I remember there being discussion about the launch of a TV channel named ABC1 on Freeview and Cable last year. Does anyone have any up-to-date information regarding this channel's launch on Sky Digital? I'd be very interested to hear, as there are some US sitcoms currently airing on there which I would like to see, and I don't have Freeview or Cable.
I believe they're still in negotiations with Sky to bring the channel to FTA digital satellite. They don't need Sky to launch as an FTA channel but will no doubt want a good place on the Sky EPG.
Thanks for that, Mark. Let's hope it turns up soon. I'm a big fan of "The Golden Girls", and ABC1 is currently airing two of its spin-offs, "Nurses" and "Empty Nests" - I've never seen either of these, and would be interested in sampling them at some point.
Aside from ABC1, any Golden Girls fans out there may be glad to know that its main spin-off, "The Golden Palace" is airing again on Living TV from April 2nd, however it's only on once per day at 5.05am! I'm sick of Living TV - both it and its second channel are filled with reality crap, and they still can't find a decent place for Golden Girls - it hasn't aired on there since August 2004. I wouldn't mind if it didn't get any ratings, but it was one of its most popular shows when it aired at the weekends last year.
It is a very good channel, even better when you're at home during the Day and there is bugger all on TV, it is brilliant as it is one of only few channels to provide General entertainment. It's also good for two other reasons:
1) Home Improvement
2) 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter
I know things are going to change from later this month as they will be adding the commercial breaks, meaning that programme slots will be 30 minutes in length, not 25. But they're going for the American approach for the style of the adverts, so that'll be interesting as it will be a first for TV in the UK.
I only have one quabble with abc1. Why does it close down at 6.00pm!?! I understand why on Freeview, but on Cable surely!?!?
It is a very good channel, even better when you're at home during the Day and there is bugger all on TV, it is brilliant as it is one of only few channels to provide General entertainment. It's also good for two other reasons:
1) Home Improvement
2) 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter
I know things are going to change from later this month as they will be adding the commercial breaks, meaning that programme slots will be 30 minutes in length, not 25. But they're going for the American approach for the style of the adverts, so that'll be interesting as it will be a first for TV in the UK.
I only have one quabble with abc1. Why does it close down at 6.00pm!?! I understand why on Freeview, but on Cable surely!?!?
Ah, yes - Home Improvement. That's another favourite of mine. I don't have a subscription to The Disney Channel, which currently airs HI, so if ABC1 does come to Sky, that'll be great for me!
Does ABC1 really close down at 18.00? That's amazing, as I'd have thought most of the channel's viewers would watch during the evenings. If it comes to Sky, let's hope its broadcasting hours are extended and more shows included.
Does ABC1 really close down at 18.00? That's amazing, as I'd have thought most of the channel's viewers would watch during the evenings. If it comes to Sky, let's hope its broadcasting hours are extended and more shows included.
Yup, it's only 6am-6pm at the moment, mainly because the space it uses on DTT is also the same channel as Tele G, TCM and S4C2 in Wales. They are planning to go 24 hours within the next 18 months when the channel might reach Sky.
They have a good audience apparently and it does make sense, as how many Freeview channels do you know that offer non-stop Entertainment (Comedy and Drama mainly) in the Daytime, that isn't interuppted by Chat shows and News bulletins?
I think in a way ABC1 being restricted to 12 hrs a day has aloud it to flourish.
If they'd had a 24-hr schedule there would have been a temptation to leave alot of the main comedy and drama programmes to daytime - and we could have seen another channel filled with second rate US chat shows or so called "classic" programming through the day.
And due to the nature of the US networks, there isn't really that many programmes that need to be shown after the watershed.
If ABC1 does expand it's hours (6am-midnight would be most likely if they get the 18hr channel) I don't know if they would add new programming to the line-up or just give an extra repeat to the daytime output.
One comment always made about daytime (and late-night) programming is it should be on in primetime - but I very much doubt I'd have got into many of ABC1's programming if they'd been in the more competitive prime-time line up.
P.S. How much better would ITV3 be if it's daytime line up was more like a UK version of ABC1?
I think in a way ABC1 being restricted to 12 hrs a day has aloud it to flourish.
If they'd had a 24-hr schedule there would have been a temptation to leave alot of the main comedy and drama programmes to daytime - and we could have seen another channel filled with second rate US chat shows or so called "classic" programming through the day.
And due to the nature of the US networks, there isn't really that many programmes that need to be shown after the watershed.
If ABC1 does expand it's hours (6am-midnight would be most likely if they get the 18hr channel) I don't know if they would add new programming to the line-up or just give an extra repeat to the daytime output.
One comment always made about daytime (and late-night) programming is it should be on in primetime - but I very much doubt I'd have got into many of ABC1's programming if they'd been in the more competitive prime-time line up.
P.S. How much better would ITV3 be if it's daytime line up was more like a UK version of ABC1?
Techincally isn't ABC1 a UK channel?
As for ITV3, their weekend daytimes have been ok the past few weeks with gems such as the grimleys, barbera, rising damp and as of this weekend Surgical Spirits, remember that?
IIRC on DS a lot of Sky Digital subscribers were pd off because ABC1 wasnt carried on their platform...as if they have a divine right to every new channel that launches. ABC1 was designed specifically for the 6 hour Freeview slot, and if Sky Digi subscribers really want it that badly, they should spend some of the disposable income they line James Murdoch's pockets with every month on a £29 Freeview box from Asda.
... if Sky Digi subscribers really want it that badly, they should spend some of the disposable income they line James Murdoch's pockets with every month on a £29 Freeview box from Asda.
...assuming they are in an available reception area.