Sky offer "still on the table"

by Robin Parker, Media Week 23-Feb-07, 13:47

BSkyB has hit back at Virgin Media for “prematurely” claiming that it will no longer offer five of Sky’s flagship channels from March and that talks had broken down between the rival digital operators.

Steve Burch, Virgin Media chief executive, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning that Sky had ruled out re-entering negotiations over the price for Virgin Media’s package to include Sky One, Two, Three, News and Sport News.

In a statement, BSkyB expressed surprise at Burch’s stance, claiming its last offer remained on the table and that the company had negotiated flexibly and in good faith.

The company stated: “NTL/Virgin can’t expect to free-ride on Sky’s commitment to bring viewers the best TV. They need to decide whether they are going to invest in the programmes that their customers enjoy.”

BSkyB also questioned the wisdom of Virgin Media – formerly NTL-Telewest - putting prices up by a third over the past year while putting millions of pounds behind the rebrand.

“They should sort out their priorities and avoid short-changing customers with an inferior and over-priced service,” a spokesman said.