General : Virgin TV (2025)

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Mr K

So far then, more cheap crap channels, and anything half decent at risk of being axed.

The dumbing down of our 'culture' continues...

Except that we are not losing the content, Mr K. It’s just a change in the method of transmission.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Except that we are not losing the content, Mr K. It’s just a change in the method of transmission.

If we lose BBC and C4 channels, we are losing content. The fast channels are just repeating crap 24/7. It will lead to an increase in dementia for sure.

We still need new programmes to be made. What new programmes are the fast channels commissioning?

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Mr K

If we lose BBC and C4 channels, we are losing content. The fast channels are just repeating crap 24/7. It will lead to an increase in dementia for sure.

We still need new programmes to be made. What new programmes are the fast channels commissioning?

If the BBC and C4 channels disappear, the content no longer broadcast on terrestrial TV will be on their respective Players.

[RichardCoulter]

Industry speculation is that Channel 4 may well cease broadcasting the rest of its non-PSB channels during 2025 as part of its ongoing cost-cutting, and retain only the C4 service on satellite, Glass/Stream, Freesat and Freeview.

No mention of cable. Channel 4 is a 'must carry' channel as part of the cable franchises that Virgin have. However, if Channel 4 go IPTV, I don't believe that this applies.

[TimeLord2018]

That doesn't say their closing Channel 4 anyway, it says their non PSB channels...not that I think it's going to happen this year.

[vincerooney]

thought all of channel 4s channels were technically public broadcasters just like bbc 3 and 4 are?

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by vincerooney

thought all of channel 4s channels were technically public broadcasters just like bbc 3 and 4 are?

It's publically owned, but is in a perilous financial situation.

---------- Post added at 02:41 ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 ----------

Originally Posted by TimeLord2018

That doesn't say their closing Channel 4 anyway, it says their non PSB channels...not that I think it's going to happen this year.

I'm sure they won't close Channel 4 itself, but there was no mention of cable TV in the speculation by people in the industry. If Channel 4 continues to broadcast as is, Virgjn are obligated to continue carrying it at neutral cost.

If Channel 4 decides to cut costs by going streaming only, I don't believe that Virgin has an obligation to carry it and if they do they would be able to charge them for it.

[vincerooney]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

It's publically owned, but is in a perilous financial situation.

---------- Post added at 02:41 ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 ----------




I'm sure they won't close Channel 4 itself, but there was no mention of cable TV in the speculation by people in the industry. If Channel 4 continues to broadcast as is, Virgjn are obligated to continue carrying it at neutral cost.

If Channel 4 decides to cut costs by going streaming only, I don't believe that Virgin has an obligation to carry it and if they do they would be able to charge them for it.

how are channel 4, who get better ratings than channel 5, in a worse position than channel 5 financially?

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

It's publically owned, but is in a perilous financial situation.

---------- Post added at 02:41 ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 ----------




I'm sure they won't close Channel 4 itself, but there was no mention of cable TV in the speculation by people in the industry. If Channel 4 continues to broadcast as is, Virgjn are obligated to continue carrying it at neutral cost.

If Channel 4 decides to cut costs by going streaming only, I don't believe that Virgin has an obligation to carry it and if they do they would be able to charge them for it.

Not an accurate reflection of actuality.

https://www.channel4.com/press/news/...s-path-digital

[Media Boy UK]

New Linear Channel Launch:

Virgin Media UK has today launch Cruise1st TV on Virgin UK Channel 758.

When I was watching an male host of Cruise1st TV did say that the launch on Virgin Media is part of the channel expanding plans for 2025.

*Launch on Freeview?
*Launch on Freesat?

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by Hugh

Not an accurate reflection of actuality.

https://www.channel4.com/press/news/...s-path-digital

That report from 2024 refers to 2023.

Since then reduced ad income has meant that Channel 4 have had to scrap or shelve programmes and close down some channels (with more to come). Other things such as selling off their London headquarters and culling nearly 20% of staff are/have been done in order to balance the books.

---------- Post added at 14:39 ---------- Previous post was at 14:33 ----------

Originally Posted by Media Boy UK

New Linear Channel Launch:

Virgin Media UK has today launch Cruise1st TV on Virgin UK Channel 758.

When I was watching an male host of Cruise1st TV did say that the launch on Virgin Media is part of the channel expanding plans for 2025.

*Launch on Freeview?
*Launch on Freesat?

Thanks, i'll take a look at that. I intend to go on a cruise if adjustments to take account of my disabilities can be made.

---------- Post added at 15:31 ---------- Previous post was at 14:39 ----------

Originally Posted by vincerooney

how are channel 4, who get better ratings than channel 5, in a worse position than channel 5 financially?

Channel 5 is owned by a large company and are able to produce and own their own programming whilst drawing content from their other channels throughout the world. A lot of their content is cheaper to make ie things like '100 favourite chocolate bars' or programmes based on music videos from MTV.

Channel 4, on the other hand, is required to produce programmes according to their remit. They are, at present, a publisher broadcaster that isn't allowed to make and profit from their content (though this may change) and they have to pay independent production companies to make their programmes. Compared to the owners of Channel 5, they are a relatively small organisation that doesn't benefit from the economies of scale of being a larger player.

[vincerooney]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

That report from 2024 refers to 2023.

Since then reduced ad income has meant that Channel 4 have had to scrap or shelve programmes and close down some channels (with more to come). Other things such as selling off their London headquarters and culling nearly 20% of staff are/have been done in order to balance the books.

---------- Post added at 14:39 ---------- Previous post was at 14:33 ----------



Thanks, i'll take a look at that. I intend to go on a cruise if adjustments to take account of my disabilities can be made.

---------- Post added at 15:31 ---------- Previous post was at 14:39 ----------



Channel 5 is owned by a large company and are able to produce and own their own programming whilst drawing content from their other channels throughout the world. A lot of their content is cheaper to make ie things like '100 favourite chocolate bars' or programmes based on music videos from MTV.

Channel 4, on the other hand, is required to produce programmes according to their remit. They are, at present, a publisher broadcaster that isn't allowed to make and profit from their content (though this may change) and they have to pay independent production companies to make their programmes. Compared to the owners of Channel 5, they are a relatively small organisation that doesn't benefit from the economies of scale of being a larger player.

cheers Richard. very helpful!

[peanut]

Probably a stupid question...Can you have virgin TV without their broadband? (With a V6 box).

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by peanut

Probably a stupid question...Can you have virgin TV without their broadband? (With a V6 box).

Don't think so. Think it used to be possible with the older Tivo boxes.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by vincerooney

cheers Richard. very helpful!

You're very welcome