BBC may have lost rights to 24

This morning in The Sun it is claimed that the BBC have lost the rights for 24, probably due to the BBC not being able to address concerns about the FTA satelite issue, or not willing to pay more money for full FTA rights.

It was also claimed that a bidding war for the rights is going on between Channel 4 and five, but I bet if these reports are true that Sky are in there as well, as it is likely to be a News Corp plot to take advantage of the FTA issue to get the rights to 24 for Sky One, or perhaps even the new UK version of the US cable channel FX, owned by FOX.

It was also mentioned on Radio 1 and at least one commerical radio station.

So which network will be picking up what would be a crime to not air in the UK at all? Would be interesting if Sky broadcast it...but then some people wouldn't see it - and also I imagine it would be a bit costly even with the FOX-Sky relationship.

Interesting anyway, AIUI, BBC3 had already comissioned a new series of Pure 24 to follow the BBC3 episodes.

Oh well, I'm sure THREE can fill that slot with more endless repeats of Swiss Tony or 3 Non Blondes.

Talking of Pure 24, Tamsin Sylvester who presents it, I got the impression from people (here, there and everywhere) that they were not to keen on her anyway.

Offically the Astra 2D sat which all BBC TV services are on is limited to the UK and Ireland with a small overspill on Northern France. Unoffically you can get the signal into parts of Spain and Portugal. But it would have very small, if at all, impact on FOX's commercial intrests in Europe, as many people wont be able to get the 2D sat signal, and in any case, its in English, which will mean many people on continient won`t be able to understand it. It`s all part of Rupert "The F***ing W*****" Murdoch's anti-BBC vendetta, to quote a phrase he once said "The only bad thing about a monopoly is not having one".

If these reports are true i hope the Beeb take advantage of any and all opportunities to damage FOX where it hurts. Obviously in America that will be very limited as the BBC don't have near enough the resources and reach to do this, but elsewhere round the world the options will be open.

Yes Isonstine, I also understood Pure 24 has been recomissioned, as at the end of the last show after series 2 finale, the presenter said 24 Series 3 and Pure 24 would be back next year. I hope they wern't jumping the gun then.

This is totally an issue with Sky trying to force the BBC into paying for encryption ....

Agreed -- plus the usual News Corp general hatred of the BBC.

If this is the case, Sky should be punished by the BBC. by getting Crown Castle to withdraw Sky's 3 channels on Freeview, in favour of some other channels with decent programming.

Sky could show it on Sky Travel for free to air DTT viewers, the way that channel's going. It is a disappointment actually, I love 24, and I have to say that the BBC really gave it excellent treatment. What with the advance episode showing on BBC 3, and numerous opportunities to catch up and of course the show dedicated to the series, Pure 24.

If Channel 4 got it maybe they could do a similar thing with E4 ? Or is that not allowed ? Are ITV not interested then ?

I think I would prefer Five to get the rights to 24 rather than Channel 4. Five have a reputation for treating US imports well, showing them in full in regular time slots. They have treat CSI, The Shield, Law & Order very well. Whereas Channel 4 seem to fanny about with theirs, ie. Angel, The West Wing.

There is however the issue that some viewers still can't see Five.