Thread: General Virgin Media & UKTV+ITV Channels
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Old 26-07-2018, 14:19   #369
OLD BOY
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Re: VM loses UKTV channels
Quote:
Originally Posted by SonicMaster View Post
I'm personally not bothered whether they come back at all, but I appreciate that many others are, so I would like to see an agreement reached between them.

So far I'm not missing the UKTV channels at all, and when I really think about it, I haven't watched a single programme on W since it switched from Watch and adopted a female focus, I've never watched anything on Gold, Alibi, Drama, Really, Eden, Home, Yesterday or Good Food, and the only shows I watch on Dave (very few) I'll now use UKTV Play for. It's surprised me actually, as I watch quite a few programmes on pay TV channels like Sky One, Sky Living, FOX, Comedy Central, Universal and SYFY. UKTV's content clearly doesn't appeal to me.
I think VM know that this is how most people feel. The objections we are hearing are from a vocal minority.

I certainly have never worried that the UKTV channels were in the package I pay for, and I will be happy for those who miss them if a deal can be done, but I don't blame Virgin for standing firm on the rip off arrangements that previously applied.

I have no inside information, but I reckon what is likely to happen now is:

1. Ofcom makes clear to UKTV that it will not permit them to make their free channels available to other plarforms without charge but not to Virgin Media. This is patently unfair practice. They should tell UKTV to address that without delay if they don't want to risk censure. That move alone should bring back Dave, Dave ja vu, Drama, Home, Really and Yesterday to our screens.

2. It should rule that UKTV was in breach of an agreement with VM in that it failed to deliver the required 'on demand' content in line with their contractual commitments (assuming that they find that as a fact).

3. It should rule that negotiations in respect of Virgin's stance with regard to UKTV's premium channels and on demand content should remain an issue for negotiations between the parties.

I'm sorry, but I think the anger towards Virgin Media is misplaced because they have right on their side. People should be attacking UKTV for the present state of affairs.

---------- Post added at 14:08 ---------- Previous post was at 14:03 ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gavin-D View Post
Yes, Ofcom needs to review the rules as a matter of urgency. This has become a fast evolving industry and Ofcom appears not to be keeping up. If ITV has certain privileges as a public service provider, it needs to behave like one.

---------- Post added at 14:19 ---------- Previous post was at 14:08 ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by SonicMaster View Post
I think this is good news, as it really puts the pressure on UKTV... they will be very keen to hang on to all those prominent slots near the top of the EPG and may now be willing to give VM a better deal rather than risk losing them all...
I agree. A deal is likely to be forthcoming sooner rather than later, I feel.
Last edited by OLD BOY; 26-07-2018 at 14:17.
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