barb figures show 1% reach drop to sky one

[mertle]

thats a valid question at the end of the day the most watched digital channels are the ITV 3/4, BBc3&4, E4 of the world. Now this maybe due to the many freeview boxes/tv's out there. Its difficult to pinpoint the actual viewing habbits of SKY & VM subscribers. However it maybe one reason why sky decided there channels should not be free to air.

However both platforms have its advantages why you pay for your digital rather than just hook up that freeview box. VOD is the big eye catcher with VM to be able to watch stuff when you want. As for Sky I not sure as I don't have it but they must have advantages as they would not have any users.

[Gareth]

Originally Posted by mertle

I really can see when 24 and Lost comes next up for bidding Sky will not be able to get new deals. I even doubt the makers will even offer these shows while the reach is so low.

Why would producers care about the audience figures? As I see it, that's of interest to the broadcaster not the production companies, as higher figures equate to being able to charge higher advertising fees.

Hypothetically speaking, if I am prepared to pay £2 million per episode of Lost for exclusive rights to the next season - even though I only intend to watch it with my missus in our living room - and the next nearest bid is only £1 million p/episode, then the producers of Lost are going to take my offer despite the total audience figures being much lower.

[mertle]

Originally Posted by Gareth

Why would producers care about the audience figures? As I see it, that's of interest to the broadcaster not the production companies, as higher figures equate to being able to charge higher advertising fees.

Hypothetically speaking, if I am prepared to pay £2 million per episode of Lost for exclusive rights to the next season - even though I only intend to watch it with my missus in our living room - and the next nearest bid is only £1 million p/episode, then the producers of Lost are going to take my offer despite the total audience figures being much lower.

I do see your point but surely more watch more would likely want to buy DVD's and want to put it out to a wider appeal. However I cannot see why SKy will continue to pay more or even the same fee's for something which they are getting failed dropping ratings. This is where its likely the people who own the shows might start to flex there muscle when it starts to harm them financially. Someone might step in and offer what sky been paying but less viewers makes there product less atractive for mega bids. So there is a real danger Fox & co will get less money when the next round of bids are up.