• Media predictions 2009, Part 3: Ireland’s DTT deadline will change

    This is my third Irish media prediction for 2009:

    At some point in 2009 the Irish Government will accept that the EU-recommended deadline for the digital TV switch-over in 2012 is too ambitious for Ireland to meet. They may do so for their own financial reasons, for the financial reasons of the DTT-contract holder or simply because they have re-assessed the realities of the roll-out but it is already clear that they need to.

    Realistically, Ireland has been unlikely to hit the deadline for some time now. Despite this the Department of Communications has repeatedly stated that it can and will switch of the analogue deadline by 2012, along with most if not all of Europe.

    The problem is that Ireland still does not have a DTT system, bar a limited trial. In addition to this the company that won the tender has been strangely quiet in recent months on the issue, despite the fact that it initially marked January 2009 as the service’s planned launch date. Boxer’s DTT service is still anticipated to launch at some point in this year, although it is hard to be certain even on this given the recent silence.

    There is every possibility that the company will need to re-think its strategy in a very different economic climate to the one that existed when it won the contract and that could have implications for the launch and roll-out time of the eventual service. It could even have implications for the tender process.

    At the moment the silence mean any assumption here is just conjecture, however. Perhaps their lack of visible activity is as a result of the hard work they’re doing behind the scenes to get this service off the ground. However even assuming it does get the service out in a timely manner this year, its plan will see DTT become available in a phased basis across the country with total coverage only occurring in 2012. This means that the company will have to establish a service and then ensure total take-up within the same year – and that’s assuming take up is equally strong and prompt in areas covered under early roll-out plans.

    One thing Ireland has in its favour is its high rate of households already using paid-for digital systems. Roughly 2/3 of all houses in the country have a Sky or UPC contract, so there are less houses wholly dependent on the analogue broadcasts in question. Equally we have a relatively small population and a relatively small island to cover, so the equipment needed to broadcast should be a little easier to establish nation-wide.

    Of course these could be seen as negatives too. If 1/3 of the population has decided against upgrading its service beyond analogue all of these years, it may be difficult to convince them to do so now – even if there is no subscription on the basic package of channels. As well as this we have an extremely low population density by European standards, so more equipment will be needed to cover less people. Finally, assuming that households with an existing digital subscriptions will not be impacted upon by the analogue switch-off is invalid – many households have one Sky or UPC box and a number of other sets around the house using aerials to pick up basic channels.

    If you look across to the UK’s roll-out of a DTT service you will see just how hard it is going to be for Ireland to follow suit in such a tight time frame. The UK naturally has more people to cater for and a larger land-mass, however their Freeview service has been up and running since 2002 and had a pre-existing, albeit small, user base left hanging over from the ITV Digital service it replaced.

    Since then it has been heavily promoted and the country has already started its digital switch-over campaign in earnest, despite the fact that it is also aiming for 2012 as its final deadline. The first region (the Border between Scotland and England) is already in the process of switching – before Ireland has even started the ball rolling – and despite all of the money spent on awareness campaigns people in the country are complaining about not having enough information or time before the switch.

    Ireland is faced with a near-impossible task if it wants to shut down analogue by 2012 – it either has to roll out the service nationally before the end of 2010 and put a huge amount of resources into promoting it afterwards, which it will not, or flick the switch before people have made the move and anger the masses.

    Given the current situation one could even bet that there will be no commercial DTT service anywhere in Ireland before 2010 anyway and that no-one will have the money to promote or invest in it as much as they need to once it arrives.

    Long story short the boat on a 2012 switch-over passed some time ago. In 2009 I predict the Government will stop pretending it hasn’t.


  • On The Last Word to talk about FTA and DTT

    I’ll be on The Last Word just after 6pm this evening to talk about Free To Air broadcasting and DTT – following on from last week’s discussion about the DTT tenders.

    Tune in online or via FM or DAB. If you want to be really meta, you could even listen in via your Satellite or DTT box!


  • Finally got a DTT box

    Having written about it numerous times in recent months I’ve finally had the chance to check out Ireland’s DTT trial for myself today.

    I got in touch with the DCMNR – as I said to them, I’ve been watching developments in it so closely it’d be nice to try it out for myself – who kindly organised a set-top box for me this afternoon.

    Set up was easy – it was literally a case of plugging it in and switching it on. The menus are decent, EPG is spot-on and the picture quality is superb (I’m watching from Santry, Dublin using a One For All indoor antenna).

    The choice of channels is solid too – all six of the Irish broadcasters (bar Setanta) are on it as well as all the BBC digital channels, Sky News, Sky Sports 1 and a few others like UK TV History. I’d put money on a) more channels coming on over the next year and b) the channel list to be very different once the trial is over and a full system is up and running (for example I expect Sky Sports 1 to go, Setanta Ireland to come on and maybe even UTV if rights issues can be resolved).

    Those interested in taking part should check this thread out to see if they can bag their own box, although the trial is only available to viewers in certain areas, namely Dublin and Louth.

    The only downside is the fact that I’m forced to watch it all on a crappy little portable telly, but with this new addition to my room and the upcoming Leinster Final – which will be broadcast in HD as part of the trial – I think I’ll find it increasingly difficult to avoid buying that 32″ flat screen I’ve been dreaming of for months now!


  • DTT Update: trial launch postponed until Wednesday (16th August)

    Having just spoken to a representative at the DCMNR I can confirm that the DTT trial, which was due to launch officially tomorrow has now been put back to the 16th of August, next Wednesday.

    The DTT signal itself seems to be available from Three Rock already, and has been since earlier in the month. Clermont Carn, the other site of the trial is still not broadcasting a digital signal and may not until next week and the official launch.

    For all your DTT news and information, head over to this forum.
    More on the content tender process, which ended yesterday, later.


  • Irish DTT to launch this week (but don’t tell anyone)

    Having just had an interesting conversation with an important member of staff at RTÉ I was surprised to find that to the best of her knowledge the Irish Government’s DTT trial is due to be launched this Friday.

    The two year trial, which has been in gestation for some time has been alocated an “Autumn 2006” launch date for some time now but no concrete date has been set; it now appears that the launch will be heralded by a press release on Friday morning with no prior warning to expectant fans.
    At present RTÉ has yet to see the set-top box being given to beta testers, they do not yet know the exact technology being used in the trial and they have not been informed as to what the initial trial will comprise of.

    It is likely that testing of the service will be staged too as the content tender closing date is tomorrow leaving little room to finalise plans in the coming days. That means that the initial signal, should it go out on Friday will be traditional terrestrial TV only with additional programming (and perhaps interactive content, HD trials etc.) coming on board at a later date.

    Despite numerous queries I have made to the DCMNR it is still not clear if Freeview standard boxes (which are now available on the Irish market built-in to numerous TV models) will be compatible with the trial.

    Good to know the DCMNR is leading the field in communication between its partners…

    Update: Somehow missed this thread; apparently the test has already begun (although the official test will probably launch on Friday)


  • British channels could join Irish DTT (SBP – 16th July 2006)

    Today’s Sunday Business Post features an article I wrote on the upcoming DTT trial and the possible inclusion of British and European broadcasters in it:

    Ireland’s DTT (digital terrestrial television) trial may include a number of British television channels alongside Irish broadcasters when it starts later this year, The Sunday Business Post can reveal.

    The Department for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which is in charge of the project, is looking for applications for the provision of visual, audio and interactive content for the two-year trial, which is due to start in autumn.

    Documentation published by the department (.doc file) states that all providers must have the relevant licences to broadcast their content when the trial begins.

    This was originally considered to apply only to Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) radio and television licences. However a spokesman for the department confirmed that broadcasters licensed in any jurisdiction covered by the Television Without Frontiers directive would also have to meet the requirements for the purpose of the trial.

    This means that television broadcasters from any EU state are free to apply and, if successful, provide content to DTT viewers in Ireland.

    As an application process is still taking place, it is unclear what channels will feature on the trial. However, Ireland’s four terrestrial stations – RTE1, RTE2, TV3 and TG4 – are guaranteed to be carried. It is expected that the country’s other national channels – Setanta Sports and Channel 6 – will also apply. Both of these stations are available on cable or digital networks only.

    After the trial is completed in 2008 it is expected that a national DTT network will be constructed to carry the service to all Irish homes. While the upcoming trial will only be available to viewers in Dublin and Louth, it is expected to form the basis of any future service, so early involvement could give broadcasters an advantage in the coming years.

    When asked if UTV intended to make an application to the trial, a spokesman said that the station was currently ‘‘investigating the requirements’’.

    The channel is regulated in the North by British broadcasting watchdog Ofcom, but is available to about 60 per cent of homes in the Republic via cable. It has also put significant resources into expanding its viewership across the island in recent years.

    The inclusion of UTV in the trial could create issues for TV3, however, as both stations provide largely similar content.

    TV3 has in the past fought attempts by UTV to become available on the Sky Digital electronic programming guide in Ireland, as it felt it could damage its rating figures and advertising revenue.

    British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) was also unable to confirm its plans for DTT in Ireland. ‘‘We note the recent publication by the Department of Communications in respect to the possible DTT trial and we are currently reviewing our options,” said a spokesman for the company.

    BSkyB is already involved with British DTT service Freeview and broadcasts Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky Three across that network.

    Should the company take part in an Irish version of Freeview it is possible that a similar service would be provided.

    BSkyB has also taken a bigger interest in Irish viewers in recent years, most notably with the broadcaster’s Ireland-focused daily news programme on its rolling news network.

    Theoretically, other EU broadcasters could also apply.

    Poland’s TVP network is already watched by many foreign nationals in the country and is now being carried by Magnet Entertainment in its Polish package.

    When the trial commences, the department will provide 1,000 digital television set-top boxes to selected viewers as part of its testing. Feedback from these viewers will be used to judge if the trial is successful or not and will provide information to help decide what changes need to be made before a national launch.

    Anyone in the broadcast area with their own equipment will also be able to receive the broadcasts, however they will not be included in the official test.

    The move is common sense, the viability of a 6 station (RTÉ One & Two, TV3, TG4, Setanta and Channel 6) DTT service along with radio stations is somewhat unappealing, the inclusion of at least some of the UK services would likely increase interest, especially if the cost base of the service is the same as in Britain.
    It also opens corridors for channels of interest to foreign nationals in the country too which is sure to be mutually beneficial for the Irish Government, the public and the stations in question.


  • The hypocritical calls for BBC cuts

    The BBC have announced plans to cut a number of services with the main focus being on the closure of 6 Music and the Asian Network, two DAB stations run by the corporation.

    The official reasoning is to refocus funding on the BBC’s core functions and create better quality news and programming, while the unofficial belief is that this is a bow to commercial and political pressure.

    In justifying the closure of the two digital radio stations the BBC has pointed out that their listenership is small and not of the “mainstream”, an argument that has been recycled in reports on the cut backs.

    This makes no sense. If the BBC were looking to pull out of areas where they are stifling commercial activity it would be where they are getting big listenership, not small. Clearly 6 Music and the Asian Network could not be replicated in the commercial world as no independent funding structure could maintain such niche audiences.

    It is an equally bizarre argument for the BBC to use as a public service broadcaster, the job of which is to cater for all audiences – especially those that would not be catered for commercially.

    If the BBC, politicians and pundits alike really wanted to take away the impairment to the commercial market they would be calling on the BBC to close Radio 1 and 2 and keep its digital services only. After all these are the stations that are actually competing with the commercial players.

    Of course if they did that it would draw a light on the fact that they are not. It would point out the unmistakable truth that what BBC radio does would never be done by commercial rivals, whether they shut up shop or not.

    It is hard to give an Irish angle on this story as the growth of the BBC in recent years is significantly greater than that of RTE; even in relative terms. Even when the DTT and DAB services are fully operational there will not be the same kind of channel expansion as was seen in the UK, with most of RTE’s new digital output expected to be based around repeat and archive material.

    However it would be possible for 2FM to come under the spotlight, as a station that sits so closely to commercial rivals in terms of its output. 2FM is not actually funded by the licence fee but it does enjoy the benefits of being part of the RTE “family”, something which Adrian Weckler points out is also enjoyed by another commercial RTE operation, RTE.ie.

    But assuming calls were made for RTE to cut back its services, it closing Lyric FM would be akin to what the BBC are planning on doing in the UK. It is a service that a small few get great joy out of and one that none other than the national PSB could maintain.


  • “TV3″ Sports on the horizon?

    An interesting line in The Irish Times’ grim report of Setanta Sport’s financial troubles suggests that Doughty Hanson, owner of TV3 and 3e in Ireland, could make a bid for the sports broadcaster in the coming days.

    Setanta has found itself facing administration after years of rapid expansion and Doughty Hanson is seen as a potential bidder should the company – or parts of it – come on the market. Doughty Hanson already owns 20% of Setanta and has pumped significant money into the station in return.

    Should Doughty take control of Setanta it would also gain an 80% holding of Setanta Sports Ireland, which The Irish Times claims is making a modest profit. If so-called synergies were found between Setanta and Doughty’s TV3 this profit margin could grow higher (although it’s unlikely that re-naming the station under the TV3 brand would be part of that).

    To make things even more interesting the consortium run by TV3, Setanta and Eircom now hold the Irish DTT licence, opening the door-way for even greater co-operation should Doughty buy up the struggling sports broadcaster.

    That fact in itself could create competition concerns but the ones most likely to be truly worried are in RTÉ, who would see the hand of their main rival grow all the stronger in a short space of time.


  • RTÉ to launch 24-hour online, mobile-accessible news channel (SBP – 8th June 2008)

    Below is an article of mine from today’s Sunday Business Post. The piece is about RTÉ’s plan to launch a 24-hour news channel online this coming week, which will stream the broadcaster’s news and current affairs programming as well as repeat it throughout the day.

    For the moment there’s only limited scope for unique content on the service – such as breaks for big stories or special events and short sport, business and entertainment updates which will come on stream by the end of June – however it does form the foundation of a bona fide news channel especially if it ends up getting broadcast on DTT.

    The whole service is supposed to fit nicely into RTÉ’s media player, which is of particular interest to me. Details are sketchy at the moment but more will be revealed about that particular project in the coming months.

    The article:

    RTE is to use this week’s referendum to launch its new online streaming news service, RTE News Now. The service, which will function as an internet-based news channel, will be available on RTE.ie when it launches on Thursday, with a rollout on mobile phone networks also under discussion.

    The channel will broadcast online 24 hours a day and will be shown in addition to news content already available on the broadcaster’s website. The service will consist of existing RTE news bulletins and current affairs programming, which will be simulcast live and repeated throughout the day, as well as breaking news stories and special events that might not get coverage on television.

    The news service will form a central part of the planned RTE media player, which is currently in development. This new platform is expected to be similar to the recently launched BBC iPlayer, which allows viewers to re-watch and download previously aired programmes online.

    ‘‘RTE News Now will live stream all breaking news coverage from RT€1 and RT€2,” said a spokesman for RTE Publishing.’ ‘However, it will stream special events such as Oireachtas debates, which are not being broadcast on television.

    ‘‘All content will be produced by RTE and users will continue to be able to access all RTE news and current affairs programming on an on-demand basis on RTE.ie.”

    According to the RTE spokesman, there will also be brief business, entertainment and sports updates produced exclusively for the News Now service by the end of June. The text-based news content already available on RTE.ie will also be factored into the new service as a ticker tape-style feed.

    The broadcaster hopes to raise revenue from the venture through short advertisements, which will be shown before the main content begins. This approach is already used on RTE programmes that can be watched on demand on the website.

    In addition to being online, RTE hopes to make the News Now service available on mobile networks at – or shortly after – launch, and is in discussion with carriers to facilitate this.

    3 Mobile already offers its customers access to live and looped RTE news broadcasts at a cost of €2 per week, however neither O2 nor Vodafone offers such a facility.

    At the moment, the service will be focused on RTE.ie and mobile networks, but the spokesman for RTE Publishing said there were plans to roll it out onto other digital platforms in the future.

    It is likely that digital television will be one of the platforms under consideration, perhaps as part of the broadcaster’s overall plans for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).

    According to RTE’s internal statistics, the news section of RTE.ie is now the most popular part of the website, accounting for more than 11 million page impressions, or 23 per cent of overall site traffic, in April.

    Some 34 per cent of those who accessed RTE.ie/news during the same month were based outside Ireland.


  • Media Notes (23-05-08)

    This week’s media notes:

    RTÉ has given more details on its plans for DTT – specifically what new channels it hopes to launch on the service. The broadcaster says it will launch a bona fide third channel (referred to at the moment as RTÉ Three) alongside a ‘time-shift’ service which will show RTÉ One programming an hour after normal scheduling. These services will compliment the new Oireachtas TV and Irish Film Board channels and possibly a few more, including TV3‘s 3Xposé (a lifestyle/fashion channel) and 3Today (a news/current affairs channel).
    Read more: Catherine O’Mahony’s article in The Sunday Business Post.

    Setanta Sports has gotten the US rights to show the English FA Cup – which will compliment the rights it already has to show the soccer tournament in the UK. An interesting part of this deal is that the station will link up with the FOX Sports Channel and will split the coverage 50/50. FOX, of course, is owned by Rupert Murdoch; the man who also owns Setanta’s market enemy in the UK – Sky Sports.
    Read more: Ciarán Hancock in The Irish Times (subs required)

    Johnson Press appears to be struggling under a burden of debt and is attempting to manage this through a rights issue. The hope is to raise around Stg£212m, all to avoid the selling off of any of the group’s newspapers. Johnson Press has a number of local newspapers on the island, both north and south, including the Leinster Leader, The Derry Journal and The Dundalk Democrat. Should the newspapers go on sale there will be plenty of potential buyers, not least The Irish Times which has been expanding its local newspaper output quite quickly – albeit from a significantly weaker starting point than its rivals in Thomas Crosbie Holdings and Independent News & Media.
    Read more: Emmet Oliver in The Sunday Tribune.