Baby swap plot cleared by OFCOM

MEDIA regulator OFCOM has cleared BBC soap EastEnders of any wrongdoing over a controversial storyline last Christmas.  The baby swap plot, which ultimately led to the departure of actress Samantha Womack, received a record number of complaints, but the drama will not face any actions for the dramatic episodes which were screened around New Year.

     The storyline focused on two of the show’s most loved characters, Ronnie Branning, played by Womack and Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace giving birth to two beautiful babies almost at the same time.  Ronnie’s baby, James tragically passed away and in clear distress and not knowing where to turn, Ronnie sneaked into the Queen Vic and snatched Kat’s baby Tommy whilst the new mother was in hospital.   OFCOM received 1,044 complaints whilst 23,000 people complained about the episodes to the BBC.  In response, producer Bryan Kirkwood elected to end the storyline earlier than initally planned, with Ronnie giving the baby back to Kat and Alfie Moon in April.  Recently, Womack left EastEnders after Ronnie was sentenced to three years in jail for her actions.

SWAP: The baby plot has been cleared by OFCOM

     Many viewers were worried that these episodes had been shown in a pre-9pm watershed slot, but OFCOM said that the soap had “a record of tackling controversial and, at times, highly sensitive social issues.”  Another feature in the report was this;

“The storyline presented Kat’s grief, disbelief and anger and the temporary breakdown of her relationship as well as her gradual coming to terms with her loss and the efforts to rebuild her life following the tragedy.” 

     They concluded that the extensive research and meetings the BBC held with cast members and foundations before going ahead with the storyline, consequently “providing sufficient context overall to justify the potential offence.”

    Ultimately, although I admit that it wasn’t the right time of year to broadcast a storyline like that, some people took their criticisms way too far and need to accept that soaps like EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Coronation Street will broadcast controversial and perhaps, distasteful storylines in order to get a reaction.  Hopefully, EastEnders can now move on from this brave attempt, and under the guidance of Kirkwood, will almost certainly aim for more challenging scenarios and storylines in future.  

The end for the News of the World

By Simon Wright (News and personal piece)

CLOSURE: The final edition of the paper will be on Sunday

AFTER 168 years of exposing celebrities, shaming politicians and campaigning for better human rights, this Sunday will see the final ever edition of the News of the World.  Rupert Murdoch has taken the controversial decision to axe the newspaper, in a desperate bid to bury the phone hacking scandal which has dominated news headlines across the world this week.  Some 200 journalists have lost their jobs as a result of the decision taken by News International at its Wapping headquarters, but chief executive of the company, Rebekah Brooks – who was editor of the paper during the scandal, has remarkably held onto her job.  This morning, Andy Coulson – another former editor of the tabloid paper and former press aide in David Cameron’s coalition government was arrested for his role in the phone hacking, as well as allegations into payment to members of the Metropolitan Police.

     The News of the World has come under significant fire for the phone hacking of famous celebrities and politicians already this year.  Film star Sienna Miller, former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, PR guru Max Clifford and TalkSport radio host Andy Gray were amongst the victims.  Some of these disputes were being settled with significant compensation packages.  However, the twisted events of the last week have led to the downfall of the biggest selling newspaper in the UK. 

      The trouble started when it emerged that the mobile phone of murdered teenager Milly Dowler in 2002 had been hacked into by rogue journalists.  As the days rolled on, more scandals emerged.  Also targeted were the parents of murdered Soham schoolgirls, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman and victims of the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London – on the eve of the sixth anniversary.  The final death knell was when it emerged that some families of servicemen who fought for the country in Afghanistan, but never came home also had their phones and voicemails listened into.  Police have confirmed that they have had 4,000 complaints of mobile phones being targeted and the scandal is likely to cost News International £120million.  Media regulator OFCOM is investigating News International’s other businesses, including fellow newspapers under the branch; The Sun and The Times.  It also throws the proposed takeover of BSkyB into severe doubt, with culture secretary Jeremy Hunt forced to delay the go-ahead for the bid until September at the earliest.

QUESTIONS: Murdoch has decided to keep his chief executive

     Murdoch was reeling yesterday.  For a man who loves making news, he looked scared as he desperately tried to escape questions from pressing journalists on a golf course in Idaho, USA.  It seems though that under fire Brooks will keep her job as chief executive of the organisation, despite the cost of many other innocent positions.  Labour leader Ed Miliband, who has criticised David Cameron for his handling of the situation all week, is furious that Brooks still has a job, despite her knowledge of such illegal journalism practices.  He told the Daily Mirror;

     “It’s clearly people power that has forced this decision.  It’s the result of the revulsion that people felt at what happened at the News of the World.  The one person who seems to be staying in her job in chief executive Rebekah Brooks who was the editor at the time Milly Dowler’s phone was hacked.  I don’t think News International can hope to start to move on while she remains in place.” 

     The lawyer for the Dowler family, Mark Lewis is also saddened that those responsible are still in higher positions; “It’s sad that people will end up losing their jobs, but those responsible are still there.”  Current chairman of News International James Murdoch was interviewed by ITN’s political editor Tom Bradby last night.  He gave his full backing to Brooks and insisted he had no choice to announce the pulling of the plug for the paper;

     “The good things the News of the World does has been sullied by behaviour that was wrong.  Indeed, if recent allegations are true, it was inhuman and has no place in our company.  The News of the World is in the business of holding others to account, but it failed when it came to itself.”

     Celebrities have used Twitter to express their views on the newspaper’s axing today.  Singer George Michael said; "Today is a fantastic day for Britain.  These beliefs are in no way an excuse for any of my behaviour in recent times.  I was happy to do my time, because I was so ashamed.  But... I believe every individual, whether privileged or the average citizen, deserves the law.  And many of us rich or poor have been denied it by News International.  You gotta have faith in Karma.  Today it's very real. And I hope the families of Milly Dowler and all the others who died...."

     Former editor of the Daily Mirror Piers Morgan lamented the move, although he did slam their actions; “Shocked and saddened by closure of the News of the World.  Scandals of past week indefensible, but has been a great British newspaper."

     Founded in October 1843, the News of the World has an annual circulation of 3million readers today, despite the powers of 24-hour rolling news, social networking sites and the radical growth of the internet.  It is famous for its hard-hitting interviews and massive investigations that send celebrities into a pit of shame.  Some of its most famous moments included the undercover sting that exposed Sven-Goran Eriksson into agreeing to take over as Aston Villa manager in January 2006.  Eriksson, contracted to England at the time announced his departure after the 2006 World Cup finals just days following the ‘fake sheikh’ investigation.  It has also revealed Prince Harry’s experimentation with drink and drugs in 2002 and the spot-fixing involving Pakistan cricketers during last summer’s test series in England.  Unsurprisingly, the News of the World has also had to fight many libel cases.  England footballers Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney have received damages out of court for sleazy stories that made the front page headlines, whilst former FIA president Max Mosley used an invasion of privacy into allegations regarding his private life in March 2008.  Mosley won £60,000 in damages, but lost the battle to change privacy laws in the UK only two months ago.  The News of the World has been underneath Rupert Murdoch’s News International banner since 1969.

MY VIEW

My symphony is with those affected by the disgusting practices

Although the celebrity phone hacking scandal is totally the wrong way to go, the cynics would say that to be famous, you are going to get negative headlines and therefore, these sort of practices.  However, once bereaved families are targeted, it becomes totally indefensible and inexcusable.  The practices are sick and I can’t believe that some rogue journalists would stoop so low to get a story.  Clearly there was no news in the world!  I am very saddened by the whole issue and of course, I have every symphony with the families of Milly Dowler, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the 7/7 victims and families who have lost their loved ones at war.  For their families to basically go through the whole nightmare in the public eye once again is really sad. 

     I am not saddened by the closure of the News of the World.  Frankly, I felt the paper was full of unproven gossip and garbage.  I already boycotted The Sun anyways, due my anger over their coverage of the 1989 Hillsborough football stadium disaster.  Who I do feel sorry for are the innocent journalists, who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.  However, Rebekah Brooks keeps hers.  It is unbelievable that she can still be backed by News International, especially after being the editor while Milly Dowler’s phone was being hacked into.  How can she sleep at night!  If she had any decent piece of soul in her body then she should do the honourable thing and resign.

     I do hope the BSkyB takeover doesn’t go through either.  Murdoch did introduce the concept of 24-hour rolling news into the UK and has revolutionised English football with the Sky Sports Premiership deal.  Great things for sure, but I don’t think it would be in the audience’s interest for a rogue media organisation to own BSkyB, no matter how viable and profitable it is. 

     Will people miss the News of the World?  Honestly, I don’t think so.  The Today newspaper was the last major paper to get the chop and that was owned by Murdoch in November 1995.  No-one remembers it today.  Rumours are already flying around that The Sun on Sunday will be launched, so it will probably just be same stories, and similar angles with different name.

     If there is a winner this week, it has to be Ed Miliband.  The Labour leader has really managed to show some steel and determination to push for change in the British press industry this week.  Miliband has put David Cameron under pressure and for me; the Prime Minister has not been convincing enough.  If Andy Coulson is charged by police, it puts David Cameron in a very difficult and stressful position.

     Ultimately, one of the main losers will be those studying journalism at colleges and universities.  The Press Complaints Commission code needs a total rework and the new restrictions and ratifications that will come into force will just make the job for journalists even tougher.  Fewer jobs will be around and if any budding journalism student had commonsense, don’t work for Rupert Murdoch!  He doesn’t care about people’s feelings; he’s only after money and that’s all he’s ever thought about.  So, he is the male version of Janine Malloy from EastEnders then!

     It has been a sad and damaging week for the British press industry.  The phone hacking scandal has dragged the reputation of many names in media through the mud and there are many losers in this.  The story won’t go away and is going to drag on for the rest of the year, especially with enquiries and investigations likely to continue.  If News International can ditch a newspaper and think it will solve the problems, they are seriously mistaken!

One more message; RESIGN REBEKAH! YOU’RE A DISGRACE! 

Product placement - Is it the future of British television?

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

BRITISH programmes have become synonymous with one thing; they have to use made-up brands and companies.  Unlike broadcasters worldwide and films, broadcasting law prohibited the use of advertisement in programmes, known as “Product Placement.”  During the 1990s, PIF’s about the use of this feature not being allowed could be regularly seen on ITV and Channel 4 on behalf of the Independent Television Commission (ITC), now OFCOM.

     Product placement is as mentioned, the use of brand advertisement within a programme, a company pays the broadcaster a cash value to have products of theirs appear in a certain programme.  It has been used for several years in US, for example on American Idol, the judges drinking glasses are sponsored by Coca Cola.  It had seemed though that nothing like this would come to Britain, until now.

     In autumn 2009, OFCOM earned a government grant to allow the prohibition of product placement to be lifted, providing certain requirements and limitations were agreed upon.  However it is only now that these changes are starting to come into force.  Last Monday, ITV1’s flagship daytime show This Morning became the UK’s first example of Product placement with Nescafe’s popular Dolce Gusto coffee maker appearing in view in the set’s kitchen.  To date, it is so far the only use of this feature but other shows, mainly the soaps will soon be expected to follow suit.  Surely, it won’t be too long before we see Heinz Tomato Ketchup used in many breakfast scenes in Corrie and PG Tips teabags purchased in the post office shop in Emmerdale.

     There are some exceptions within the law of course.  Broadcasters must display a P logo as shown at the top of this blog on the titles of the programme and also at the close of the programme and after an ad break to remind and inform viewers.  The BBC is not permitted to use product placement in any of its shows because of its government funding.  Children’s programmes, news bulletins, and programmes of a nature to current affairs, politics and religion can’t use this advertisement venture.  Likewise, companies that have products that are classed as junk food, or any alcohol, tobacco goods and companies that appeal to gambling (e.g. betting, bingo) are barred from using product placement to show their items.  This of course means, amongst others, that pints of Newton & Ridley, Corrie’s fictional beer, will still be pulled at the Rovers instead of being exchanged for the likes of Carling or Carlsberg.

     So what will this mean for advertisers and the TV programmes in general?  Well in this current financial climate, product placement may just be the saviour to those advertisements that are struggling to get their message out.  It is extremely expensive nowadays to purchase a space in a programme break to advertise and even more for those who are brave enough to advertise at cinemas.

     It will open up a whole new world for the companies that are likely to get involved as many viewers will surely be convinced to try or purchase a product that is used in a programme.

Womack quits as EastEnders baby swap plot is to be cut short

EastEnders actress Samantha Womack, who plays the grieving mum Ronnie Mitchell, is to leave the BBC1 soap in the summer.  The show’s bosses have come under severe fire for its controversial baby swap storyline, and have now confirmed to end the plot earlier than expected after a record number of complaints.

DEPARTING: Samantha Womack is to leave this summer

Womack, who came into the show in 2007 – along with fictional sister Roxy, played by Rita Simons, has had a turbulent time in the Square, but her latest storyline has seen EastEnders move right into the public spotlight.  Her newly born son James was victim to a tragic cot death on New Year’s Eve.  Confused and grief-stricken, Ronnie walked across the Square and swapped her dead child with another newborn Tommy.  Viewers have been distressed to see the emotionally charged which have seen Kat and Alfie Moon, played by the popular Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie grieving at the baby’s loss, whilst across Walford, a guilty Ronnie is bringing up their baby. 

The BBC has received 8,400 complaints as of Friday afternoon, which has made it the most complained plot in its 26 year history.  It surpasses the 7,000 complaints received when Ronnie’s daughter, Danielle Jones was run over by Janine Malloy (Charlie Brooks) in April 2009.  The broadcasting regulator OFCOM has received approximately 350 complaints, though it is believed that the media watchdog is unlikely to make an official inquiry into the storyline.  

DEFENCE: Producer Bryan Kirkwood still has confidence in the plot

Ex-Hollyoaks producer Bryan Kirkwood, who revived the fortunes of the failing Channel 4 soap between 2006-2009 defended the plot on the official EastEnders website; “EastEnders never sets out to upset its audience - not only would it be counter-productive, it would be a breach of a long-established trust that we can deliver truthful stories that inspire debate in a way that's acceptable to a family audience.  "Although we have had complaints, we have also had positive responses from people who have been through the experiences we are currently dramatising who feel we've done this and have contacted us to offer their backing.

The Sun ran the story of Samantha Womack’s departure on its front page on Thursday, claiming that her reluctance to do the storyline has resulted in her decision to leave the show.  These allegations were firmly denied by Womack’s agent, Michael Wiggs later that day; "There's no truth whatsoever in any suggestion that Sam is 'quitting' EastEnders over the current storyline.  "Sam has had an incredibly happy and fulfilling time on EastEnders over the last few years.  "She has huge respect for the show, writers and producers and has thoroughly enjoyed playing such a complex role that has been involved in so many tough and challenging storylines."

Kirkwood has confirmed that scenes are being rewritten and reshot and the storyline, initially due to run for an entire year, will be concluded soon, possibly even as early as Easter.  He also revealed that there would be a happy ending and that Kat will be reunited with her son.

Personally, the storyline has attracted a lot of criticism and perhaps, EastEnders should have thought about running it, especially at such a highly-charged point of time, such as the happy festive season.  However, it has pushed the soap back into the media spotlight, after playing second fiddle to rival Coronation Street since Barbara Windsor’s tame exit as queen matriarch Peggy Mitchell last September.  By responding to the audience’s widespread complaints, it has managed to salvage some of the damage taken from the storyline and the acting qualities of Samantha Womack, Shane Ritchie, Jessie Wallace and Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) have shone through brilliantly, especially in filming such highly-charged scenes.

The X-Factor - One year since Jedwardgate

BY JASON WRIGHT

SUNDAY November 8 2009 – it’s just gone 9:00pm and Britain has just perhaps witnessed one of the most shocking events in reality television history.

Irish twins John & Edward Grimes, otherwise known as Jedward, had pulled off a huge shock by surviving the axe from The X-Factor after being in the bottom two.  To say it was a surprise in this situation is a massive understatement considering who had just been eliminated at their expense.

Jedward had the whole nation talking since their first audition for both their unique hairstyles, seemingly lack of singing talent and thus their rather comical personality.  Simon Cowell took an instant disliking to the twins whereas the other judges, especially Louis Walsh for the Irish connection, saw some potential in them to start with.  Cowell famously later described them as “vile, little creatures” at bootcamp and after advancing to judges’ houses, he said to Louis “If I get them, I won’t let them on the plane. I can’t even look at them!” Fortunately, Simon didn’t get the groups but Louis did and so through they went into the live finals.

As the live finals began, the press and viewers had already gotten tired of their antics and wanted them out sooner rather and later.  Performances of Robbie Williams’ ‘Rock DJ’, Britney Spears’ ‘Oops I Did It Again’, Ricky Martin’s ‘She Bangs’ and Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ were all put to shame.  Simon Cowell soon took his bitterness to new heights when he declared he would flee the country if they won.

In comparison, Lucie Jones, an 18-year-old student from a small village on the outskirts of Cardiff, had already gained a mass following after a sensational first audition and sailed through into the live finals.  Considered as one of the favourites, huge pressure was on her to deliver and she didn’t disappoint.  The first three weeks didn’t provide classy performances but they were just as strong enough to be at the front end of the field.

But on the fourth week, Rock week, she well and truly arrived in the competition with an amazing rendition of the Guns ‘n’ Roses song ‘Sweet Child of Mine’.  It gave the whole package, the voice, the style and the appearance and it seemed to sway Lucie away from her intention to perform ballads and switch to more of a teen pop persona.

The following week, movie night, Lucie proved again her sudden change in style performing ‘This Is Me’ from the Disney film Camp Rock.  It received rave reviews from the judging panel and installed Lucie as a real favourite to win the entire show.  Meanwhile, Jedward once again gave a stand-out performance for all the wrong reasons with their take on ‘Ghostbusters’.  Yet despite this, not for what would be the first time this weekend, Simon stunned everyone by commenting that it was “sort of good”.

Come the results on the Sunday, everyone expected Lucie to get through on the public vote easily but what happened next was to astound everyone as she ended up in the bottom two.  However with her opponents being Jedward, it would be a setback in her chances of winning but should still ease through. Or so everyone thought?

Lucie performed ‘One Moment in Time’ by Whitney Houston in the sing-off whilst Jedward reprised their week one performance of ‘Rock DJ’.  Comparing both songs together and it was simply no contest as to which was the better.  After both Louis and Dannii Minogue, who was mentoring Lucie, saved their acts and sent the other home, Cheryl Cole chose to send home Jedward, making it 2-1 in their favour of leaving and Simon having the casting vote.  Those who despised Jedward were now surely reaching for the champagne bottles, ready to pull off the corks and celebrate their demise.

Simon’s speech before making his decision though seemed to scratch a few heads. “I’m not surprised that both of you are in this situation tonight. Having said that, I don’t think any of you can win.” he spoke before going completely against everyone’s wishes by voting to save the twins and force deadlock on the panel.

But why did Simon really take it to deadlock?  That may never be fully explained but there are two possible theories. Number one was to prove to the twins that they were never liked by the public and Number two was simply to give Lucie a test of character.  Unfortunately in this case, this leans more to theory number two as she received the least amount of votes and was eliminated.  She was rightfully left upset and in tears and the audience symphonised with her by booing and jeering Jedward off the stage.

It was without doubt dubbed as ‘The Night the X Factor Died!’  Across the next seven days, the papers and press slammed both the show and Simon Cowell for his actions.  Famous faces also gave their opinion of discontent; Lily Allen publicly announced she would never watch the show again.  Sting branded the programme as “hypocritical”.  Even Cowell’s protégé, Leona Lewis described the show was “no longer a music contest”.  Reports also surfaced that both Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole did not speak to Simon at all in the week’s build-up to the next show though this was never confirmed as true, but frankly who could blame them?

Why didn’t the media regulator Ofcom investigate into the result?  To be honest, they should have done.  If they received 3,000 complaints about the outcome, a situation like that should be investigated at the very least, even if there really wasn’t anything wrong with the voting that weekend.

Despite promises of there still being a very strong competition and five weeks of singing to come, the majority of the viewing public was now cheated of not having Lucie around.  Following her exit, the viewing figures for the show declined sharply week on week as several people switched to the rival show, Strictly Come Dancing.  Eventually, compared to the 14-15 million peaks that the show was getting in the early stages of the live finals, they reached a new low of 12 million, and worse still, it was on the first night of the final weekend.  Beating Strictly in the ratings by just under one million that night compared to be regularly two million ahead before just proved how much it hurt the show.

For Simon, the backlash continued and a successful Facebook campaign was set-up which got the 1992 hit ‘Killing in the Name’ by Rage against the Machine to the Christmas No.1, previously saved for the X-Factor winner guaranteed.  Although Cowell and the winner of last year’s show Joe McElderrey took it on the chin, this must have hurt Simon deep down, but something he deserved for his incredibly bad judgement on that November evening.

Every person always tends to ask the question of ‘What If?’ at this situation.  What if Lucie had survived from competing in the sing-off that night?  Could she have gone on to win?  With strong competition last year from McElderry, Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon, it is hard to give a definite yes or no.  There is no doubt however that she would have been up there and would have been expected to at least reach the final. Whatever the case, staying in the competition longer would have certainly enhanced her chances of having a successful music career as given her new lease of taste in music during the show; she could be easily compared as the British version of Miley Cyrus.

Back to reality though and despite this debacle, Lucie still has a bright future ahead having signed a modelling contract and currently going through a successful stint at the West End in Les Miserables.  However, she is still after getting a recording contract, though this sadly doesn’t look possible.  If I was working for a music company, even if it wasn’t well known, I would 100% take a chance on her.

As with Jedward, things also look on the up, having earned a No. 2 single at the start of the year and an album, which fortunately didn’t get No.1 in the charts, following shortly afterwards.  They’ve also become big personalities on TV, including a show of their own on ITV2.  Surely, we will see them becoming ITV’s next biggest double act in years to come, hopefully not in my view but that really does seem like happening.

In closing, we will certainly be talking about this for many more years to come.  Although Lucie was the biggest loser that night, she and unfortunately Jedward have both emerged as winners, both with different and bright futures ahead of them.  Unless a similar trait is pulled off by this year’s novelty act, Wagner, who credit to Jedward, I can stand hearing them more than him, this will be forever known as the darkest night in X-Factor history.

ITV Cleared Over World Cup Ad Gaffe

Television regulator OFCOM has sensationally cleared ITV for their incredible World Cup gaffe, which saw thousands of fans miss England’s first goal at the 2010 World Cup.

Those who had tuned into the ITV HD service, including myself were treated to a 10-second advert from the Korean car manufacturer Hyundai, which sponsored ITV’s coverage of the finals from South Africa.  By the time the situation had been restored to normal, England captain Steven Gerrard had already steered England into a 4^th minute lead against the United States in Rustenberg. 

As a consequence of this fault, plus the previous glaring error when millions missed Dan Gosling’s extra-time winner for Everton against Liverpool in a 2009 FA Cup 4^th Round Replay, ITV will now be fitting foolproof covers on key buttons in its control room, to stop anymore fiascos like these during live televised events. 

A full investigation was launched into the event afterwards, with OFCOM receiving 800 complaints over the incident.  Having listened to ITV’s explanation of what happened on June 12^th, the media regulator has accepted their reason as valid and cleared them of any blame and wrongdoing.  ITV insist that the incident was down to “human error” and due to the precautions they will be putting in, this kind of incident will never happen again.  I am not convinced whether that will be the case, as ITV have a proven track record for missing key events and angering many fans in the process.

ITV also said that 90% of those who watched the England v USA game were not affected by the glitch, as they were watching the game in standard definition.  Nevertheless, although it is something that everyone hopes will never be repeated again, it does leave another stain on ITV’s football coverage, which has suffered several moments of misfortune and inadequacy since they began their association with the FA in the autumn of 2008.

Sky Sports Price Cut - But They Are Not Happy!

Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 have been deemed too expensive and have been asked to cut their prices by the media regulator, OFCOM.  However, Sky isn’t very happy with this forceful move by the regulator.

The chief executive of BSkyB, finds OFCOM’s findings as ‘extraordinary,’ and insisted that they want to ‘appeal against the decision via the courts.’  On the other hand, OFCOM has previously warned Sky about its prices, largely because Sky holds the majority of rights to key sporting events, such as The Ashes, the US Open Tennis and FA Premier League football.  They insist that today’s ruling will make Sky Sports more available now to nearly ten million new customers.

However, the regulator stopped short of price cuts in Sky’s varied selection of movie channels, which has angered some of BSkyB’s closest competitors, like BT and Virgin Media.  If a move is agreed to cut the price of Sky Sports to the normal customer, Sky will be allowed to bring some of their pay-TV channels like Sky1 to Freeview, which had been agreed over two years ago, until Virgin Media’s buyout of ntl: telewest.  The broadcaster now has six weeks to outline a template contract to other pay TV providers, with OFCOM set to make a final announcement before the World Cup finals this summer.

Sky is the largest operator in the pay-TV market at the moment, with nearly ten million subscribers.  Under the new proposal, OFCOM has suggested the Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 shall be made available for a price of £10.63 per subscriber, whereas the current subscriber would be paying £17.14, a reduction of over 10%.  This news comes after a three-year investigation, in which OFCOM has denied claims of foul play tactics and everywhere was done on a ‘fair and square basis.’ 

Virgin Media, BT and the normal or new subscriber are the main winners and Sky the losers, as they have already insisted of their intentions to appeal against the decision.  The bidding war involving pay-TV prices has certainly well and truly begun.