Should the BBC sell off UKTV?

[MrBiggieSMLZ]

Ever since the split of UKTV, which saw seven channels (Gold, Dave, Alibi, etc.) and the UKTV brand itself being acquired by the BBC (via its commercial arm, BBC Studios), and the remaining channels, Good Food, Home, and Really (still active), being acquired by Discovery, I have contemplated that the BBC (via BBC Studios), in the near future, as it hasn't made a significant connection with the rest of the BBC's other services in the UK. I think if UKTV gets sold off to another company, its outreach and popularity may increase a bit more, and could see a bigger increase in original programming.

[JetixFann450]

I'd say that UKTV is a match made in heaven for the BBC. When the BBC were planning on launching much of the digital channels we now know as BBC Three and BBC Four, there were actually plans for extra commercially funded BBC services, such as BBC Horizons and BBC Arena. These obviously became the "UKTV" bouqet of channels under UK Horizons and UK Arena (later Drama) but that still didn't stop the BBC from making programming for these channels, since the BBC were and still are passionate about them.

I'd argue they should stay within the BBC. They aren't branded as BBC services and BBC Studios can continue to produce content for them and it's third parties without the worry of the license fee.

[Roger Darthwell]

I'd say that UKTV is a match made in heaven for the BBC. When the BBC were planning on launching much of the digital channels we now know as BBC Three and BBC Four, there were actually plans for extra commercially funded BBC services, such as BBC Horizons and BBC Arena. These obviously became the "UKTV" bouqet of channels under UK Horizons and UK Arena (later Drama) but that still didn't stop the BBC from making programming for these channels, since the BBC were and still are passionate about them.

I'd argue they should stay within the BBC. They aren't branded as BBC services and BBC Studios can continue to produce content for them and it's third parties without the worry of the license fee.

Well said, but I think that UKTV should be made a joint venture again probably with ITV and Channel 4

[Brekkie]

If it's profitable and brings in a return for the licence fee payer, no.

[dbl]

Ever since the split of UKTV, which saw seven channels (Gold, Dave, Alibi, etc.) and the UKTV brand itself being acquired by the BBC (via its commercial arm, BBC Studios), and the remaining channels, Good Food, Home, and Really (still active), being acquired by Discovery, I have contemplated that the BBC (via BBC Studios), in the near future, as it hasn't made a significant connection with the rest of the BBC's other services in the UK. I think if UKTV gets sold off to another company, its outreach and popularity may increase a bit more, and could see a bigger increase in original programming.

No, no, no. BBC Studios needed UKTV and it's performing well for them - why throw that away? It's strengthened their position. Not to mention given UKTV more leeway to invest in original dramas.

[DTV]

As others have suggested, UKTV is an easy and (presently) sustaintable way for the BBC to make money. Selling of one of their most profitable enterprises would be a very bad financial move from the BBC, especially considering they have already undergone around a decade-and-a-half of cuts and selling UKTV would require them to make more cuts to their core services.

[Joe]

These threads that are titled with a question usually just need a response of ‘no’.

[JoshieTrue]

BBC Studios’ UKTV group shouldn’t be sold off in my opinion, the BBC are operating it very well.

[AllWillBeWell]

No the BBC should retain them as if the worst occurs and the BBC is taken private, it needs to maintain the commercial side instead of selling them off and then being thrown into the deep end if they go private in five/six years time. Unlikely but not impossible within the next decade or so.

[This is UTV]

No, the Beeb should not be disposing of UKTV. If anything they should be considering launching another UKTV channel to add to the current 7. More channels, more ads, more money, less reliance on the license fee (and those not paying it).

[London Lite]

This thread is almost as daft as the MTV should be sold thread. BBC Studios acquired Discovery's share for a reason, which was to give it control of the more viable portfolio such as Gold and Dave which has it's fair share of BBC content.

[Inspector Sands]

No, the Beeb should not be disposing of UKTV. If anything they should be considering launching another UKTV channel to add to the current 7.

The current 4 - Dave, Gold, Watch, Drama

More channels, more ads, more money, less reliance on the license fee (and those not paying it).

That's not how it works. It's not free to launch or run a channel, and it only contributes money to its owner of it makes a profit

[Kunst]

More adverts - no, UKTV channels as much adverts as any other commercial operation, 12 minutes per hour , more or less.

Less reliance on the licence fee? BBC and BBC Studios are two quite different things.

And last but not least, why should they get rid of their main and best asset?

[Lyric W.]

Unrelated, and.. it might just be me, but I think the UKTV websites could use a new coat of paint.

To me, there's this "early 2010's" feel to them, and I think it could be updated just a little bit.

[This is UTV]

No, the Beeb should not be disposing of UKTV. If anything they should be considering launching another UKTV channel to add to the current 7.

The current 4 - Dave, Gold, Watch, Drama

Yes those 4 and Alibi, Eden & Yesterday.
The current 7 UKTV channels. 8-)