New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I counted 20 channels in that list. The others must be +1 and separate HD channels.

It doesn't bother me personally as I no longer watch any of these channels any more. I think there might be rather less outrage about this than there was about the UKTV channels.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Well no links on this yet but if it is true then perhaps Viacom are sabre rattling.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I wondered that, but it is a bit last minute to do this. Frankly, apart from the children's channels, I can't see these channels being missed by many. The programmes on 5Select, 5Spike, 5USA and 5STAR are not exactly good quality except those programmes that have been on before and remain in standard definition.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Well come sometime today we might get some media coverage on this story so then one is likely to know more then.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

They are certainly keeping this away from the media at this stage - no reports anywhere yet that I can find. The Viacom announcement on their own website seems to be geared towards those who have already got wind of the story.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

You are right there is nothing anywhere thus so far..

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I don't think Viacom have the same leverage as UKTV did, the UK public (in my opinion) aren't really attached to their brands the same way. Most of the Viacom channels that appeal to the widest demographic are Free-To-Air and are mostly repeats. And they can't withdraw Channel 5 (certainly the SD one) as they are obligated due to its PSB status.

I was stacking newer Suits as they'd stopped their daily rerun from the start after S3 ended. But I was thinking of getting a Netflix sub for a couple of months (binge and cancel), so I could just watch it via that.

If I decide to watch anything I'll just hook up my Freeview recorder to the Main Transmitter aeriel, rather then the Relay (different rooms are serviced differently if you were wondering), or watch live on the main TV's DTT tuner. Or just use My5 on my Roku.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

It's was always going to happen you don't believe only Sky are the ones to barter on price do you ?

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

The last deal Virgin and Viacom signed was in 2016.

https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2016...sign-new-deal/

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

If this happens, just load the My5 app on to the Tivo or your Smart TV - this will give you access to some/most of the channels.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

The My5 app might be removed from TiVo though, if it forms part of the carriage contract.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Here is the first link that has just come through although it seems they lifted it from the Viacom site.

https://www.seenit.co.uk/viacom-warn...-virgin-media/

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Don't companies talk such BS. 2016 "Our customers will continue to enjoy the best TV"...corporate waffle continues..

Less that three years later, they don't think the channels are worth it!

If the agreement was made in October 2016, It was an unusual contract length to end tomorrow.

---------- Post added at 10:48 ---------- Previous post was at 10:41 ----------

I agree. Their most recent spin offs seem to just show the same content so as to acquire more advertising minutage and the music channels appear to be in terminal decline.

Channel 5 SD is a bit of an oddity. In theory they aren't allowed to withdraw this as it's covered by the cable franchise 'must carry' rules. However, as was the case with the ITV dispute, the Government muddied the waters by allowing retransmission fees.

If Channel 5 attempt to withdraw Channel 5 SD, I expect VM will source an unauthorised feed from satellite to pipe through their system. There defence would be that they are obliged to carry this particular channel.

Who knows, retransmission fees could well be the sticking point in their negotiations.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Does anyone actually still watch MTV ?

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

l did watch it in the 80's and early 90's but not much since.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

The thing is with these channels (just like UKTV) the schedules barely vary.
Its repeat box sets all day
A few examples
Two and a Half Men (available unedited in HD on Amazon Prime with no ad break)
Friends (available unedited in HD on Netflix with no ad break)

Last year everyone was kicking off because they couldn't watch repeat of Top Gear and Only Fools and Horses.

Look back ten years and GOLD was showing the exact same schedule day in day out (and still does practically to this day)

That aside the picture quality on the 5Star, 5 Spike channels etc is awful and worse than VHS imho

Paramount in HD as an exclusive was a good move, maybe they will up the deal for more HD but I doubt it.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

not for years, nothing of musical interest to me on it

. . I still miss The Old Grey Whistle Test though :)

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

What a great old series that was but alas those type of series don't get made anymore.:(

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Nope, not since it stopped playing music in favour of realty shows.

The link now redirects to the Viacom corporate web page. Maybe VM are not happy that this web page was discovered and that the situation is now in the public domain or a deal has been reached??

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

So true, however Youtube is golden for OGWT memories ;)

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Oh good, a discount.from the money saved will be coming our way soon ;)

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

That is if it ain't deleted from ones playlist.;)

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Virgin Media shouldn't have to pay for the SD Freeview/Freesat spin-off channels (5USA, 5Star, 5Spike, 5Select and Paramount Network) however a possible resolution to this is for Viacom to provide HD versions on an exclusive basis - they already have Paramount Network in HD.

All the Pay TV channels (Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr etc) would certainly be a loss to VM.

Hopefully this dispute will be resolved in a timely manner, if it hasn't already been.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I don't think it was unusual really, Richard. It may well be that viewing figures on these channels have slumped so badly that they were no longer seen as being worth the money.

However, it could be about other things that Virgin want out of this deal that Viacom are holding out on. It may relate to the fact that VM want all the channels in HD only for the same price, or perhaps additional on demand content, who knows?

Whatever it is, let's hope Virgin manage to get what they want for our benefit.

---------- Post added at 13:05 ---------- Previous post was at 12:43 ----------

After all that, it may not be worth worrying about.

https://www.rxtvlog.com/2019/08/viac...gin-media.html

By late morning on Friday, the website had been removed and a Virgin spokesperson was able to confirm that the channels would be remaining on air on Virgin Media, with "constructive" discussions with Viacom continuing.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

So basically after all it was a bit of sabre rattling by Viacom.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

looks like it was an "ohh look, we've had thousands of calls from Virgin customers supporting our claim for more cash for our content, so please pay us more" type of attempt

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

That comment from a VM spokesman sounds like more corporate waffle from them. If everything has been sorted out as it implied, then why are negotiations continuing?

Perhaps they've both agreed to a temporary extension of the carriage agreement whilst negotiations continue?

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

The VM spokesman comment I saw basically said the channels are staying on air whilst our talks are ongoing, and they remain productive. My interpretation of the wording used did not say anything about it being sorted.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Only one of the channels I watch is 5usa and that's only for Chicago PD which I could get elsewhere if needed

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

VM does not carry the My5 app.

A limited selection of content is available via the Catch Up menu, branded as 'Channel 5'.

The future availability of the My5 app on VM may form part of the negotiations.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I’m not arsed in the slightest and I’m sure 95% of people aren’t either? Bye viacom! Actually have a quality product before you try to blackmail virgin media for more money as you’re in a hole hahaha

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

It would be great if this was the start of all the rubbish being ditched!

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Good point.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

That would be over 90% of everything on VM.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

doubt it not watched it for years here was still a music channel last time I watched it

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

By heck that is a bit harsh pip.;)

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Showing your age there ;)

---------- Post added at 21:01 ---------- Previous post was at 21:00 ----------

I know. Doesn’t he know this is all the glorious content about to be withheld by streamers and bundled into multiple £7.99 packages :D

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

"or Smart tv"...

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I have a Smart TV, but not everyone does. Some Smart TV's now no longer have a working My5 app.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I second this the only show I watch across the range mentioned a d if needs be can get it via sky go. So 5 PLEASE go a discount awaits !!!!:D

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Well, it’s 3.10am and the Viacom channels are still broadcasting. More fake news, perhaps?

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

That remains to be seen OB as l suspect there was some substance to it.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

As the negotiations are continuing, it looks to me like they've done the sensible thing and temporarily extended the old carriage agreement. They can't have come to an agreement or negotiations would have been completed and a new carriage agreement signed.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Or more likely it’s not worthy of an announcement on the weekend.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Or there's just nobody in on a Sunday to press the 'off' switch......

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

They do do things very late Sunday, so that it's ready on Monday on occasion. So maybe it just not this Sunday. ;-)

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I don't think that VM would show unauthorised channels from Viacom (apart from Channel 5 SD) as they'd be laying themselves open to allsorts of legal action. I believe it's also possible for VM to set flags to hide the channels from the public facing EPG in advance, so no staff would have to be present at midnight.

I wonder if the addition of My5 and MTV Classics to the VM platform are the stumbling blocks? Maybe VM want them thrown in at no extra cost and Viacom don't accept this?

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Mum liked MTV classics and was royally annoyed then it was removed for more tat. Seems odd for viacom to try and fight over old music videos...

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Big news - the Viacom site which campaigned for VM to do a deal is no longer in existence. Going to keepmyviacom.co.uk now re-directs to viacom.com. This suggests a deal is close or has been done.

MTV does well with younger generations through reality shows like Geordie Shore, Catfish etc. The channel had to move away from music videos with the growth of the web but seems to be doing ok.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

And the Viacom channels are still on VM. Crisis over?

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

It suggests you're well behind the times. The link has been redirecting to viacom.com since Saturday. :erm:

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

He was being humorous...

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

That started redirecting later the day it was spotted. It's old news, someone else reported it that day.

To me, it doesn't suggest any deal is done, probably Viacom jumped the gun and shelved it when VM found out.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Thanks Hugh ;)

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

l suspect both have agreed a short term extension while the talks between both parties continue.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

That's what I think too, if we're right, it's good to see both companies being sensible about this.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

One day and 16 minutes behind the times, I must do better next time! :D
But if it was redirected the day it was made, it suggests it's there as a fall-back position only, so Viacom can set it live if the talks fail. Which makes sense.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

if the channels were removed it would really devalue the new £5 Kids pack

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

It would still be packed compared with the Sport Lite Personal Pick bundle. £7 for Eurosport 1 and 2 (and HD versions) and SD versions of Sky Sports News and Sky Sports Mix. :erm:

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Viacom being an five year old again!!!

Telewest did drop Viacom Channels for about 7 weeks in late 2004 to early 2005.

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/show...t=21503&page=2

---------- Post added at 16:00 ---------- Previous post was at 15:57 ----------

Only one Channel I may miss is 5USA.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

When are we getting Atlantic.........;):D

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Ask OB...:naughty::naughty::nono::nono:

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Maybe Virgin wants to axe some channels if they have an HD Channel (MTV HD, Paramount Network HD and Nick HD)

Maybe Viacom want their main channels to sit beside each other (Move Paramount to Channel 155).

Or maybe Virgin want all the missing Viacom channels that do not broadcast on Virgin right now.

---------- Post added at 22:07 ---------- Previous post was at 21:58 ----------

Virgin do not carry the following Viacom channels:

Nick Jr. HD
Nick Jr. +1
Comedy Central Extra +1
5Spike +1
MTV CLASSIC (Broadcasts in Virgin Media Ireland areas right now).
MTV MUSIC +1
MTV +1

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I will miss 5 star and the Nickelodeon channels if they go off air.
Please virgin don't lose these channels it will upset a lot of kids and adults that watch first showing of home and away.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Things look ok for the moment, so I would try not to worry too much. If the worst does come to the worst, 5 Star is available for free on Freeview & satellite.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Any real update on the Viacom/Virgin Media deal.

Has an new deal been signed?
Or is talks still "ongoing"?

I only know that has been posted on here.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

I think it could still be a week or two. Given the possibility of withdrawal went public they'll probably want to publicly say fairly promptly that it's been done, I'd imagine.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Since Just after midnight the following services have been carrying a black screen with no messages

151 5Star
152 5 Select
154 5 Spike
155 5+1
185 5 USA +1
186 5 Star +1
188 Paramount (SD)

UPDATE - it’s a play out issue as it is affecting Sky as well.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Hold on i thought Liberty Global owned Viacom?

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Nope. Definitely not.

They are a shareholder in Discovery, but they don't run it.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Ah thanks for that.

Re: New VM carriage dispute regarding up to 30 channels.
 

Only an small stake Viacom via John Malone (Liberty Global's Chairman).

https://www.theguardian.com/media/20...liberty-virgin