(23-03-2011 03:14 )Scottishbloke Wrote: [ -> ]Another thing, is it just a coincidence but why is it that SKY broadcast on the 28.2 degree slot that nobody else use's when it would make more sense from a business point of view to switch back to the 19.2 degree slot. Is this the work of Ofcom to keep a leash on things and prevent us from accessing the other channels from Europe or like I said just a coincidence because I could just imagine Ofcom trying to block the likes of Sexysat and Eurotic Tv with great difficulty if we shared the same satellite as the French, Dutch and Germans do.
No, it is not the work of Ofcom, but Sky investing millions to ensure they have a virtual monopoly by forcing Joe Average to point their dish at a satellite carrying noone elses channels. Yes there are channels like Hallmark, Discovery, ESPN etc but they all use the Sky Platform and pay Sky handsomely for it.
And 28.2 degrees is too far across to even fit a little motorised tracking arm, meaning the only alternative is a full blown motorised system, with no broadcaster subsidy.
On paper the satellites are owned and operated by Astra and Eutelsat, but there was nothing at 28.2 degrees until Rupe cashed up, so draw your own conclusions about who wears the trousers in that relationship.
As for channels hotting up and no action being taken, this is part of a regular cycle. It is not the same as Ofcom giving hot content the green light, and they can come back on a whim any time they like unless they actually change the Broadcasting Code. They can also refer to their most restrictive rulings from the past and hammer channels that have got too, er, "relaxed". They have made it clear in the past that a long history of showing explicit material, or other channels showing strong stuff, or even showing the same recorded show time and time again, does not mean it is permitted or will be treated leniently.
Of course any sane and rational regulator would assess where complaints actually come from, realise that real complaints are made by real people who have experienced real offence (whether you and I agree with them) and that is to evidence based objective reality that they, the regulator, needs to tackle, not some idealogically driven targetting of niche channels only watched by a small audience that are not offended.
The reality of complaints and offence, as listed by me a few posts ago, is that there were 3 complaints about sex on BBC shows, 6 for ITV, 3 for Channel/Film4 and 1 for Five in the last Bulletin. These shows were watched by millions in family settings. They include Harry Hill, The Lottery and Comic Relief.
I am tempted to draw some consolation that 2 Adult shows were in the Complaints Not Upheld list. Time was when complaints were almost automatically upheld. But it might just be that they were tame shows.
Unless the actual rules change Ofcom can come back at any time.
