Live data from Hacker News

Channel 4 privatisation to go ahead

bbc.co.uk

91–96 of 96 posts

Re: Channel 4 privatisation to go ahead

#91
post #2

From a Hackernews point of view the most relevant part of this will be their video distribution platform 'All4' (previously '4 On Demand'). All4 is one of the buggiest platforms of all of the big channels. The others may be lacking in features but even Channel 5 has a pretty smooth user experience. All4 consistently crashes, shows ads but then no programme, doesn't show programmes in its search results, doesn't keep…

> All4 is one of the buggiest platforms of all of the big channels.

Interesting viewpoint. While using the service on iOS, with an active ad-free subscription, I haven't noticed any of the issues you mention. Other than sponsorship unfortunately still being required for a small subset of programming. But other than that, the app has been a pleasure to use, far more so than the streaming app from Channel 5 which seeks my position each time I press the Pause button. I now generally rate the UX of All4 above the BBC iPlayer, which was the gold standard for a while.

Re: Channel 4 privatisation to go ahead

#92

I cant decide if this is a good thing or not. State broadcasters like the BBC are tied to conditions not normally imposed on privately owned broadcasters. The BBC has probably the worlds best TV archive in the world, they did alot of the digitisation down at BBC Maida Vale. I wonder when looking at Britbox if this is a backdoor/stealth way for Channel 4 to access & commercialise BBC archives when the BBC cant really…

Channel 4 owns Film 4, both the TV channel and the film production company of the same name.

Should make for an interesting float. I rate Film 4.

Re: Channel 4 privatisation to go ahead

#93
post #67
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, yet more public assets are being sold off to private concerns, this time for doing things the current government doesn't like, but look at the positive side: their online streaming might become less buggy /s

I was deliberately not talking about the political aspect of this. I have my own views, but this is a technical forum and I thought I would highlight the technical implications of this decision for those that might not be familiar with them - notably people not from the UK.

Fair enough

Re: Channel 4 privatisation to go ahead

#94
post #90
post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And let's not forget that almost 1/3 of all criminal convictions for women in the UK are due to the BBC TV license [1] which is disgusting. TV License non-payment needs to be de-criminalised. [1] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tv-licence-f...

Why is that disgusting? No one forces those women watch TV without a license.

I don't know, man. I think a criminal record for the moral equivalent of sharing a Netflix login is a bit harsh.

Re: Channel 4 privatisation to go ahead

#95
post #14
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, it's owned by the government but doesn't take any government funding.

Who owns the capital? If it's the government, then yes, it's state funded even if it doesn't require constant capital injections

Channel 4 owns the capital.

Like, Elon Musk owns SpaceX (or at least a controlling share), but he doesn't fund it. SpaceX funds itself, and SpaceX owns that capital.

Re: Channel 4 privatisation to go ahead

#96
post #35
post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That sh!t is bizarre ... why does that happen?

They make more money that actual quality programming. Why was there lead in gas, why was cigarette advertising so huge, etc etc.

Sure, but the fascination with UFO's and Nazi's ... fri!cking bizarre.
Post reply on HN