BBC Faces Backlash Over UK History Channel
The BBC is going ahead with the launch of its flagship digital terrestrial channel, UK History, despite complaints from commercial broadcasters.
The channel, which is part of a joint venture with Flextech, is due to launch on the BBC’s Freeview platform later this month (see Freeview Digital Service Will Launch This Month). However, US competitor, The History Channel, has complained that the Corporation has not received proper approval for the new channel.
Geoff Metzger, managing director of The History Channel, told NewsLine: “I have written to the Department of Culture Media and Sport expressing concern over the UK History channel. The DCMS has not been able to confirm that the channel has received approval. I have no problem with competition, my concern is that there is not a level playing field and I will be keeping a close eye on the BBC.”
The Department of Culture Media and Sport has confirmed that letters of complaint have been received and are yet to be answered.
The BBC has dismissed reports that the channel has not received the official go ahead, claiming that DCMS approval was granted for further and separate joint ventures between the BBC’s commercial subsidiary, BBC Worldwide and Flextech’s parent company, Telewest in November 2000.
According to the BBC, the initial agreement did not set any limit on the number of channels that could be launched and allows for the UKTV channels to appear on all television, satellite and cable platforms.
The BBC’s plans for its digital terrestrial platform, which will eventually carry the recently approved BBC3 (see Government Finally Gives BBC3 The Go Ahead), have been heavily criticised by some commercial operators for unfair competition (see BBC3 Could Cost Commercial Broadcasters £25m).
BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk
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