[opendtv] Re: Let them eat cake (and ATSC while they're at it)
- From: Bob Miller <bob@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 13:34:37 -0400
Craig Birkmaier wrote:
>At 10:55 AM -0400 5/17/05, John Shutt wrote:
>
>
>>Craig,
>>
>>Yes, I am certain. No, 100% of the fee does not subsidize Freeview
>>directly. But it does maintain the transmission structure. It also
>>subsidizes the 5 BBC video channels in the multiplex. I don't know if the
>>independent stations and the other offerings such as ABC 1 get a free ride
>>or if they pay for carriage. But the backbone of the system was built and
>>is maintained by those license fees.
>>
>>I will gladly admit my error if I am proven wrong. (Wouldn't be the first
>>time, not by a long shot.)
>>
>>Without the mandated license fees, then you would have to somehow tax
>>individuals for the construction and maintenance of this transmission
>>infrastructure that is currently done in the UK. By that definition, even
>>the UK model is not what you call a "properly designed DTV infrastructure"
>>since it is not self supporting any more than the U.S. Interstate system.
>>
>>
>>
>
>There was a LARGE amount of money involved in the bidding for the
>right to create Freeview. Not sure where this money went. And new
>content providers are bidding up the cost to add their content to the
>Freeview service.
>
>Bottom line, Freeview is fully capable of being self supporting, as
>would a comparable system here in the U.S. or anywhere else in the
>world for that matter. Don;t the commercials pay for Free TV?
>
>;-)
>
>Regards
>Craig
>
>
Commercials pay for the commercial stations and other stations are
supported by the TV tax. I don't know what the mix was as to the capital
needed to start Freeview but the ongoing cost is paid by commercials and
the tax.
Bob Miller
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