Sky and Virgin talks (still) happening
Friday, August 15th, 2008
But don’t hold your breath
Some good news for Virgin Media customers: Sky and Virgin are talking to each other again, about returning the ‘missing channels’ Sky One and Two to Virgin’s digital TV platform. However, those hoping for a swift return of the likes of The Simpsons, Jack Bauer and the 24 gang to cable screens shouldn’t immediately get their hopes up; the two parties haven’t agreed on anything yet, but the fact they are talking can only be a good sign.
Sky still remain adamant in their position that Virgin should pony up the dough, and Virgin are still claiming that Sky are asking for too much.
“Our view hasn’t changed,” said Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch, who admitted that the spat had cost Sky in the long run. He said that: “We’d like to get our channels back on Virgin. It’s cost us money in terms of advertising and wholesale, and I’m afraid that is the power of a closed network, so we can’t do that unless they agree. If we can get to sensible terms we’ll try to but it’s still up in the air.”
Last month, Virgin Media added new content from News Corp-owned channel FX, including catch-up episodes of the second season of serial killer thriller Dexter, which stars Michael C Hall (pictured) of Six Feet Under fame.
