Rival Broadcasters To Appeal Against Sky Carriage Fees

Terrestrial broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 are reportedly backing the BBC in its bid to lobby the Government for free carriage on BSkyB’s satellite platform, following concerns over the prices the broadcaster is charging.

It is understood that the terrestrial broadcasters are calling on the Government to amend legislation that requires them to pay a “conditional access” fee for their channels to be carried on Sky.

According to press reports, the BBC has warned that it is considering withdrawing BBC1 and BBC2 from the BSkyB network amid fears of a multimillion pound escalation in fees when its contract with the broadcaster comes up for renewal next year.

However, a spokesman for the BBC has denied the speculation, saying: “The BBC is a public service organisation and has an obligation to broadcast its TV, radio and interactive services on all platforms. As such the Corporation has no plans to pull its services from satellite TV.”

The Culture, Media and Sport select committee is understood to have recommended that public service broadcasters are given free carried on Sky.

The extent of the rift between BSkyB and its terrestrial rivals emerged yesterday after communications regulator, Ofcom, dismissed a complaint from ITV over the prices it currently pays the broadcaster to carry its channels.

After a lengthy investigation, the regulator concluded that the charges for carrying ITV on the digital platform, believed to be around £17 million, were “fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory.”

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk Oftel: 020 7634 8761 www.oftel.co.uk

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