All4 and Channel 4 HD to leave Freesat in fees row

Both channels are due to stop broadcasting on the platform from 22nd February

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Jenny PriestleyPublish date:

Feb 21, 2018Social count:

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Both channels are due to stop broadcasting on the platform from 22nd February

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Channel 4s HD channel and its All4 streaming service will both leave Freesat this week in a row over carriage fees.

The SD version of Channel 4 will remain on the platform.

Channel 4 said its taken the decision because of a a very significant rise in fees.

A Channel 4 spokesperson told SEENIT: We're disappointed Freesat is changing its charging structure, leading to a very significant cost increase for Channel 4, which ultimately takes funding away from our content investment budget.

To reduce the overall burden of our Freesat costs and make internal savings we have regrettably given notice to withdraw All 4 and C4 HD while we consider our long term relationship with Freesat.

In a statement to TVBEurope, Freesat said, "Freesat plays a key role in the UK's free-to-air market offering a subscription-free satellite TV alternative for UK households. We believe it offers excellent value for our channel partners by providing access to over two million satellite homes, particularly households outside of the full terrestrial coverage area.

"Recently, Freesat evolved its Ofcom regulated charging policy to ensure the fees charged for all broadcast channels reflect the value that channel partners derive from the platform. The fees charged for Channel 4's On demand service All4 have not changed. Therefore, Freesat was surprised Channel 4 decided to remove this service from the platform. Freesat's aim is not to make a profit from these changes but simply to cover its operational costs. We believe that the redistribution of fees for broadcast channels makes it a fairer system for all our partners."

"Channel 4 remains an important partner for Freesat and we hope our customers are able to enjoy All4 and 4HD on Freesat again soon."

LINK:	https://www.tvbeurope.com/tvbeverywhere/all4-channel-4-hd-leave-freesa...
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