Quote:
Originally Posted by jj20x
"Making an effort" isn't quite the same as being proactive. It was a statement of fact, new channels will, inevitably, pop up as soon as VM add additional channels. VM don't appear to be very proactive, after all, we are still waiting for History HD. Hardly a new channel and, new kid on the block, BT has managed to carry the channel. Sure, VM have finally managed to add Universal HD to the lineup. Meanwhile though, BT has again managed to out negotiate VM by adding not only Universal HD but also E! HD. Sure though, good effort, must try harder!
Is Freeview an "open platform"? broadcasters have to negotiate a contract with either Arqiva or SDN for carriage on Freeview, just as they would have to negotiate a contract with VM for carriage on cable...
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It's a statement of your opinion, not a statement of fact. VM did lag in this area but has recruited people to improve matters and it has succeeded in this area this year. We've seen examples of VM's proactivity in securing unique content (best UKTV coverage of any platform, exclusive on-demand shows like Kingdom, first TV platform to broadcast Ginx three years before Sky, Fim 4 HD available three years before Sky, exclusive commissioning in place with All3Media and a comedy company, Hayu on-demand app, Netflix before BT and TalkTalk, etc).
It's strange about E!. I guess BT needs the channel more than VM does and is prepared to pay for it. I highlighted the absence of History HD and Crime + Investigation HD in my earlier post. I suspect these might be the subject of a Europe-wide deal; they're on VM Ireland.
Freeview is an open platform because any channel can appear there providing there is sufficient capacity. EPG positions are also strictly regulated. By contrast, VM is the gatekeeper for its platform and channels have to negotiate with it and is not a given.