[harry_hitch]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

I think ITV Encore will only be worth having if the first run dramas were shown at least 6 months prior to being shown on ITV1. If I was running the show, I would air them during the summer months on ITV1, which should still have its own original programming as it does now.

Regarding the BBC, the Conservative Party is planning to slash the cost of the TV licence if they get in with a majority next time. This will force the BBC to cut its costs and find new income streams.

---------- Post added at 12:21 ---------- Previous post was at 12:18 ----------

I understand what you are saying, but I think it is true to say that ITV1 will still carry original dramas of its own. If ITV Encore was only going to show new programmes a few days before ITV1, I really don't see the point!

---------- Post added at 12:23 ---------- Previous post was at 12:21 ----------

Who would be foolish enough to want to pay for a channel simply for the privilege of seeing programmes a few days before the free airing? If that's the plan, it ain't going to work IMO!

---------- Post added at 12:25 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------

I agree. One of the main complaints on this forum is that VM is too slow in acquiring new channels.

The aim should always be to have them put on the system from the launch date, except where they have determined that they are not worth watching or spending the amount of money demanded.

Which seems to be the strategy VM/LG have had in place for a long time.