Speculation: Ch 4 FTA

easkey

Have just seen on another site that

C4 contract ends 28 August 2008.
that is C4 - More 4 and E4....

So FTA from that date:D:D:D

Tony

easkey wrote: »

Have just seen on another site that

C4 contract ends 28 August 2008.
that is C4 - More 4 and E4....

So FTA from that date:D:D:D

what site? This is assuming they do not renew the contract. Last I heard the contract ended in March?

ictal

The OP saw it on digitalspy. The poster on DS that gave the date later admitted that it was nothing more than a guess. Therefore, we are as clued up about this as we ever were!

wil

OP, it is useful if you post links to such claims.
If you read down, it would appear your info is fake.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=730700&page=2

digitalspy-prat wrote:

C4 contract ends 28 August 2008

-.just kidding, no-one knows apart from the top dogs!

As Tony said, all previous information mentions early 2008, but no actual date.

Tony

some shooting from the hip going on here

easkey

I took this at face value.......My error:rolleyes:

To error is human …to forgive De!!!

givecredit

Tony wrote: »

what site? This is assuming they do not renew the contract. Last I heard the contract ended in March?

Do you have a source for this information. As far as im aware it is widely belived that the contract expires in Aug/Sept 08, But widely hoped that it will expire prior to this. A channel 4 source has already stated that the contract does not expire in time for Freesat launch or should i say freesat.

A Channel 4 source confirmed that the expiry date of the contract - which ties Channel 4, E4 and More4 to the Freesat from Sky system - is "imminent", and it will not be renewed. Sadly, it won't run out in time for the Channel 4 family to join Freesat at launch.

Quote taken from here:

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

EDIT: Related to Ch4 going FTA in Ireland. You may not require a Satellite Dish to receive BBC, UTV AND CH4 in ROI soon. Below is an interesting read:

http://www.independent.ie/business/media/the-death-of-analogue-tv-is-nigh-long-live-digital-1267905.html

Especially:

"Instead, RTE has advanced plans to air Northern Ireland’s free-to-air stations on Ireland’s public service MUX. The plans, outlined in an August letter to the European Commission, could ultimately see BBC1, BBC2, UTV and Channel 4 made available free in Ireland, in return for RTE being carried on the North’s Freeview DTT platform."

Tony

givecredit wrote: »

Do you have a source for this information. [/url]

No I don't, it was not meant to be taken definitively , like I said its just what I heard (from talking off the record to others in the industry) .I have no idea whether they will go FTA or not but the author of this article seems to think so http://blog.wotsat.com/page/whatsat?entry=channel_4_to_join_freesat . I always give a source where possible when posting this kind of information when I'm positive the information is given in good faith and is accurate.

byte

Well, let's just hope that Tony's date is nearest the mark, so C4 will be FTA sooner

For some reasons unknown, I had thought their contract didn't expire until late Summer also, but of course I don't know for sure.

L1011

Wait until bigpaddy2004 gives us a date, he was the first with the ITV FTA date wasn't he?

Tony

Guys the March thing I heard could be wishful thinking and rumour spreading given that it coincides with the free sat launch so as it stands the latter date looks more likely. Talk is cheap and I've no definitive info one way or the other I'm sorry to say.

bigpaddy2004

I have heard no mention of this either throughout the industry.

Onikage

March was touted because a news story appeared on digitalspy claiming channel 4 "expressed interest" when freesat was approved.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/a45812/channel-4-expresses-freesat-interest.html

However, no mention is made of c4 being fta at launch or where this unreferenced statement came from.

Tony

heres the interesting part

""Under the Communications Act we would expect to become subject to obligations to ensure the availability of the core channel on all satellite platforms, which would require that Channel 4 was available on Freesat," the broadcaster explained."

watty

I'd hold off on worrying about c4 till it is there. If Freesat launches in March (it's been delayed before) and RTE's DTT launches in August (may only have RTE, and delayed 8 years) it won't be a big delay to have your Sky sub from April to August, when you might be able to get RTE digital via one set box on TV aerial instead of Sky Sub and C4.

kkontour

I seem to remember C4's contract with sky was up in Autum 2008, but rumor stated that C4 may try and negotiate out of this to be available for freesat launch.
I stress rumor.

marclt

It makes absolute sense for Channel 4 to be free on satellite and to make E4 etc free on satellite too... as they are on freeview. They would miss out commercially by remaining within the confines of a card service with Sky and they are part of the BBC/ITV thing anyway...

It is only Channel 5 who appear to be holding off on this - but I'm sure with time they will see the benefits too.

redfacedbear

If/when the C4 channels go FTA are they likely to be taken off the Sky epg? Accessing 'other channels' is a right pain in the arse!

Tony

They will stay on the epg in the UK, ROI is dependent on the deal they did with sky.

redfacedbear wrote: »

If/when the C4 channels go FTA are they likely to be taken off the Sky epg? Accessing 'other channels' is a right pain in the arse!

biologikal

I can't see the big deal about C4 going FTA to be honest, their programming has deteriorated so much over the past 5 years or so. Seems to be endless US sitcom repeats, or reality show drivel. News and the odd film are about all they are any good for these days. They also used to have some great documentaries, but they are few and far between now.

snaps

The more channels FTA the better. Reading that article about DTT as well makes me think, why cant all these broadcasters get together and put a decent DTT service together instead of struggling with each other over programme rights? It makes me laugh that TV3 are worried who will watch corrie on UTV instead of TV3!!!!