The Seven Network has been left isolated after Foxtel finally cut a deal to retransmit the Ten network signal. This leaves channel Seven as the only free to air network not available on Foxtel.
Analysts have said in the past this could be costing the seven network up to 100,000 viewers a night. Foxtel now has over 1.4 million subscribers, and over 210,000 Foxtel iQ users
Seven has been in a bitter dispute with Foxtel for several years regarding a decision by the pay tv provider relating to the C7 sports network. In a recent Federal Court hearing, it was ruled that seven had no case to answer in its claim against Foxtel and other media companies, a decision that could cost them over $200 million.
The agreement was announced today by Ten’s chief executive officer, Grant Blackley and Foxtel’s chief executive officer, Kim Williams. Viewers will now be able to receive Ten’s digital signal through the FOXTEL platform along with gaining access to Ten’s schedule and program details via the FOXTEL electronic program guide,
For the first time, Ten’s signal will be available to FOXTEL satellite subscribers in Brisbane, Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney and the NSW central Coast.
FOXTEL cable subscribers will also soon gain access to Ten’s digital signal in Adelaide, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
The target start date for the new satellite and cable retransmissions is September.
Currently FOXTEL cable subscribers receive an analogue-only retransmission of TEN, and there is presently no satellite retransmission of the network on FOXTEL.
Ten’s High Definition service will also be retransmitted via cable when FOXTEL launches its own HD offering, which is planned for 2008.
Viewers of TEN on FOXTEL will have access to the full range of FOXTEL digital services including enhancements, and FOXTEL iQ personal digital recorder functionality.
Mr Blackley said this was welcome news for Ten’s viewers and shareholders and would add further to take up of digital television in Australia.
“Ten’s digital media strategy hinges on delivering our conTent by multiple means across all platforms as widely as possible.
“With this agreement, viewers will find it easier than ever to access TEN regardless of how they choose to receive their television services.
“TEN has broadcast in standard definition digital and in the highest quality full HD digital (1080i) alongside our analogue signal 24 hours a day, seven days a week since January 2001.
“Our primary focus remains on Ten’s terrestrial service and upgrading our HD offering, which is a real point of difference for TEN.
“We are excited to be part of Foxtel’s inaugural HD platform and proud to be a primary driver of HD conTent in Australia.”
Mr Williams said: “This is a major advance for consumers and digital television.
“FOXTEL subscribers will be able to conveniently view Ten’s programming through the unique FOXTEL electronic program guide and enjoy the full functionality of the FOXTEL service including our FOXTEL iQ personal digital recorder.
“FOXTEL is delighted to have TEN on board our digital platform.
“We also share Ten’s views about the strong future consumer appeal of genuine HDTV.
“FOXTEL already has cable and satellite digital retransmission agreements with the ABC, SBS and Nine Network.”
“TEN has broadcast in standard definition digital and in the highest quality full HD digital (1080i) alongside our analogue signal 24 hours a day, seven days a week since January 2001.
“Our primary focus remains on Ten’s terrestrial service and upgrading our HD offering, which is a real point of difference for TEN.
“We are excited to be part of Foxtel’s inaugural HD platform and proud to be a primary driver of HD conTent in Australia.”
Mr Williams said: “This is a major advance for consumers and digital television.
“FOXTEL subscribers will be able to conveniently view Ten’s programming through the unique FOXTEL electronic program
