N
net1
Guest
The BBC today claimed that its regional channels could appear on Sky's on-screen programme guide next to adult channels such as Playboy TV if a row between the corporation and BSkyB is not resolved.
According to the BBC, BSkyB has threatened to relegate BBC One and BBC Two to slots 214 and 215 on Sky's electronic programme guide (EPG), which satellite viewers must use to find and tune channels.
The moves follows a decision by the BBC not to pay Sky to encrypt its channels.
Under the new system BBC One and BBC Two would be sandwiched between Fashion TV and Showcase.
Viewers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would have to scroll through hundreds of channels to find their local versions because they would be listed in the 900s next to adult channels.
Speaking at the Westminster Media Forum today, the BBC strategy director, Carolyn Fairbairn, claimed that if Sky was allowed to demote the channels it could effectively signal the slow death of public service broadcasting.
"If we allow these programmes to be buried deep within the electronic programme guide, people won't watch them," she said.
"Effectively we are willing the end of public service channels without willing the means," she added.
The BBC director general, Greg Dyke, announced last month that the corporation would stop paying BSkyB to encrypt its signals and broadcast on its own satellite space, claiming it would save £85 million over five years.
Carolyn Fairbairn appealed to the government to amend the communications bill to define the term "due prominence" and guarantee public service broadcasters the top slots on the programme guide.
The issue is currently being investigated by the Independent Television Commission
According to the BBC, BSkyB has threatened to relegate BBC One and BBC Two to slots 214 and 215 on Sky's electronic programme guide (EPG), which satellite viewers must use to find and tune channels.
The moves follows a decision by the BBC not to pay Sky to encrypt its channels.
Under the new system BBC One and BBC Two would be sandwiched between Fashion TV and Showcase.
Viewers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would have to scroll through hundreds of channels to find their local versions because they would be listed in the 900s next to adult channels.
Speaking at the Westminster Media Forum today, the BBC strategy director, Carolyn Fairbairn, claimed that if Sky was allowed to demote the channels it could effectively signal the slow death of public service broadcasting.
"If we allow these programmes to be buried deep within the electronic programme guide, people won't watch them," she said.
"Effectively we are willing the end of public service channels without willing the means," she added.
The BBC director general, Greg Dyke, announced last month that the corporation would stop paying BSkyB to encrypt its signals and broadcast on its own satellite space, claiming it would save £85 million over five years.
Carolyn Fairbairn appealed to the government to amend the communications bill to define the term "due prominence" and guarantee public service broadcasters the top slots on the programme guide.
The issue is currently being investigated by the Independent Television Commission