The prognosis for satellite television in the UK
Abstract The likely impact of satellite television in the UK has been much exaggerated. The impact is, and will continue to be, conditional on the nature of competitive services of which terrestrially broadcast television is overwhelmingly the most important. If the UK terrestrial services remain unchanged a limited impact of satellite television is envisaged. Television satellites offer a technical potential to deliver additional services in national markets or to deliver a transnational, European, service. But the difficulties of profitably establishing either are considerable. Linguistic and cultural differences in Europe inhibit development of a transnational audience and as yet there are insufficient transnational ‘European’ brands to finance services through advertising. Finance of satellite services by subscription entails significant transaction costs.
How Much Does UK Television Cost
The cost of watching off-air TV programmes (BBC or ITV) for the average UK viewer is about 2p per viewing hour.
The reach of TV channels
Abstract The number of television channels available to viewers is increasing in many countries. Results for large US cities which already have numerous over-air TV channels show a Double Jeopardy pattern whereby a channel with a small market share not only reaches fewer viewers, but is also watched less by those viewers it does reach. Whatever the size of channel, those watching it in a given week typically devote less of their viewing time to it than to the other competitive channels. The implications for television are discussed.