Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardCoulter
What implications could this have for VM customers if it goes ahead?
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Whether this goes ahead or whether its some other mega combination over there. I think the implications for us in the UK, rather than specifically VM customers, is that we'll get further consolidation here too at some point.
I've long said on forums that I believe the UK will end up with 3 or 4 large media/telecoms companies consisting of a terrestrial tv channel, broadband network, mobile network, newspapers & magazines, film and whatever else they can chuck in. And of those 3 or 4 companies, I'm hoping that one will remain entirely British controlled.
Viacom now owns Ch5. ITV could be a target next and the BBC and Ch4 could be targets or predators, if privatised.
If most US tv and film content is in the hand of just a few companies (the big 5 control most of it already) it will put pressure on UK operators when deals for channel carriage agreements come up, content deals etc.
John Malone is buying up UK content not for no reason, neither is Murdoch. Both if them now control a vast chunk of "independent" tv production in this country.