I, like many other subscribers would like to pay for only what I want to view, but in real terms, it ain't going to happen
If one took the time to look through the total number of channels available through
Sky (not including BBC and the other terrestrial channels), you would find that it gives just over thirteen days worth of unique viewing for every 24 hour cycle. This could mean that each person subscribing has a choice thats thirteen times greater than they could physically watch on a permanent basis, but the rub is the amount of repeat shows (including news) , self advertising and shopping/holiday channels which brings the amount down to around nine and a quarter (a third of BSKYBs output is this stuff)
Add the point that a number of the channels are only on the platform to be viewed in this country (Discovery, Nat Geo, Cartoon Network, a smatter of foreign stuff etc) and the total amount of
Sky exclusive only programming drops to about four days per 24 hour.
Remove the Sports channels brings it down to just under three, Sci fi lops another quarter day of, leaving one with the Premium movie channels and
Sky One content.
You are right the amount of TV that is supplied within a fixed family package appears to be good value at under pound a day, but compared to the unique programme content one gets from the BBC and other terrestrial channels, its still a long way off.
But then the British people are now of the mind that paying for anything to be received is the norm. This is probably the greatest impact
Sky has had on home entertainment, even advertising space is sold to the public.
Freeview I hope will redress the balance.