Sky’s subscription plans dealt blow by Ofcom

A consultation into Sky’s plans to replace its three Freeview channels with a new 4-channel subscription package on DTT have been delayed by the media regulator Ofcom. Three aspects of the proposal are being investigated: the terms of Sky’s broadcast licence; the use of new compression technology; and the plurality of news services available on Freeview: the removal of Sky News from Freeview would leave only one rolling news channel, BBC News 24. In a statement, Ofcom said "Additional information is required before the formal application process can begin. Ofcom has asked the parties to provide this information. When Ofcom has received the information, Ofcom plans to launch a consultation on the proposals."