Freeview pushes on as 'Igloo' emerges

Freeview is bashing ahead with plans to launch several new channels in the new year, but will not make any announcements until its new content partners are ready, says Freeview general manager Sam Irvine. Speaking after TVNZ and Sky unveiled a ...

nn Freeview is bashing ahead with plans to launch several new channels in the new year, but will not make any announcements until its new content partners are ready, says Freeview general manager Sam Irvine.n

nn Speaking after TVNZ and Sky unveiled a partnership, dubbed Igloo, that will see the state broadcaster push further into the pay TV market, Irvine said he was awaiting further information about the new low-cost package the two broadcasters are planning to offer.n

nn He said his reaction would depend on whether Sky and TVNZ are planning to offer free content, as well as the new multi-channel, $25 a month bundle announced last week.n

nn Most of the comment around the deal has emphasised TVNZ's move towards pay services, but Sky may also be moving towards offering free content through the joint venture.n

nn Irvine said if there is no free service included in the deal, Freeview's position in the market doesn't change. It remains the "only way to get free television after the digital switchover", he said.n

nn The digital switchover, the progressive shutting down of the analogue television services, begins in September next year.n

nn If free-to-air broadcasts are delivered on Sky's platform, Irvine said that would see competition in the free-to-air market developing between Freeview and Sky.n

nn TVNZ's corporate affairs manager Megan Richards said all the current free-to-air content on Freeview will be available to subscribers of the new joint venture. However, Freeview would remain the only way to get these services for free.n

nn Subscribers will in effect get "Freeview Plus" including new paid content, she said.n

nn However, Sky's head of corporate communications, Kirsty Way, said she was not saying whether there would be a free service or not, advising to "keep an open mind for that". Exactly how the content comes together will be announced in a few weeks, she said.n

nn Irvine said the announcement of the deal a few days before the election was "interesting".n

nn "Is this government restructuring the broadcasting industry by doing nothing?" he asked. "By doing nothing and letting the big guy win?"n

nn A well-informed industry source indicated a free service would be part of the packages on offer with the ability to upgrade to Igloo and beyond to "Big Sky".n

nn Maori TV CEO Jim Mather described the announcement as "unusual" with a "distinct lack of detail" and one that raised a lot of questions. He said he wanted to understand the business case for Maori TV's involvement before forming a view.n

nn "I can't see a compelling proposition to subscribe to a set-top box that is primarily a suite of free-to-air channels," he said.n

nn He also said he wanted to understand Telecom's reported involvement further.n

nn The new venture, launching in the first half of 2012, is targeting viewers making decisions about the switchover. Most of these were expected to move to Freeview rather than Sky, but that may now be in doubt.n

nn Last week, TVNZ's head of digital media, Eric Kearley, was touted as a serious contender to replace departing chief executive Rick Ellis, who is to lead Telstra's digital division, including its Foxtel pay TV partnership. One of Kearley's assets is said to be his strong relationship with Sky TV chief executive John Fellet.n

- Sunday Star Times

• myTV 2GO – Hauppauge's Compact Mobile TV Streaming Solution delivers Freeview ...
• Grumpy Young Man: The joy of the mute button
• BT Vision throws Microsoft Mediaroom under a bus for Linux
• TV tuner maker intros mobile Freeview pick-up
• Watch UFC 143 In The UK For Free On ESPN Freeview Weekend