the time the V6 was launched and people were saying similar like move to a different provider. Yet here we are and your excuses of why you cant leave are ones that have happened in the past year, like being in a contract or you've paid the line rental saver, yet you had plenty of chances to leave, yet you keep signing up to different things to make you stay. If it was that bad that I had to have a solicitor to send a letter to VM, I'd be gone in a shot.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

It's Dads Army - DA always gets good ratings, just look at the BBC2 slots.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Your comments have got nothing to do with the topic of this thread :confused: The OP started this thread to discuss the removal of the UKTV channels, not the relationship that I have with VM, either in the past or present.

In addition, if my posts concern or upset you that much, put me on ignore- job done.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Had a feeling that was coming. So if my comments have nothing to do with the the thread, why did you mention why you couldn't leave or is it ok for you to go off topic but not me.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Liberty and ITV to invest in mobile entertainment platform.

https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018...eid=3598503789

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

What with this, the continual pushing of Virgin Mobile, the emphasis on 'on-demand' and the signing up of Comedy Central / Nickelodeon but only as mobile apps, I'm wondering if Liberty Global / Virgin Media are only really worried about slanting their offering even more in that direction.

Kick the linear channels to the side (hence UKTV not being seen as being as important now), but focus on building up a bank of services, channels and programming for customers to access on their V6 boxes and their mobile phones.

(Not sure I'd be wanting to venture into a battle with the likes of Netflix, Amazon and the like, but horses for courses, I guess. And given my current preferences, that'd be something else that'd make me more inclined to switch to Sky at present...)

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Yes, I think that is exactly what's going on and I know that some are not comfortable with that. However, I think they will be proved right in the longer term. In the short term, they will get some flak, and the UKTV adventure is evidence of that!

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Because somebody wanted clarification. Basically, I shall run my affairs as I see fit, just as I assume that you do.

---------- Post added at 15:52 ---------- Previous post was at 15:49 ----------

Interesting, I wonder if this is what the senior engineer was referring to when I had my V6 installed after I asked if there was anything similar to Sky Q where people could watch channels away from the main TV.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

And if you make your affairs public knowledge on a forum, I will comment on them. If you believe the question was off topic that also means your answer was off topic. If you don't want to give me an answer, you don't have to reply.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Do you have anything pertinent that you wish to contribute regarding the UKTV or ITV channels on the Virgin Media television platform?

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I was commenting on something you posted.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Indeed as comment and discussion is what a forum is about last time l looked.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Every UKTV channel bar Home gained viewers after leaving VM according to the latest weekly reach update

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/atta...1&d=1533661161

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I wonder if that's because people were wanting to see what the fuss was about on those channels.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

When I joined virgin (19 months ago) I was told I would be able to download recordings from my v6 boxes to my iPad and watch them whilst away from the house - this has never worked.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Virgin Media adds new TV channels to its Player broadband bundles.

https://www.techradar.com/broadband/...adband-bundles

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I refer you to post #747.

---------- Post added at 19:49 ---------- Previous post was at 19:24 ----------

Those are interesting statistics. I thought that they would have gone down with their removal from VM, at best stayed static as people took action to regain the channels, but I never expected them to go up!

Home always was one of their channels which attracted the fewest of their viewers, which is probably why they made it FTA and put it into Freeview.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Well don't, I made it perfectly clear what I was replying to, if you don't want to talk about it then don't comment on what I was replying to.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

One of my options under consideration is to downgrade to this bundle, so it's good to learn that I will be losing even less from cancelling Full House.

---------- Post added at 19:59 ---------- Previous post was at 19:52 ----------

It has been noted that the majority of your forum posts over the past few days have been soley directed towards me as an individual. They have all been negative and in one incident you insinuated that I was a liar.

In one thread where you also took the thread off topic, Maggy had to post a warning as a result. I suggest that going forward you discuss topics in an objective manner as opposed to making things personal.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I'll repeat, I made it perfectly clear what I wanted to talk about which was a direct reply to what you posted. If you don't want to talk about it either don't post it or don't reply. End off. Ball is in your court if you want to create further off topic posts.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Weekly reach of UKTV channels plus some of the channels Virgin replaced them with. Overall UKTV has taken quite a hit.


16th to 22nd July

Alibi 1,768,000 (2.93%)

Dave 8,087,000 (13.42%)

Drama 5,291,000 (8.78%)

Eden 539,000 (0.89%)

Gold 3,854,000 (6.4%)

Good Food 1,725,000 (2.86%)

Home 2,687,000 (4.46%)

Really 4,779,000 (7.93%)

W 3,757,000 (6.24%)


Lifetime 794,000 (1.32%)

Paramount Network 2,210,000 (3.67%)

True Entertainment 2,152,000 (3.57%)

Vice 151,000 (0.25%)

Your TV 1,109,000 (1.84%)


---


23rd to 29th July

Alibi 1,343,000 (2.23%)

Dave 7,306,000 (12.13%)

Drama 4,914,000 (8.16%)

Eden 403,000 (0.67%)

Gold 3,068,000 (5.09%)

Good Food 1,462,000 (2.43%)

Home 2,696,000 (4.48%)

Really 4,465,000 (7.41%)

W 3,210,000 (5.33%)


Lifetime 1,087,000 (1.8%)

Paramount Network 2,510,000 (4.17%)

True Entertainment 2,744,000 (4.55%)

Vice 268,000 (0.44%)

Your TV 1,463,000 (2.43%)

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Again, more interesting figures which tell a different story.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

UKTV +1 weekly reach


16th to 22nd July

Alibi+1: 432,000 (0.72%)
Dave ja vu: 1,291,000 (2.14%)
Eden+1: 141,000 (0.23%)
Gold+1: 569,000 (0.94%)
Good Food +1: 228,000 (0.38%)
Home+1: 261,000 (0.43%)
W+1: 688,000 (1.14%)
Yesterday +1: 441,000 (0.73%)


23rd to 29th July

Alibi+1: 247,000 (0.41%)
Dave ja vu: 1,072,000 (1.78%)
Eden+1: 65,000 (0.11%)
Gold+1: 258,000 (0.43%)
Good Food +1: 184,000 (0.31%)
Home+1: 116,000 (0.19%)
W+1: 334,000 (0.55%)
Yesterday +1: 244,000 (0.41%)

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Thanks for providing this data.

Apparently, Liberty Global results are due out tomorrow. I'm hoping that this might give some indication of the affect that the removal of the UKTV channels has had on VM.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Not a chance in hell, you'll have to wait for this quarters figures.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

As l say its hurting them more then it is hitting Virgin as Virgin have the ability to lessen the impact through several available options open to them where UKTV's options are pretty limited IMO.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

The stats you have produced for 16-22 July are the ones Gavin showed as being for 23-29 July and vice versa. Which is correct?

Someone has their dates muddled.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

They look the same to me, unless i need more sleep.

https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/...ewing-summary/

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Good spot.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

They're the same?

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

No, they are not, Snoop. Gavin's post shows UKTV figures going up over those two weeks whereas batchain has his figures going down. Gavin's figures don't make sense.

https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/f...rgin-uktv-spat

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Gavin's figures are indeed the wrong way around, having checked on the site. The impact is as follows:

• Home up by 0.02% weekly reach to 4.48% overall (relative improvement of 0.4%)
• Yesterday down by 0.08% weekly reach to 9.11% overall (relative fall of 0.9%)
• Really down by 0.52% weekly reach to 7.41% overall (relative fall of 6.6%)
• Drama down by 0.62% weekly reach to 8.16% overall (relative fall of 7.1%)
• Dave down by 1.29% weekly reach to 12.13% (relative fall of 9.6%)
• W down by 0.91% weekly reach to 5.33% (relative fall of 14.6%)
• Good Food down by 0.43% weekly reach to 2.43% (relative fall of 15.0%)
• Gold down by 1.31% weekly reach to 5.09% (relative fall of 20.5%)
• Alibi down by 0.7% weekly reach to 2.23% (relative fall of 23.9%)
• Eden down by 0.22% weekly reach to 0.67% (relative fall of 24.7%)

The five seeing the biggest relative falls are the five paid channels, with the Freeview channels likely seeing the drops mitigated somewhat by.. well, being on Freeview.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I had just compared GOLD and that 1 is correct on Gavins, so yes Gavin has his mixed up.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

When the figures appeared on the BARB website on Monday they were briefly the wrong way round. The latest figures were listed as 16th-22nd July instead of 23rd-29th July.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

That explains it, then! Well spotted.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

An increase of 0.4% is statistically insignificant and smaller than the other decrease %s.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I for one will not miss the dross that ITV has on, should we loss ITV.

The Chase (Which is on 7 days a week) Tipping point (The most stupid quiz ever).

I won't even be allowed to say what I think about shows like X-Factor, BGT & the other counties version of BGT.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

you do know VM and ITV signed a new deal don't you

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I think what the problem is that VM want the best of both world's. UKTV have already stated that VM wanted a cut in what they pay for the channels.

UKTV, are totally within the rights to refuse this.

Look at this scenario. VM put up our subs. IF enough subs said NO, where would VM be.

Its exactly the same.

VM directors want to become richer. But to me they are a waste of space.

It happened several years ago under Telewest. My family used to watch Horizon. But this channel was taken off as Telewest said that viewing figures were low.

TV companies should not be our judges, when we PAY for a service that we deserve

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

UK Horizons was not drop from Telewest. But on 8 March 2004, the channel was replaced by two new channels, UKTV Documentary (now called Eden) and UKTV People (now called Drama)

The following was drop for some time on what was called in Media Boy HQ Conwest.

-History (for an day)
-Nickelodeon (for about three month)
-Travel Channel

Also when Telewest did own Sit-Up Ltd (2005 to 2009) Telewest did not even carry Matinee Movies and Bad Movies.

That like Sky not broadcasting Sky One:D.:rant:

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Well that's strange, that's what Telewest told me then.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Sounds like it was the CS person making it up as they went along Arthur, interesting that it was going on even in those days!

IIRC, UKTV Documentary was on during the day and UKTV People in the evening- but don't quote me on that.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

A quick glance around the Twitter-sphere and it's all gone very quiet on there since last week. Virgin keeping court and repeating "constructive talks", UKTV still encouraging other providers albeit not so forcefully now.

I wonder if there are still active efforts being made....

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I don't think that UKTV think it's statistically insignificant to be losing £1m per week!

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I have asked VM that on twitter and they gave the standard copy and paste answer I have directly asked UKTV twice and they have not answered the question. My educated guess is a no there are no active efforts.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

You missed my point. All channels were watched by less people, except one whose figures went up by a very small number which I was saying was insignificant.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

If the channels don't return to VM, this could have an effect on the carriage agreement with Sky when that is up for renewal (I think the current agreement is about a year old, no idea how long it was for though).

Sky may do a similar thing as VM and seek to cut carriage fees for the pay channels (rumoured to be by 50%), in the knowledge that if they came off Sky too, they probably wouldn't be viable.

UKTV would either have to accept this or may decide they are better off making all their channels FTA. In practice, I imagine that they would close their HD channels and prune their existing SD channels. A big part of the business model for their FTA channels is to be on Freeview (the most popular TV platform in the UK), but their simply won't be room. Capacity is already almost full and due to be reduced further in the future.

I suppose they could also consider a standalone subscription model, but after the additional costs and the fact that they wouldn't get as many to sign up as they would have by going with Sky, it probably won't be worth it.

50% of the profits go to the BBC to keep down the licence fee and/or invest in new programming, so this would have an effect on the BBC and its TV Licence payers too.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Same applies if the channels do return, since it will mean UKTV accepting a lower offer from Virgin while Sky presumably pays them more under their current contract. So either way, UKTV are screwed.

Liberty Global's CEO Mike Fries said today that the impact of the UKTV channels being removed from Virgin has been 'minimal' and the Virgin/LG position on retransmission fees remains 'intact' after the ITV deal which will instead deliver more HD, 4K and non-linear rights at an attractive price.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

If the UKTV channels do return and VM get them at the lower price they wanted, i'm sure that Sky and BT will use this as a reason to expect a similar reduction in carriage fees. As you say, either way UKTV are screwed. The only way they won't be is if UKTV returns to VM at the original cost, which is looking very unlikely.

If this is how things pan out, maybe it will be tried with other channel providers.

As for ITV, it's interesting that no retransmission fees were paid after ITV ramped up the pressure. I'm pretty sure that ITV will have got a good deal to compensate for this in other ways, whilst VM can still claim to have stood firm with regards to refusing to pay this extra charge.

For example, there was a public outcry that the Queen was exempt from paying Income Tax, so she started paying it. However, she also started paying an equivalent amount less to the treasury than she had been doing under another agreement so, in effect, paid no more or less! The Government could then legitimately claim that the Queen had started to pay Income Tax like everyone else.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I think Virgin Media have scored a double whammey success with the UKTV and ITV situations, despite upsetting a few viewers.

UKTV was pretty poor value for money overall and ITV content has been enhanced without them having to succumb to the retransmission fees. Now, hopefully, they can concentrate on improving their TV offer.

---------- Post added at 09:48 ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 ----------

Thanks for clarifying, Robbo.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I'm not entirely sure I'd call the UKTV situation a success by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, financially it seems Virgin are being hit less than UKTV are - but reputationally they don't exactly come out smelling of roses. And the platform is undoubtedly weaker for being the only UK TV provider not having those channels.

Perhaps the quietness is a good sign, that it's the first time UKTV have stopped stirring on Twitter etc and finally realised such things are best resolved behind closed doors. I can't help but wonder if Virgin were rather unimpressed by UKTV's Twitter post last Friday night.

I was looking through some of the UKTV reports and suchlike this past week - in one glossy they're boasting about how they increased the reach of one channel just by making it FTA. Well no sugar sherlock. And in the next breath, that's a great thing because of increased advertising income and program budget. Errr.....

On Companies House I found their 2016 accounts, admittedly these are now 18months+ old, but I think it was something like £68m profit. Trying to square maybe a mid-£70m figure now with a reported £1m a week loss, well it's hard to argue why they really do need to get back on Virgin before too much long term damage is done.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I only meant it was a success given they have addressed paying out so much for a bunch of mainly low quality channels showing a high volume of much repeated programmes that were originally provided free (outside the pay tv arrangements).

Either they will ditch those channels forever or they will come back at a cheaper price and/or additional OD content. If they don't come back, we should get better channels to replace them if they are aiming at the higher end of the market.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

How do you know what Sky pays them ? Sky has significantly more clout than other UK pay platforms due to the size of it's subscriber base.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Ah, fair enough and thanks or clarifying - that's a fair point in that case. And yes, although UKTV provide "bread and butter" channels that any platform will certainly be weaker for not having.. the fact that that's a different way of saying "cheap" channel has certainly been highlighted by this shambles.

Mind, in the interests of fairness - I'm still not sure I agree with VM using the channel slots for duplicate channels. I would rather the slots are just killed off until such time as UKTV is restored or the slots are sold. Having duplicates there just kinda highlights the stupidity of the whole situation, for me.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Presumably, they only added the duplicate channels to highlight the fact that some replacements were available to compensate for the missing UKTV channels.

Some of them were good. Others, well they need to do better, and that's what I hope we will be seeing this autumn, either as new channels (in the conventional sense) or on demand.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I'd love to know the real viewing figures for UKTV, I've never really watched any of the channels, but from what I can see it was mostly loads of repeats from years ago, Dinner ladies, jeezus H! Anyway I'm glad it's been binned by Virgin, well done lads, it got me a pretty good reduction on my bills from what I was paying, more power to Virgin's elbow, keep dumping the trash!

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Interestingly, the new channel guide includes 'BBC Worldwide' in the Mix pack and above. Could this be the VOD content that VM wanted that UKTV cannot give to them? Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

UKTV channels back on Virgin TV according to my V6 box....

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Yep same here Den

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

A deal has obviously been agreed in the late hours of last night as l am struggling to find a news source mentioning it currently.

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

And for those non believers...;)

Attachment 27496

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

I wonder who blinked first... Doubt we'll find out.
Anyway, VM can start writing to customers about this year's price rises now :D

Re: Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
 

Confirmation from Virgin via Twitter.



---------- Post added at 08:19 ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 ----------


https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/uktv/...131604.article