E4 on FreeSat

[Luffer]

Anyone know why E4 isn't available on FreeSat when it's available on FreeView? I can't get FreeView here and have been using FreeSat from Sky which I've found to be excellent. However I'm a bit annoyed that E4 is available free to everyone except FreeSat users. Seems a bit unfair to penalise people in this way just because they can't receive FreeView! I can't see any reason for it.

[penrhyn]

It something to do with the contractual arrangements between Sky and Channel 4, read this article (still clear as mud to me though)

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | TV and Radio | C4 and Sky deny More4 confusion

[murdock]

Even more odd...
Sky Sports News is on Freeview
but not on
Freesat from Sky.

I recall reading on SkyUser that Sky were
threatening to drop Sky Sports News from Freeview.

Anyone interested in starting a new Sports News channel
on Freeview?
We can buy in most feeds we need from existing
news media.


.
My Max. Faster, Cheaper, Better.

[murdock]

We can name the channel
NSN
NoSky Sports News.

[Luffer]

Okay, having read the news article I'm even more annoyed. Basically the only ones making any money from E4 being a subscription channel are Sky!

Here is the relevant part:

A Channel 4 spokesman said that under the contract it had with Sky to broadcast its channels on digital satellite, Sky had the right to choose whether or not to make More4 a subscription service.

"More4 is positioned as a public service channel which we are providing for free and for which we are receiving no subscription income," he said.

"We would obviously like it to be made available to the widest possible audience. However, contractually the decision to place More4 in a basic subscription package rather than on their Freesat service is one that lies in Sky's hands."

So who at Channel 4 made the **** up in the first place to give Sky the ability to make these decisions? Only 18 complaints to Ofcom apparently, think I'll write one myself. After all Channel 4 is subsided with license payers money to provide the service and I can't watch it, but it's okay for Sky to profit from it. Disgraceful!

[murdock]

Quote:
"After all Channel 4 is subsided with license payers money (sic)
to provide the service and I can't watch it, but it's okay for Sky
to profit from it. Disgraceful!"-Luffer

I sympathise with you and can see why you are annoyed.
However, if you write to Ofcom check your facts first.
Do not give them the opportunity to bat your legitimate complaint
away because of an inaccuracy.

I think Channel 4 and E4 get all their income from advertising.
They have a licence from the Government and one of the
objectives is to supply programmes for “minorities”.

[murdock]

channel4.com - About Channel 4

[Luffer]

Thanks, I thought they did receive a subsidy, but it would appear I am mistaken. However, the station is publicly owned and I see no reason why Sky should be allowed to profit from this.

[murdock]

Thanks, I thought they did receive a subsidy, but it would appear I am mistaken. However, the station is publicly owned and I see no reason why Sky should be allowed to profit from this.

I agree.
Next year BBC and ITV launch their own Freesat.
Presumably Sky will not be able to bully them.

Consider using the argument that Ofcom should ensure
E4 should be on Freesat - a brand name BBC own.
I will write about a Sports News Channel And E4 on Freesat once
I check out the facts.

[murdock]

Also see this thread:
http://www.skyuser.co.uk/forum/frees...v-freesat.html