BBC4 negotations with BSkyB go right to the wire

With just days to go before its launch, the BBC remains locked in negotiations with BSkyB over the position of their new culture and arts channel – BBC4 – in the electronic programme guide (EPG).
The channel, which has been pencilled in for a March 2 launch, had been designed to replace its forebearer BBC Knowledge which had been categorised as a minority interest broadcast. Now, the debate between the two corporations has focused on the fate of BBC4 regarding its place in the EPG. It is thought that the new channel will occupy a slot in the news and documentaries subsection of the EPG previously occupied by BBC Knowledge.
The BBC have argued that the programme should be moved from the specialist section and into the general programmes area. The transition would potentially offer BBC4 a larger section of the viewing audience.
The corporation remains hopeful of a successful outcome as talks progress but with the launch date looming, BBC chiefs would like to ensure that the channel cements a place in the EPG to avoid confusion for viewers later.
Recently, the corporation's foray into satellite had not been without problems as the BBC new kids channel CBBC proved difficult to store. However, the BBC 4 launch will gain the added bonus of a simulcast on BBC 2 - one of the first times the corporation has made such a move.
Elsewhere, the government's minister for media Tessa Jowell is expected to announce her findings regarding proposals for the digital youth channel BBC 3 next week.
(GMcG)