January 2004
BBC to remove chart sponsor credits 02-01-04
The BBC today announced its intention to remove on-air credits currently given to sponsors of The Official Chart during broadcasts on the corporation's television and radio stations. Factual credits for sponsors of "events" that the BBC covers are allowed under the corporation's Producers' Guidelines. Under the terms of a deal between The Official Chart and the BBC reached four years ago, it was agreed that the unveiling of each week's chart would be classified as an "event," thus permitting sponsor credits to be broadcast.
BBC Radio 1's controller, Andy Parfitt, explained today that the BBC now feels that the "broadcast market has moved on considerably since then." He continued: "Taking this into account, and recent events, we no longer feel it is appropriate to allow on air mentions of sponsors of the chart.
"We are therefore working with The Official Chart Company to resolve this situation without breaking any of our contractual obligations that are currently in place." The decision will be implemented later this year provided current issues can be resolved.
TCM encrypts and joins Sky lineup 10-01-04
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has become a subscription service after encrypting its channel and joining the Sky Family Package. The broadcaster blamed the move on "commercial reasons". It means viewers need to subscribe to a package costing £19.50 per month or more to receive TCM.
Now we are Three 13-01-04
The BBC's £80m-a-year youth network rarely attracts more than a few hundred thousand viewers. A year into its life, BBC3's controller Stuart Murphy tells Ian Burrell how he squares EastEnders spin-offs with public-service TV.
Audience with no one: 55 days on TV 13-01-04
More than 55 days' worth of programmes on the BBC's digital channels last year were watched by so few viewers that they scored zero on the official ratings scale. Figures from the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board show that 1,328 hours of television on five networks were officially seen by no one.
BBC thrives in Kilroy's absence 13-01-04
Robert Kilroy-Silk's absence is still reaping benefits for the BBC today after ratings went up for the second day in succession for the alternative schedule the corporation put in place after pulling his talkshow.
Record high ratings new BBC4 TV show 20-01-04
The BBC's decision to show The Alan Clark Diaries on its specialist arts digital TV channel BBC4 has been deemed to be a great success. It comes after 848,000 viewers (7.22% of multi-channel homes) tuned in, making it the most-watched programme on the channel since its launch.
BBC's Pebble Mill studios to close 26-01-04
An era in the history of the BBC is to end this spring when Pebble Mill, the corporation's TV and radio studios in Birmingham, closes.
The studios, in the leafy suburbs of Britain's second biggest city, pioneered the expansion of daytime television, with shows such as Pebble Mill at One and Good Morning with Anne and Nick. The Archers, Radio 4's long-running saga of farming folk, is still recorded there.
War of the news walls 26-01-04
ITV's news has suffered over the past few years, but its new editor-in-chief aims to change all that, starting with next Monday's revamp and a fixed slot for the main bulletin. David Mannion tells Maggie Brown about his plans for the news channel, the regions - and Sir Trevor.
Two Golden Globes for The Office 26-01-04
The BBC comedy The Office beat Sex and the City and Will and Grace as it was named best comedy TV series. Its star and creator Ricky Gervais beat Friends actor Matt LeBlanc to take the best comedy actor gong. It was the first time a British comedy series has won at the awards.
BBC to be reined in, says Jowell's adviser 27-01-04
The government's digital television adviser, Barry Cox, has predicted that ministers will impose tough controls on the BBC to reverse the process of "dumbing down" that critics believe has occurred under the present director general, Greg Dyke.
Greg Dyke resigns 29-01-04
BBC director general Greg Dyke today dramatically resigned as the corporation struggles to deal with the biggest crisis in its 82-year history. He is the second senior figure at the corporation to quit in the past 24 hours in the wake of Lord Hutton's devastating critique of the way the corporation handled the Kelly affair.
ITV to launch ITV3 30-01-04
ITV will launch its third mainstream channel before the end of the this year, it has been reported. ITV chief executive Charles Allen said following the success of ITV2 as a young viewers' entertainment channel, he wants ITV3 to aim at an older audience. It has not yet been decided if it would be a pay-TV channel. The merger of Granada and Carlton means the new ITV company will have access to a huge library of programmes and films. Some industry experts have dubbed it ITV Gold showing classics like Brideshead Revisited, The Jewel in the Crown and Sherlock Holmes.
The end of Free2view? 31-01-04
According to the website Free2View, new Free To View viewing cards will no longer be issued after 31st January. If you are already registered with the service but have lost your viewing card, have a fault with your viewing card or have ordered a next generation viewing card through this service prior to January 31st but have not yet received it, please call 0870 054 1800. As most of you will be aware until May 2003 viewers with digital satellite equipment were able to obtain a smart card that would enable access to the BBC channels, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five, free of charge. Until that point the BBC met the cost of cards and the BBC, Channel4 and Five jointly funded the cost of administering the cards to customers. Discussion with government, broadcasters and regulator will continue with the objective of finding a cost effective solution to the ongoing provision of cards but for now there is no service planned beyond 31st January.
February 2004
ITV Merger 02-02-04
Newly-created ITV plc has received a boost from investors as shares in the UK's largest commercial broadcaster got off to a strong start. There is also speculation that ITV plc may attract takeover attention from an overseas media company keen to benefit from deregulation in the sector.
The long-awaited tie-up has brought together all the former ITV regional companies, except Channel, Scottish, Grampian and Ulster. Chief executive Charles Allen said today that ITV was now "well placed" for growth and performing at its best level for 10 years. It will also deliver the £100 million of cost savings promised from the merger, he added. He also played down speculation that former BBC director-general Greg Dyke could be a candidate for the vacant post of chairman of ITV.
Rupert's revolution 09-02-04
Things look good for Sky as it celebrates its 15th birthday. It now reaches seven million British homes and its profits are set to soar. But despite revolutionising our TV viewing, the satellite broadcaster still has its critics. So what does the future hold? Maggie Brown talks to the major players.
BBC and ITV duel for live football 16-02-04
The BBC and ITV are to go head-to-head in the battle to restore live football to terrestrial screens when BSkyB auctions the rights to up to eight Premier League matches in the spring.
ITV Chairman 20-02-04
ITV is likely to choose a new chairman as early as next week - and there are just two remaining contenders, John Gardiner and Peter Burt. The nominations committee led by Sir Brian Pitman has whittled the short list down to men with strong links to the City and the ITV plc board.
Digital Text on Channel Four 23-02-04
Channel 4 has launched a new digital teletext service, accessed by pressing the text button whilst watching Channel 4. It features news, background information about Channel 4's top shows and TV listings.
Drop in Free to view satellite homes 23-02-04
The BBC's decision to stop supporting the 'solus' card system, which provided free to view conditional access to the major public service broadcasters such as the BBC, Channel Four, ITV and five on digital satellite, has led to a drop in the number of homes viewing TV via free-to-view digital satellite. Official figures from Ofcom show that while 827,000 homes used FTV digital satellite TV in the third quarter, this sank to 211,000 homes by the fourth quarter.
BBC loses Scottish football rights 26-02-04
The BBC has lost the rights to live Scottish Premier League football to Irish broadcaster Setanta.
ITV bosses 'jolly' as staff face dole 26-02-04
Up to 75 top ITV executives are enjoying a three-day stay at London's luxurious Park Lane Hilton as the company announced 400 job cuts in the Midlands.
Astra 2D in front of the sun 29-02-04
From now on, and for the next few days, Astra 2D will be in front of the sun at around 10.10 GMT. Due to this, reception will fail from around from 10.10 to 10.15 GMT. If you want to ensure your antenna is positioned correctly, ensure that there is no obstacle beween the antenna's postion and the sun at 10.10 GMT. You can do this test within the next days. This information was kindly forwarded by Martin Clostermann in southern Germany.
March 2004
BBC wins rights to the Powergen Challenge Cup 01-03-04
The BBC has signed a new TV deal with the Rugby Football League to broadcast live coverage of the Powergen Challenge Cup. The three-year RFL deal coincides with a move by the sport from winter to summer and an August Cup Final which coincides with the climax of the Super League. The BBC has also secured rights with the League to show highlights of the Tri-Nations international series between Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain. And it has won a deal to air the prestigious Six Nations rugby tournament until the end of the decade.
BBC radio battles for Premiership 01-03-04
The BBC is facing a multimillion pound battle to retain its monopoly of Premiership football radio coverage.
Eastender's Mark Fowler laid to rest 07-03-04
An old Eastenders favourite will be laid to rest in the coming months, according to the News of the World today. Mark Fowler, played by Todd Carty, finally loses his lifetime battle against Aids and is given a good old East-End send off. Characters from past and present, including Leslie Grantham (Den) and Leonard Fenton (Dr Legg), all attended filming which took place at North Watford Cemetry nearby to the Borehamwood studios where Eastenders filming takes place. Mark was last seen in the BBC soap leaving Walford on his motorbike. His departure came after his long and arduous battle against HIV, which he caught from his first wife Gill. Carty told the newspaper: "As I'm no longer in the show it's good to have closure for both the character and me."
BBC misled with digital claim 10-03-04
The BBC has been reprimanded by ad watchdogs for claiming its digital TV channels were new even though some have been around for years.
Sky snatches Channel Five news from ITN 13-03-04
Sky has won the contract to produce all of Channel Five's news programmes for five years from the beginning of next year. The decision represents a big victory for Sky and a blow for ITN, which had been locked in a lengthy battle with Sky to secure the contract. ITN is now reportedly studying the costs of Sky's successful bid and will possibly take legal advice if it believes Sky undercut it substantially enough for the deal to be considered a loss leader and therefore be seen as a form of "predatory pricing". However, Sky quickly hit back - saying its deal with Five is wholly commercial and that ITN's reaction is "sour grapes". Sky will provide a state-of-the-art studio in West London for Five, along with a dedicated team of 60 reporters, producers and technicians.
Sky confirms major EPG reshuffle 13-03-04
A major reshuffle of almost 40 general entertainment channels in Sky Digital's Electronic Programme Guide will take place next week. The move, on March 23, will mean that many channel numbers will change and even popular channels such as E4 and ITV2 will be found on different channel numbers. The shiftaround is intended to free up space in the Sky line-up to enable new channels to launch later in the year.
Keating fuels BBC2 speculation 24-03-04
BBC4 controller Roly Keating today refused to rule out interest in a new job as controller of BBC2 if Jane Root makes a highly anticipated move to the US. Speaking at the launch of BBC4's summer season, Mr Keating said he had "nothing to say" about the move - but failed to rule out categorically that he was interested in the job.
Freeview could outstrip Sky by 2007 24-03-04
Digital TV service Freeview is poised to replace Sky as the UK's favourite way of watching multichannel television by the end of 2007, research has revealed.
Mair to be new face of BBC3 news 26-03-04
BBC presenter Eddie Mair, tipped as a future host of the Today programme, is being lined up to front another relaunch of the corporation's youth-oriented news show on BBC3.
BBC2 controller has quit 26-03-04
The reign of the longest serving terrestrial channel controller, Jane Root, is drawing to a close, with an announcement due early next week that she is quitting BBC2 after five years to take a new job in America.
Dyke: I was fired by BBC governors 26-03-04
Former BBC director general Greg Dyke has admitted for the first time that he was fired in the wake of the Hutton report.
Astra 2D Website 1 Year Old! 28-03-04
When I launched the Astra 2D Website on March 28th 2003, I had no idea that so many people would ever use it. When the BBC switched its services to 2D during June of last year, I was swamped by emails both asking for and giving reception advice. This time last year, we really had no idea how far the satellite could reach, or what kind of equipment would be needed out here on the fringes of the footprint . One year on many of those questions have now been answered. Today, many more people are now picking up tthe Astra 2D satellite, from Cyprus in the east to the Canaries in the west! There are still many out there with with the dreaded "No satellite signal being received" messege, so keep your reports, updates and advice coming in. Help me, help others.
Thanks to all, who have contributed and helped with the site.
Expat
BBC faces big shake-up under new chairman 29-03-04
The new chairman of the BBC is facing a bulging in-tray that includes a plan to abolish the very board of governors on which he or she will preside. Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, said yesterday that the panel which interviewed candidates for the chairmanship last week had made its recommendation to her, and that an appointment would be announced within three weeks.
Ryder leaving the BBC 31-03-04
The BBC has been hit by another high level departure today, with vice-chairman Lord Ryder announcing he will be leaving in the summer.
ITV's Property Blockbuster 31-03-04
ITV is banking on a home-grown version of smash hit Australian property show The Block, billed as a cross between Big Brother and Changing Rooms, for summer ratings success. The show will pit four couples against each other as they compete to make the most money from their identical Brighton flats
April 2004
ITV3 lined up for September debut 08-04-04
ITV has pencilled in a September launch date for its new drama and golden oldies channel, ITV3, provided negotiations with BSkyB are successfully concluded.
Channel 4 clinches 18-month contract 08-04-04
Channel 4 has backed down from its threat to abandon horse racing after 20 years by emerging last night from a game of brinkmanship with Britain's course owners with its deal intact to show the prestigious Cheltenham Festival.
BBC kicks out at Welsh football deal 08-04-04
The BBC has accused the Welsh Football Association of putting profits before fans after it sold the rights to home international matches to BSkyB in a £10m deal. BBC Wales believed it had sewn up a deal for the country's forthcoming internationals, including vital World Cup qualifiers against England and Northern Ireland.
BBC digital channels announce rising ratings 09-04-04
The BBC has reported improved audience share and reach for its digital TV channels. Pre-school channel CBeebies had an audience share of 7.3% in March, an improvement of 0.5 points compared with March 2003. Meanwhile, BBC3's share since its launch in February 2003 has increased 27% among all viewers and 38% for its target audience of 25- to 34-year-olds, compared with last year.
Channel Four to launch new channels in 2005 18-04-04
Channel 4 is investing £90 million in launching several new digital TV channels - including More4 early next year - in an effort to retain its share of the audience in the multi-channel market. The new channels will focus on comedy, music and factual programming. Rob Woodward, commercial Director of Channel 4, said it has yet to be decided whether all the channels will be free-to-air or subscription based, however More4 will be advertising-financed. It will be aimed at "an older, wealthier demographic audience than Channel 4" according to the broadcaster.
ITV3 confirms September launch date 18-04-04
ITV is planning to launch its new drama and golden oldies channel, ITV3, in September this year. However, the launch is dependent on a deal being struck with Sky over the restructuring of the two group's involvement in their joint GSkyB venture. GSkyB, which runs Granada Plus and Men and Motors, currently has a first-look deal with ITV for classic Granada dramas such as Cracker, Cold Feet, Prime Suspect and Brideshead Revisited, and launching ITV3 without access to these shows is not viable. It is also still unclear whether ITV3 will launch as a subscription channel, replacing Granada Plus, or whether it will be an advertising-funded channel operating alongside. ITV's chief executive, Charles Allen, said recently: "ITV3 will be launched this year using the extensive ITV, Carlton and Granada programme libraries. It will be targeted at a more upmarket audience, using favourite ITV dramas and classic movies.
Michelle Fowler returns to Albert Square 26-04-04
Michelle Fowler is to return to Walford, however the actress who originally played her won't be back. Having been in the US for the past ten years, Michelle will come back to save her daughter Vicki from the influence of her father Den Watts. Susan Tully, who played Michelle since the soap began in 1985, now has a successful career as a television director, and will not be returning as Michelle. An insider told the Daily Star that a newcomer would be cast in the role, in the same way that Kim Medcalf replaced Daniella Westbrook as Sam Mitchell.
Government must support digital switch 26-04-04
The BBC today warned the government that it would miss its target for digital switchover if the change was left to the market alone, as it backed the launch of a satellite version of its successful Freeview service.
Parkinson walks out on BBC after 33 years 26-04-04
Michael Parkinson dramatically quit the BBC today 33 years after he first joined the corporation, lashing out at the inconsistent scheduling of his famed Saturday night chatshow.
BBC calls for satellite Freeview 27-04-04
The BBC yesterday called for the introduction of a satellite version of Freeview after warning the government that it will miss its target for switching off the analogue television signal. The corporation said government intervention backed by millions of pounds of public money would be needed to convert the country to digital TV by 2010. Creating a fourth platform alongside Freeview, BSkyB and cable will be vital to meeting that deadline, said the BBC in a report submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
BBC to create FreeSat package 30-04-04
The BBC has stated, that it is to create a formation of an alliance of broadcasters to produce a mass-market free satellite system that would rival BSkyB's platform. The corporation said it wanted to create a FreeSat option that would require no subscription to provide a digital free-to-air option for homes that use satellite technology. The news came as some in the City voiced doubts about Sky's long-term growth prospects. Although many analysts remain bullish about Sky, which now has 7.2 million subscribers, others have suggested that most consumers willing to take pay-television have probably signed up by now.
May 2004
BBC backs plan for free satellite TV service 01-05-04
The BBC plans to follow the success of its Freeview digital television venture by backing a free-to-air digital satellite service. In a progress report to the government, the corporation recommended further state intervention if ministers are to achieve digital switchover by 2010. The BBC said the development of a satellite service would be "the final part of the jigsaw" by capturing consumers unable to receive Freeview's digital terrestrial signal and unwilling to pay for Sky's subscription packages.
BBC keeps TV rights to Grand National 01-05-04
The BBC has secured a five-year deal to broadcast the Grand National, the Derby and Royal Ascot. BBC Sport announced that it has signed new agreements with Racecourse Holdings Trust and Ascot until 2010. BBC director of sports rights and finance, Dominic Coles, said of the combined TV and radio rights: "We're delighted to have re-signed our three pillars of racing, the Grand National, Royal Ascot and the Derby, until the end of the decade, in the face of keen competition for the rights. We're pleased that most of Britain's premier sporting events are now live on terrestrial television."
ITV buys GMTV stake from SMG 10-05-04
ITV took control of GMTV today, buying out SMG's stake in a deal valuing the breakfast TV franchise at more than £120m. It means ITV now has 75% of GMTV after SMG agreed to sell its 25% stake for £31m, with the remaining 25% stake owned by Disney.
A man they can do business with 24-05-04
The choice of the new Director General was no real shock to anyone - but what's waiting for him at the BBC might be. Steve Hewlett asks if Mark Thompson can meet the nation's high expectations and balance the books.
June 2004
ITV bursts BBC1 soap's bubble 02-06-04
ITV1's latest assault on EastEnders with an Emmerdale special last night wiped 4 million viewers off the audience for the BBC1 soap, as it faces one of the most serious threats in its 19-year history. Last night ITV1 ran an extended 60-minute Emmerdale episode against EastEnders for the third Tuesday on the trot. EastEnders was watched by 7.6 million viewers and attracted a 37% audience share between 7.30pm and 8pm, according to unofficial overnights.
ITV to overhaul western regions 02-06-04
ITV has sought to counter criticism that it is neglecting its regional responsibilities by appointing a dedicated managing director for Wales and restructuring its former franchises. The network, which has come under fire from MPs for closing its studios in Nottingham and on the south coast with the loss of hundreds of jobs, said today it had appointed head-hunters to look for a new managing director for ITV Wales.
BBC unveils Wimbledon TV coverage plans 07-06-04
The BBC has announced how it will be covering this year's Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which start on June 21. Live and exclusive TV coverage will be available on BBC One and BBC Two, plus radio coverage on Radio Five Live and interactive offerings through BBCi and the BBC's Web site. Television output is enhanced this year with an increase in the number of show courts covered by BBC cameras from seven to eight. Sue Barker will present the BBC's live coverage while John Inverdale will front the daily highlights show, Today at Wimbledon. John McEnroe and Boris Becker will also provide commentary.
Sky to launch Free channels 09-06-04
BSkyB is to launch a package of up to 200 free channels to counter the growing threat from Freeview, the rival service backed by the BBC offering 30 channels for no fee. In a major change of policy, BSkyB is abandoning its "pay-TV only" service and trying to appeal for the first time to satellite "refusniks" who have never been attracted to the concept of subscription TV. Up to now viewers who wanted satellite TV were obliged to buy into a package of channels in order to get services such as the BBC that were otherwise free through an aerial.
ITV changes plans for new kids TV channel 09-06-04
ITV is seeking a deal with an existing kids channel rather than launching its own standalone ITV Kids service, as initially planned. It now wants to start a CiTV-branded slot on an existing childrens pay-TV channel, in exchange for a block of airtime on ITV. Disney and Nickelodeon have been named as two potential partners. An ITV spokesperson said: "ITV has been in conversation with a number of potential partners for some while. We are looking at options for strategic alliances in the children's arena."
BBC drops Emma Awards 16-06-04
The BBC has dropped plans to broadcast the Emma multicultural media awards after a storm of controversy engulfed this year's event at which David Beckham, Greg Dyke, Tom Cruise and Vanessa Feltz were amongst those given honours.
BBC bags Olympics until 2012 18-06-04
The BBC has clinched TV rights to the Olympic games until 2012 after the organisers decided not to sell the contract to the highest bidder. The decision is a boost to the BBC, which is preparing for its most comprehensive Olympics coverage yet in Athens later this summer.
Sky and Channel 4 sign carriage agreement 18-06-04
Channel 4 and Sky have signed a new agreement to ensure that all Channel 4's TV 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 upcoming digital TV channel for older viewers, when it goes on air in early 2005. Channel 4 has also extended its conditional access agreement with Sky until October 2008.
BBC4 unveils ambitious growth plans 20-06-04
The new controller of BBC4, Janice Hadlow, is vowing to introduce more "big, ambitious, authoritative" factual shows to the digital TV channel. She said: "I want BBC4 to be a place where you can see even more big, ambitious, authoritative series. I want really big, thought-provoking ideas." Hadlow also is also keen to introduce new faces to BBC4, adding: "One of BBC4's jobs is to develop talent, faces, ideas. It's quite possible for the channel to be nurturing people who are doing one thing for BBC4, but in the longer term move into the wider landscape of mainstream TV.
ITV to bring back Popstars 24-06-04
ITV has confirmed that reality series Popstars will be back for a third series, Broadcast reports this week. The new run will get a new twist: this time round, the show will look to create the UK's next musical male-female duet. The new version will be called Popstars: Boy Meets Girl, the programme is expected to be given a Saturday night slot for its thirteen-week run.
25 million tune in to England - Portugal on BBC One 24-06-04
A peak of almost 25 million viewers saw England knocked out of Euro 2004 in Lisbon last night (Thursday), according to unofficial figures. The tense match, which included 30 minutes of extra time and a climactic penalty shootout, averaged a hefty 20.6 million viewers and a 73.6% share of the audience across almost three hours on BBC One. A peak of 24.7 million - an 84.4% share - came in the final five minutes.  As many as 10 million more could have been watching in pubs, clubs and at outdoor venues around the UK. According to Broadcast, the figure is the BBC's highest ever TV sports audience since ratings began.
ITV3 channel launch date is unveiled 29-06-04
ITV has announced the launch date for its new third entertainment channel, ITV3. The station will go on air in the fourth quarter of this year and will be aimed at the over-35s. ITV has said it will also double its programming budget for ITV2, spending the extra cash on sports rights, US series and films. The UK's biggest commercial broadcaster also said it aims to triple its revenue from its non-terrestrial stations within three years, setting itself the target of generating £150 million in revenue.
July 2004
Sky's Free To View, is nothing new! 03-07-04
The forthcoming Sky Digital free to view package costing £150 for a Sky installation and viewing card will be offering viewers very little for their money. Virtually all 150- 200 channels to be offered including the BBC are already Free To Air (FTA), and  do not require a Sky Digital receeiver or card. The new service will include ITV1, Channel Four and Five. Notabily missing from the free to view lineup is ITV2, currently free on digital terrestrial.
New BBC TV region announced 05-07-04
The BBC has announced plans to create a new TV region in Central England for Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. The regional feed is expected to become available on Sky Digital later this year.
Satellite Freeview Fading! 05-07-04
The prospect of the BBC launching a free-to-air satellite version of Freeview in competition with a service from Sky has faded after the two broadcasters indicated they would co-operate together.
Parkinson to head ITV's autumn lineup 07-07-04
Michael Parkinson's new ITV chatshow will start in September as the network ramps up the battle against the BBC, which is expecting a bumper August courtesy of the Olympics and the return of Premiership highlights. The network yesterday unveiled its plans to advertisers, and the all-important autumn season will include 13 extra hours of drama and the speedy return of reality blockbuster I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in November.
BBC 10 O'Clock News to go interactive 12-07-04
The BBC is to introduce a new and enhanced interactive service for its flagship news programme, the BBC Ten O'Clock News. Starting this autumn, it will offer viewers longer interviews, extra footage and background on the day's stories. Richard Sambrook, Director of BBC News, said: "The BBC News audience consistently tell us that they want even more information on the day's events. 'Ten O'Clock News Extra' will provide that platform for added depth and context to the bulletin and will help drive a new audience towards our interactive services."
BBC unveils interactive Olympics service 12-07-04
The BBC has announced its most extensive TV coverage of the Olympic Games ever, scheduling 250 hours of coverage from Athens plus over 1,000 hours through its first ever interactive Summer Olympics TV service. Sky Digital viewers will be able to access four additional streams to watch extended coverage of the 37 events. Freeview users will be able to access two additional events. In addition, the BBC's Website at bbc.co.uk/olympics will let UK broadband users access high-quality live coverage on their desktop.
Will Sky close its music TV channels? 12-07-04
Sky has admitted that it is reviewing the future of its three music channels, The Amp, Scuzz and Flaunt, and at the same time has moved its head of music channels, Jo Wallace, to head up original programming on Sky One. Any closure of the channels would mark a major retreat from the broadcaster's attempt to challenge rivals MTV and Emap in the pay-TV music market. Wallace's move to Sky One comes as the entertainment channel tries to reposition itself to attract a more upmarket 16-34 audience.
London TV launches on Sky this week 12-07-04
A new 24 hour TV channel dedicated to showcasing what to do and where to go in London has launched on Sky Digital. London TV provides bite-sized entertainment to inspire Londoners to explore their own city and helps visitors to make the most of their stay. Broadcast round the clock from a studio overlooking the River Thames, London TV features the latest on the capital's culture, shopping, eating and trips out, with news on the hottest events and special offers.
BBC channels face threat of disruption 12-07-04
BBC TV channels and digital services face severe disruption later this month after union members in the corporation's technology arm voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action. Union members voted to strike just hours after the subsidiary was acquired by German electronics giant Siemens. The strike could begin as early as July 21 and could decimate the technical side of the BBC just days before the corporation starts broadcasting the Athens Olympics.
UK Media News in brief 12-07-04
Sports presenter Des Lynam is returning to the BBC to present an interview show on Radio Five Live from August... Euro 2004 enabled ITV to increase its advertising revenue by 17 per cent during June with an extra £25 million being spent... Channel Five has ordered a new reality makeover show that transforms couples with surgery and therapy in the run up to their wedding day.
ITV eyes stars for £8m historical drama 19-07-04
ITV is trying to lure Anna Friel and Jurassic Park star Sam Neill to lead the cast in one of its most ambitious costume dramas of the last 10 years - an £8m epic based on the true story of an 18th century female petty criminal put on one of the first convict ships to the Botany Bay penal colony in Australia.
Trisha denies axe speculation 19-07-04
Trisha Goddard has denied reports that she has been axed from ITV's daytime lineup. Last week it was rumoured that the talkshow host had been fired by the network after demanding an increase on her £500,000 salary. "That's nonsense," Trisha told the Sunday Mirror today. "I wish my salary was £500,000. Don't get me wrong, I'm very well paid, but there have never been rows about money. "It has always been about hammering out working conditions. I can't believe some of the stories that have been going around about me." She admitted that stories of her being approached by rival channels were accurate, however. "Yes, that is true," she said. "But then I'd be mortified if I hadn't. Other TV companies knew my contract with ITV was up for renewal. If I didn't get approaches, I'd be thinking the time had come for me to do Celebrity Big Brother."
BBC eyes broadband launch 19-07-04
BBC new media director Ashley Highfield has revealed that the corporation could launch its own low cost broadband service just weeks after commercial rivals accused it of breaching a "catalogue of promises" to cap spending.
August 2004
ITV takes a ratings mauling 04-08-04
ITV has suffered its worst ever month after being caught in a pincer movement between BBC1 and Channel 4, which enjoyed record audiences thanks to cricket and Big Brother and other reality shows. ITV1 has been hit by a double ratings whammy - registering its lowest ever weekly audience share last week and lowest ever monthly share in July.
BSkyB: 'We will have 10m homes by end of decade' 04-08-04
Announcing a hefty rise in profits, BSkyB today set a new target of 10 million subscribers by the end of the decade as chief executive James Murdoch sought to assuage City fears that growth at the pay TV giant was tailing off. Mr Murdoch answered calls from analysts and investors for a clear strategy to take the company towards digital switchover - pencilled in by the government for 2012 - by unveiling a series of new targets and initiatives and announcing a 65% rise in full year operating profits to £600m.
ITV3 to launch as free channel 04-08-04
ITV golden oldies channel ITV3 is expected to launch on November 1 as a free service showcasing movies and classic dramas such as Coronation Street and Cold Feet. The decision not to charge viewers comes after months of negotiations and ends speculation that it would be a pay-TV service along the same lines as E4.
South African TV in Europe! 07-08-04
NSAT (New South African Television) will be launched officially on Monday 9th August 2004 on the Sky platform across Europe to around 25 million viewers, the channels number on Sky's EPG will be 837.
More information is available at: www.nsat.tv
Low key launch for Sky's Freesat service 09-08-04
James Murdoch, Sky's CEO, admitted that Sky had misjudged how to win more subscribers and said he no longer wanted to go with the "free" and "cheap" approach as this simply encouraged willing converts. Accoprding to media press reports, this has clouded Sky's attitude to Freesat which was to be promoted as a cheap satellite rival to Freeview. Freesat's launch is now expected to be more low key and it will only be launched as a trial in areas of the UK with poor Freeview reception.
Disney's ABC1 channel set for September launch 09-08-04
Disney has confirmed that the UK version of its popular ABC TV network will launch on September 27. Called ABC1, the channel will initially only be available to Freeview viewers, but there are plans to expand onto pay-TV platforms such as Sky Digital. It will launch ahead of ITV's planned new entertainment channel, ITV3, and there will be no ads during the first few months on air. ABC1 will be broadcast from 6am until 6pm from September 27, and plans to eventually expand to a 24-hour schedule. Its schedule will include US drama, comedy and serials including the soap General Hospital, the sitcom Sports Night plus The Geena Davis Show, Once & Again, Home Improvement and 8 Simple Rules. "In its first phase, ABC1 will champion an under-served British audience - people who are busy at home during the day," said Disney's John Hardie who is overseeing the launch.
New Sky+ box will have bigger hard drive 09-08-04
Sky has announced that a new version of its Sky+ personal video recorder system is to go on sale in October. The new box, called the Sky+ 160, will boast a bigger 160Gb hard drive enabling an average of 80 hours of storage. It will cost £399 and also feature two USB ports for home networking. According to Sky's latest subscriber figures, there are now 397,000 users of Sky+. In a statement, Brian Sullivan, Director of New Product Development and Sales at Sky said: "Sky+ is transforming the way we watch TV. The next stage of that revolution will be the forthcoming launches of Sky+ 160, and the software upgrade to all Sky+ boxes, providing even more flexibility, choice and control for our growing customer base. After listening to customers we are delivering new interactive recording and sorting functionality as well as the option for an average of 80 hours storage space."
Sky's shares fall after poor growth figures 09-08-04
Shares in Sky fell almost 20 per cent last Wednesday, hitting their lowest value since October 2002, and wiping more than £2 billion off the company's value after a poor quarter of financial results for the broadcast. James Murdoch, Sky's CEO, admitted the company needed a rethink as its current strategies were delivering "diminishing returns". He said Sky had to become a more inclusive brand and begin a "conversation" with those yet to be turned on to pay-TV. In the fourth quarter, Sky added attracted 81,000 new subscribers, compared to 133,000 for the same period last year. City analysts had been expecting a growth of 100,000+ subscribers.
New feedback show for BBC News 24 16-08-04
Former Times media editor Ray Snoddy is reported to have been lined up as presenter of a new weekly feedback show on BBC News 24. The 30-minute show will launch later this year and provide viewers with a weekly opportunity to broadcast their opinions of BBC news, current affairs and other factual output.
Channels Four and Five discuss merger 16-08-04
Channel 4 has hired the investment bank UBS to help it to decide whether it should merge with its terrestrial rival, Channel Five. C4's average audience share is about 13 per cent, but in homes with digital TV its share drops to between seven and eight per cent. To address this, C4 is reportedly seeking government approval to allow it to merge with Channel Five. C4 has also held talks with other broadcasters, including Telewest-owned Flextech, which runs Living TV and Bravo.
Subscription income exceeds TV ad revenue 16-08-04
A new report from UK media regulator Ofcom says subscription income from UK pay-TV services exceeded TV advertising revenues for the first time in 2003, reaching £3.2 billion compared to the £3.15 billion spent on ads across all TV platforms. Revenue from commercial analogue channels was down four per cent in real terms at £2.6 billion, whereas pay-TV revenues have more than doubled since 1998.
BBC buys Aussie Sitcom 16-08-04
BBC2 has bought the popular and critically aclaimed Australian sitcom Kath and Kim, which features a lower middle class Melbourne mother and daughter trapped in suburban hell. Kath and Kim, broadcast by Australian public service broadcaster ABC, had become the country's most popular homegrown sitcom for more than a decade.
Sky wants to use BBC's 'Freesat' name 16-08-04
The BBC is in talks with Sky about allowing the satellite broadcaster to use its 'Freesat' trademark for its free-to-air satellite service, which Sky aims to launch in October. A BBC spokeswoman confirmed that one option being discussed is to allow Sky to make official use of the Freesat name, which it has copyrighted. It comes after Sky CEO James Murdoch said that it was still in talks with the BBC about what involvement it could have in the Sky service. According to media press reports, the BBC has been in talks for months with several broadcasters, including Sky, about launching its own free-to-air, digital satellite service.
ITV secures Newcastles home fixtures! 23-08-04
TV has secured exclusive live rights to Newcastle United's UEFA Cup home matches at St James' Park for the 2004/2005 season. The fixtures will air on either ITV1 or ITV2.
Radio station removed from Sky line-up 23-08-04
Student Broadcast Network (SBN) has been removed from the Sky Digital channel 878 amid reports that the troubled company has gone into liquidation with £4.5million of losses. The station is best known for helping to finance student radio stations across the UK.
Film Four to hold freeview weekend 23-08-04
Channel Four's digital film channels - FilmFour, FilmFour +1 and FilmFour Weekly - will be available free from Friday October 1 to Sunday October 3. The freeview will see FilmFour showing 18 films, plus another 3 on the FilmFour Weekly channel. Films will include The Gift, Manhunter, The Game and Evolution.
Huge audience for interactive Olympics 23-08-04
A record breaking six million viewers have pressed the red button to use the BBC's interactive Olympic services so far. The figures, which have yet to be consolidated, show that 6.13 million people have used the service for more than one minute since the Opening Ceremony on Friday 13 August. The previous highest figure was during this year's Wimbledon when 4.1 million people went interactive for one minute or more. During the Commonwealth Games in 2002, 3.4 million viewers went interactive. The figures show that 50 per cent of the available audience have pressed red to interact. Eighty per cent (4.89m) of those who have pressed the red button have used the service for more than three minutes. Fifty-eight per cent were still with the interactive service after 15 minutes and 46 per cent stayed with the service for more than 25 minutes.
Kids' DVD to remain part of BBC's Corn Flakes deal 23-08-04
The BBC will not drop a children's DVD from its promotional deal with Kellogg's Corn Flakes even though it contravenes the spirit of its new policy concerning promotions on food products aimed at kids. The promotion on 11 million packets of Kellogg's Corn Flakes offering discounted DVDs of BBC programmes including Little Robots, aimed at four to six-year-olds, would continue, a BBC spokeswoman said today.
Eastenders Slump blamed on Cast 30-08-04
BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey today blamed EastEnders' falling ratings on cast problems. Ms Heggessey said producers had been forced to string out a storyline that was mauled by TV critics involving the Ferreira family because of the absence of key members of the cast. When you have a cast where one is ill, one pregnant, one who may be in rehab and another in a car crash, that's when you end up being overdependent on a storyline about a kidney transplant," she said. The storyline was dragged out for months and fuelled criticism about the quality of scriptwriting and characterisation in the BBC's flagship soap. But Ms Heggessey refused to admit there was anything more seriously wrong at EastEnders and said soap ratings ebb and flow. "EastEnders has had a very very slight decline, there are always 50% of the available audience watching, I would suggest that is not a serious decline."
Changing Rooms axed 30-08-04
Changing Rooms, the BBC property programme that revolutionised the way Britons decorate their homes and spawned dozens of makeover shows, has been axed after eight years. The BBC said the next series of the long-running show, due to be screened this autumn, would be the last although it will broadcast one-off specials.
Patsy unhappy with new Emmerdale storyline 30-08-04
Patsy Kensit is unhappy about a new Emmerdale storyline which involves her character, Sadie King, having an affair with a younger man, according to the Sunday Mirror. The new plot sees Sadie having a fling with Robert Sugden, who is played by 22-year-old Karl Davis. A show insider told the newspaper, "Patsy wants Sadie to be seen as a sophisticated super-bitch. She doesn't think rolling in the hay with a toyboy is going to do anything for her. And Robert Sugden is hardly one of the heart-throbs." A spokesperson for Kensit denied that there was a rift between Patsy and the show's bosses.
New Radio channels on Sky 31-08-04
Two new radio stations, Pulse Unsigned and GlobeCast Radio have launched on Sky's EPG. Pulse Unsigned can be found on EPG number 905 and is dedicated to bringing unsigned acts from the UK, Europe and the US to a new wider audience. GlobeCast Radio is available on EPG number 907 and will feature a mix of music, motoring news, a sports roundup and news headlines.
ITV to launch more digital channels 31-08-04
ITV CEO Charles Allen revealed to audiences at the Edinburgh International Television Festival that his network plans to launch more new digital channels after ITV3 is up and running. Allen said more new channels were necessary in order for ITV to effectively rival the BBC's bouquet of digital services. In particular, at least one of the new ITV services will be focused on children's programming to rival CBBC and CBeebies. No concrete announcements about the precise nature of the new channels will emerge until after ITV3 is launched, but Allen said some of the new services may be produced in collaboration with other broadcasters: "We'll see much more collaboration," he explained, "particularly in the area of children's. I do see us partnering with international partners to get more money onscreen. We're talking to everybody." Allen also said that the Granada Sky Broadcasting joint-venture with Sky, which operates Men and Motors and Plus, would continue.
September 2004
No bruising for Cruise but viewers still love Parky 06-09-04
His interview with Hollywood king Tom Cruise was panned as lacklustre but chat show legend Michael Parkinson still has the pulling power, delivering an audience of almost 6 million for ITV on an expectedly sunny Saturday evening. The new-look ITV1 Saturday line-up got off to a sluggish start with warm weather and an England football World Cup qualifier on Sky Sports limiting the audiences for Parkinson's debut on the network and new Simon Cowell reality talent show The X-Factor.
ITV in 'talks to buy UKTV digital channels' 06-09-04
ITV chief executive Charles Allen is reported to have opened talks with the BBC over acquiring the ‘UKTV' branded digital channels which are jointly owned by Flextech and BBC Worldwide. The ten digital channels which include UKTV Gold and UKTV History are said to be 'effectively under the hammer', although no official decision will be made until later in the year.
Extra Freeview hours for Community Channel 06-09-04
The Community Channel is to begin broadcasting in a breakfast slot on Freeview this week. From September 6th, the station will get a new breakfast-time slot from 6am to 9am on Freeview channel 46, in addition to its night-time hours (2:45am to 5:45am). Community Channel Controller Jane Mote said: “At last we can shake off the 'middle of the night' stigma and give the growing number of Freeview viewers a chance to see TV with a difference"
Racing UK to charge £20 per month 06-09-04
Horse racing fans will have to pay up to £240 a year to watch live coverage from Racing UK. According to the Guardian, the channel, which launched in June after the collapse of British racing's deal with AtTheRaces, intends to start charging subscribers from October 1. Racing UK has signed deals with around half of all the UK's courses, including those that host many of the major meetings in the racing calendar, while AtTheRaces has re-signed the other half but will continue to show meetings for free. Simon Bazalgette, chairman of Racing UK, is confident that committed punters will be persuaded to pay £20 a month to follow racing from the 29 courses. The channel, on Sky Digital channel 432, has a target of 20,000 paying subscribers and break even within two years.
ITV to launch five new digital TV channels 06-09-04
Up to five new digital TV channels are to be launched by ITV, according to the broadcaster's chief executive, Charles Allen. Talking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, he did not say what content would be on the new channels, but hinted that one could be a children's service in conjunction with a US broadcaster. The other four could include re-branded versions of Granada's joint venture stations, Men & Motors and Granada Plus. No dates for the launches were given.
EastEnders viewers want misery, says soap boss 10-09-04
BBC soap boss Mal Young has issued an unlikely riposte to critics who claim EastEnders is too depressing, saying viewers "want to wallow in misery". The embattled drama serials executive, who made his name on Brookside, says EastEnders couldn't emulate Coronation Street, which is known for its gentle humour and uplifting storylines.
London TV to get its own Sky Digital channel 12-09-04
London TV, the free-to-air channel that provides information about news and events happening in the city, is to get its own Sky Digital channel number later this month. The channel will be available 24 hours a day channel 244 from September 20. It follows several months of time-sharing with Overload on Sky channel 166 between 3pm and 9pm each day.
New Advert Channel launches on Sky Digital 12-09-04
The Advert Channel, a free-to-air 24 hour TV channel dedicated entirely to commercials, has launched on Sky channel 694. The Channel features a reange of classic commercials from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s plus the best of today's ads. Its schedule also includes live studio discussions about advertising, plus behind-the-scenes documentaries on how adverts are produced.
New estate agents TV channel starts this week 12-09-04
The Move Channel, a free-to-air estate agents channel, is to launch on Sky Digital channel 780 this week. From September 13, it will allow estate agents and property developers to advertise their properies for sale.
October launch for new free sports channel 12-09-04
Bookmaker William Hill has confirmed it will launch a new free-to-air sports channel on Sky Digital on October 6. Live UK greyhound racing will feature alongside US horse racing coverage, betting programmes and interactive sports games on William Hill TV. The channel will be available on Sky channel 425, currently occupied by I-Sports TV. David Hood, a spokesman for William Hill, said: "We can bring a considerable wealth of expertise to the channel in terms of greyhound racing and bookmaking, but this is very much a learning curve for the company... we do not expect Channel 425 to produce the type of Sky Sports spectaculars that viewers have become used to. There won’t be too many bells or whistles, but it will be a professional show with good betting content available on a nightly basis."
BBC Worldwide for sale 12-09-04
The BBC has put its commercial sales and publishing division up for sale and has already approached Time Warner, Walt Disney and Germany's Bertelsmann about possible bids, the Financial Times reports. BBC Worldwide owns 10 channels including UK TV stations, BBC Prime, BBC Food, BBC America, BBC World and 26 magazines. Last year it had revenues of £657 million and generated £141 million in profit, which was ploughed back into the BBC.
ITV3 to launch in November - Freeview only! 12-09-04
ITV's new classic TV channel will launch on November 1, but only to Freeview customers. According to The Guardian, ITV3 has yet to agree a carriage deal with NTL or Telewest. Its chief executive, Charles Allen, said he is still in talks with the cable companies but has yet to begin negotiations with Sky. "It will come on to Freeview, then move on to cable," he reportedly said. "We're happy to put it on Sky, but Sky are saying they can't put any new channels (on Sky Digital) for six months." The channel will showcase classic movies and dramas such as Coronation Street and Cold Feet.
New Freeview receiver from Hauppauge 20-09-04
Hauppauge has launched a 'second generation' Freeview digital TV receiver which it claims offers "enhanced picture quality and faster operation." The Hauppauge DEC-1100-t uses the latest Philips chipset to provide its pictures and scanning. The box is priced at £79.99 and is the size of a CD Walkman. It will be available from the end of September.
55% of UK households now have digital TV 20-09-04
TV regulator Ofcom has published its Digital Television Update for the second quarter of 2004, which shows that digital TV penetration has increased to 55 per cent of UK households, up from 53 per cent in the previous quarter. A further four per cent of households subscribed to analogue cable during the quarter, bringing the total number of households receiving some form of multi-channel TV to over 59 per cent.
Analogue TV switch-off could start in 2007 20-09-04
TV regulator Ofcom has confirmed it hopes to begin switching off the UK's analogue TV signals as part of a phased-shutdown from 2007. The regulator has also told commercial broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five that they must switch off their analogue signals by the end of 2012. The news comes as Ofcom added that trials of digital-only TV networks are to begin next spring in two Welsh villages where hundreds of residents have agreed to abandon analogue TV.
ITV to expand its regional services on Sky 20-09-04
Just like Channel Four, ITV has also announced a deal with Astra to lease two transponders at 28.2° East. The broadcaster says it intends to expand its regional services and interactive offerings using the extra capacity - although the exact details are being kept under wraps for the moment. Mick Desmond, ITV's broadcast CEO, said: "To stay at the top against a background of continuing digital viewer growth, we need to ensure that we have the transmission capacity to meet our digital strategy objectives."
Ulster TV bullish as ad revenues soar 20-09-04
ITV minnow Ulster Television today said it had outperformed the commercial TV network in the first half of the year and expected the pattern to continue in the third quarter. Ulster - which runs the ITV franchise in Northern Ireland - grew TV advertising revenues by 16% between January and June, and anticipates a 14% increase in the three months since then.
Channel Four could launch 14 new channels 20-09-04
Channel 4 has signed a £55m deal with satellite operator Astra that will allow it launch up to 14 new channels. Its 10-year lease of two transponders on Astra 2D will enable it to start new TV channels, such as the upcoming More4 entertainment channel for older viewers, plus additional interactive TV services. Channel 4 is also likely to sub-let some of the transponder space to other digital satellite TV channels - just as it does on Freeview where Bid-Up.tv leases some of its digital terrestrial space. As the two satellite transponders have been leased direct from Astra, Channel Four could also launch its pay TV services as free-to-air services in the future, once its existing encryption deal with Sky ends in 2008.
Topup TV compatible box now available 27-09-04
A new digital terrestrial receiver the Thomson DT12300 Top Up TV Box is now available and can pe purchased at the following stores: Argos, Comet, Currys, Index, John Lewis and Miller Brothers.
ABC1 on Freeview 27-09-04
ABC1, the new general entertainment channel from Disney, has now launched on digital terrestrial television. Named after the ABC television network in the USA, which is also owned by Disney, the channel is available on DTT channel 15. It is on air from 6am to 6pm daily. ABC1 broadcasts a variety of American programmes, including soap opera General Hospital and sitcom Eight Simple Rules.
October 2004
ITV3 on Sky from 2005 07-10-04
Information on the Net, suggests Sky will carry ITV3 from March 2005, no information is available as to whether the channel will be part of a package, FTV, or Free To Air. ITV3 will launch exclusively for free on Freeview Digital Terrestrial from November 1st 2004.
ITV tightens its grip on GMTV 12-10-04
ITV has completed the £31m acquisition of SMG's stake in GMTV, the latest step in taking full control of the breakfast-time broadcaster. Following the merger of Carlton and Granada to create ITV plc, chief executive Charles Allen announced in May that the company would buy SMG's 25% stake in GMTV, taking its overall stake to 75%.
Coronation Street Omnibus moves to ITV2 17-10-04
Coronation Street's weekly omnibus on ITV1 is to move to ITV2 from next Saturday, FTV card holders (ITV1, Channel Four and Five), will now have to catch up with events in the Street during the week. ITV2 is not available to FTV viewers and there are no immediate plans to make the channel available for free as is the case on Freeview.
ITV3 testing on the Astra 2D satellite? 17-10-04
The Astra 2D Website can confirm that test of some kind have been taking place on transponder 54 (10.906V, SR 22.0, FEC 5/6) , under the ident 'G54' . An ITV3 tectcard has also appeared intermittently.
It is not clear whether the channel plans to launch on Dsat simultaneously with the Freeview launch on November 1st. Sky's claims that there will be no room on the EPG before March next year. To view the tests on a Sky receiver, use the Add Channels option.
What Satellite website back online 24-10-04
Wotsat.com have apologiesed to visitors who found the Web site unavailable for several days during October. This was due to a technical mix-up at their domain name registrar, the site suffered several days of downtime. Contrary to rumours, both What Satellite & Digital TV and Wotsat.com are still going strong!
ITV's new red button service ready to launch 24-10-04
ITV's enhanced interactive service is about to launch on Sky Digital. ITVi lets viewers interact with ITV's most popular programmes and also now includes betting from Littlewoods, games from Playjam, peope searching from Friends Reunited, mobile phone ring-tones and online dating.
BBC may launch new UK films channel 24-10-04
The BBC may launch a new film channel dedicated to UK films next year to try and fend off criticism about its £85m a year expenditure on Hollywood movies at the expense of domestic productions. BBC Director General Mark Thompson told a media select committee of MPs that the Corporation may explore the option with another broadcaster to determine whether there is enough room for such a channel in the UK.
ITV to launch fourth TV channel in 2005 24-10-04
With brand new entertainment channel ITV3 launching on November 1st, ITV has revealed that it is also planning to launch further digital TV channels in 2005. ITV has confirmed that a fourth channel will begin in the middle of next year and is likely to target female viewers. Jonathan Lewis, ITV's director of digital channels, said: "We are spending a lot of time looking at new channels and we may launch a new channel sometime next year. It could be called ITV4 because that would make sense." Meanwhile, ITV3 will launch on Freeview channel 34 from November 1. The ITV News Channel has been temporarily removed from the Freeview line-up until early 2005 to free up space for the new ITV3 channel.
Sky's new Freesat service launches 24-10-04
Sky has launched its long-awaited free-to-air satellite service to compete against Freeview, the terrestrial digital service. The service, which includes around 200 TV and radio channels, (most were already FTA) is available for a one-off payment of £150. Sky bosses have kept relatively quiet about the Freesat launch, which is aimed at taking a share of the 200,000 Freeview receivers sold each month. However, Freesat is only available direct from Sky, unlike Freeview which is sold in retailers like Dixons and Currys. Notably missing from the Freesat lineup are ITV2, ITV3, Sky Sports News and the Music Factory, all available for free on digital terrestrial Freeview. All you really get is IV1, Channel Four and Five, the BBC is already free via satellite.
Channel 4 is boring 26-10-04
One of the founders of Channel 4 has accused the broadcaster of becoming "tawdry and repetitive" and warned it is failing to fulfil its remit to break new programming ground. Anthony Smith, a founding member of Channel 4's board, said that in failing to offer an alternative to the proliferation of reality TV and property programmes, Britain's fourth terrestrial channel was in danger of becoming just the kind of broadcaster it was set up to challenge. "What bothers me is not that such programmes are tasteless - though they sometimes are. It's that they are as boring, predictable and safe as most of the rest of commercial TV. Channel 4 is in danger of solidifying into exactly the creative sclerosis and timidity that it was set up to challenge." "Its remit was not to succeed but to try, in interesting ways. And for a long time C4 fulfilled that remit brilliantly - even if, by its very nature, patchily." Mr Smith, who is president of Magdalen College Oxford, said Channel 4's role was to invest in undiscovered talent and use it to "amuse, shock, gratify, confirm, undermine".
November 2004
BBC Prime to launch in Asia 01-11-04
The BBC is launching its entertainment channel, BBC Prime, across Asia from December 1. The channel, which will be a rival to Rupert Murdoch's Star World TV channel, will sit alongside the BBC's news channel, BBC World, which is already available in the region.
Second wrestling TV channel begins on Sky 01-11-04
The Wrestling Channel has launched a second TV channel, named TWC Reloaded, on Sky Digital channel 428. The new free-to-air channel features a range of grappling action from the broadcaster's large archive of wrestling programming.
Great British TV Channel starts in December 01-11-04
Endorsed by some top names in British entertainment, a new UK channel is to launch on Sky Digital this Christmas, vowing to take on BBC1 and ITV on Saturday nights. The Great British Television Channel will launch on Christmas Eve, airing daily from 4pm thereafter. Chris Tarrant and Joe Pasquale are on the channel's board, while comedian Richard Digance is the managing director. Other celebrities backing the channel include Carol Voderman, Vinnie Jones, Bill Wyman, Jimmy Tarbuck, Julian Clary, Tommy Walsh, Ronnie Corbett, Shane Ritchie and Jim Davidson. The channel's schedule includes Live From London Town, a new version of Sunday Night at the Palladium, which will be hosted by Brian Conley, and It's Your Call, based on a Capital Radio show.
ITV4 Next Year 01-11-04
A new ITV channel, will start sometime next year and will be more women orientated than the other channels in the ITV family. ITV's director of digital channels, Jonathan Lewis, told Broadcast: "We are spending a lot of time looking at new channels and we may launch a new channel sometime next year. It could be called ITV4 because that would make sense."
BBC & ITV to form new satellite platform? 01-11-04
ITV is considering joining the BBC in a new non-subscription venture which will seek to break BSkyB's monopoly on satellite broadcasting and could lead to the end of ITV's payments for having its services included on the Sky platform, according to a report in the Independent.
In what could amount to a double blow for James Murdoch, the CEO of Sky, the development of FreeSat comes at a time when ITV is renegotiating the £17 million (E25.5 million) annual payment to have its satellite broadcasts encrypted by Sky. Encryption gives Sky the ability to stop the ITV signal bleeding over into other co