Welcome to satellites,
The BBC problem is most probably down to dish size. The BBC & ITV channels are transmitted on Astra 2d (uk spot beam). The downlink power falls off rapidly as you move away from the UK.
Astra 2d footprint here: _http://www.lyngsat-maps.com/maps/astra2d.html
Also see here - might be of some interest :
http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellit...-channels.html
As for the no sat signal being received - are you sure you have correct alignment of the dish.
Sky News sould be listed in the EPG without the need to manually scan.
SM