Channel4 FTA in 2008?

irishgeo · 26-09-2007 9:40am #1

According to www.wotsat.com, all of Channel 4 channels will be available to view FTA in 2008. All the channels are moving to Astra 2D. They are joining Freesat with the BBC.

Article Link : http://blog.wotsat.com/page/whatsat?entry=channel_4_to_join_freesat

Tony · 26-09-2007 10:05am

Good catch, thanks for the info and link

lucernarian · 26-09-2007 11:21am

Excellent news. Thanks for posting that link. Now hopefully there will be few channels which are only available on Freeview from the UK.

And it's just in time before an expected reduction in our (already fuzzy) UK reception.

byte · 26-09-2007 7:17pm

Good link. Thanks for the heads up

Anyone know what month in 2008 the contract with Sky expires?

irishgeo · 26-09-2007 7:26pm

Having done a little digging its looks like its October 2008.The press release is from 2004.

Channel 4 and BSkyB today announce they have entered into new agreements to ensure that all Channel 4's channels will continue to be available across the Sky digital platform until at least the end of 2007. Sky will also carry More 4, Channel 4's new digital channel, after its launch in early 2005.

Separately, Channel 4 has extended its conditional access agreement until October 2008.

Richard Freudenstein, BSkyB's Chief Operating Officer said:

"We are pleased to continue our mutually beneficial relationship with Channel 4 and look forward to the launch of the new channel More4 alongside its existing digital TV services E4 and FilmFour"

Rob Woodward, Channel 4's Commercial Director said:

"This is a significant deal for Channel 4 and reflects the success of our digital channels E4 and FilmFour. Their availability across the Sky platform has been a key factor in the success of our digital strategy and we believe that continuing to deliver them to Sky's growing customer base is the best way of ensuring their continued growth."

Press Release | 14.06.2004

byte · 26-09-2007 7:32pm

Thanks for that. So another year before C4 is FTA, unless they can wrangle out early, most unlikely.

irishgeo · 26-09-2007 7:35pm

byte wrote:

Thanks for that. So another year before C4 is FTA, unless they can wrangle out early, most unlikely.

Its very unlikely as they would have to pay Sky.

This bit is worrying me.

Unfortunately, a shortage of further space on Astra 2D's spot beam could prevent other broadcasters with high-value content from joining Freesat, or launching hi-def channels.

RTE HD might never happen.:)

Channel4 FTA in 2008?

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