Entertainment

Seven and Foxtel Sign Retransmission Agreement

FoxtelHDangle.jpg

After years of verbal barbs, thinly veiled criticisms and the occasional spout of open hostility towards eachother, Channel 7 and Foxtel today kissed and made up, signing an agreement for Foxtel to retransmit the Channel 7 signal to its cable subscribers in the major capital cities within “a matter of weeks”. Satellite subscriers aren’t as lucky, having to wait until 2009 for the launch of the new Optus D3 satellite before they can receive the free-to-air channel.

It also means that Channel 7’s EPG information will be made available to Foxtel, giving the Pay TV operator the most comprehensive EPG on the Australian market.

The press release below doesn’t mention whether or not the new 7HD channel will be included in the agreement, although it would be realistic to expect that if it is included, it would only be for cable subscribers as well, and only then after Foxtel has launched its HD+ service.

MEDIA RELEASE: FEBRUARY 14, 2008

FOXTEL AND SEVEN SIGN DIGITAL RETRANSMISSION DEAL

Sydney, Australia, February 14, 2008 – In a win for Australian Television viewers,
FOXTEL and the Seven Network have signed a retransmission deal which will see
FOXTEL retransmit the Seven Network’s signal on FOXTEL’s digital platform.

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of FOXTEL, Kim Williams AM, and
the Chief Executive Officer of Seven Media Group, David Leckie, signed the agreement
in Sydney today.

The retransmission deal will provide cable retransmission of Seven’s digital signal on
FOXTEL’s platform, ensuring a clearer digital experience, in addition to Electronic
Programming Guide information, for FOXTEL subscribers watching Seven. It will be
available to FOXTEL’s cable subscribers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide,
Perth, and the Gold Coast in a matter of weeks. FOXTEL’s satellite subscribers in
Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will receive digital retransmission in early 2009 – as
soon as the new Optus D3 satellite is operational.

FOXTEL’s CEO, Kim Williams said: ““Today’s retransmission deal with FOXTEL and the
Seven Network has been a long time coming and means that FOXTEL now has
retransmission agreements with all networks. Consumers will enjoy unequalled access
to FOXTEL’s comprehensive range of digital services including the Electronic Program
Guide and iQ recording functionalities. FOXTEL will continue to work towards the
Government’s digital switchover plans.”

Commenting, Mr Leckie said: “This is great news for our viewers and we are excited
about this new positive phase in our relationship with FOXTEL. Seven’s objective is to
deliver our programming to all Australians, and we look forward to making our
programming content and information available to more viewers than ever before.”

Ends

Comments

  • Doshu

    I wish Foxtel and Optus would just complete the roll out of cable. I purchased a new house over 10 years ago, had cable at the previous one, can’t get it at this one. They’re only 5km apart.

  • tv head

    ’bout bloody time….

  • Chris

    Its absolutely ridiculous that WA and SA get shunted on the satellite front. I’m sick of it.

  • Caiden

    Hmm… its 2009, and still waiting!!?

  • Colleen

    Wonder why Foxtel has rmoved Channel 7 off it’s EPG?

  • Clare

    I am a foxtel satellite subscriber and I am still waiting for channel 7 to be broadcast through foxtel. It’s so easy recording every other channel through foxtel iq but when it comes to channel 7 I have to record on vhs. So annoying!! Get your act together foxtel and give us satellite subsribers channel 7.

  • damon

    what is the official launch date and month in 2009 that channel 7 is going to retransmit its digital signal through (foxtel satellite) (optus d3 satellite.)

Post Your Comments

Got something to say? There are two ways to comment:

1. Guests

Click here to comment instantly.

2. Facebook Users

Click below to comment using your Facebook account.

We're looking for comments that are interesting, substantial or highly amusing. If your comments are excessively self-promotional, obnoxious, or even worse, boring, you will be banned from commenting. All comments are moderated.