For anyone watching UKTV History via Freeview, please note that due to a number of changes taking place across the DTT platform, UKTV History will have its hours reduced to 6am to 6pm sometime during October 2007.

Disastrous news. I'm really upset about this. About the only digital channel worth watching in the evenings...and it is cut.

Who is responsible?

It's not fair! What about us history lovers who have to go out to work during the daytime?- UKTV history will be off air by the time we get home.

Some of us can't afford Sky TV and rely on Freeview.
Why are they doing this?
Sack who ever thought up that idea!

I gather it is to free up air time for the channel Dave, but like Trevwoody says this is disastrous. I hope this gets reversed very soon.

Harry

I just want to add my extreme disappointment about this. UKTV History is really about the only channel worth watching on Freeview (except maybe BBC4) and now we evening viewers are losing it. If it's to make room, why can't freeview get rid of some of those repulsive shopping/bidding channels which have no value at all?
I'm so angry that this can just happen and we viewers seem completely powerless to stop it.

I think that changing the time for uktv history stinks and who ever decided this can afford to pay for sky tv. why is always the good channels that get reduced or taken off air why, why.the BBC or the powers that be need to rethink this, viewers will start to turn off in droves!!! whos at home at this time of day...!!!!!!!!

Whoever thought this up needs to be certified insane and placed in a Rubber Room. The only decent channel on Freeview and it gets chopped in half. You may as well turn it into one of those useless shopping channels as I'll never get to watch it again, don't say weekends as my kids aren't at school then. Thanks a lot UKTV, this has got to be the DUMBEST idea ever. Seriously guy's, someone really needs the sack for this!!!

Hi everyone,
From 15th October, UKTV History will still be offering the same high quality history programming to our Freeview audience during the hours of 7am-6pm. Freeview viewers will also be able to watch UKTV History’s evening schedule during that day’s broadcast between the hours of 1-6pm; please see listings for full details. (Go to TV Listings - 3rd link down on the left-hand navigation panel).


The network remains totally committed to UKTV History and will be airing exciting, high profile new series in 2008. All programming is available on Sky channel number 537 and Virgin channel number number 203.
The UKTV Team

Hi Jane H, what is the reason for the change in the hours of viewing? I think that you have entirely missed the reason for most of these complaints. Between 7am and 6pm most people are at work so what exactly is the point of showing the evening schedule in the daytime ie. when most people are at work? Will the full schedule still be available to people who are willing to pay for it? ie. Sky or Virgin? As you are Commercial based TV company and probably get quite a chunk of your revenue from advertising, could you please tell me who will actually be seeing the adverts in the daytime if we are all at work? If, as you say in your statement that the "network remains totally committed to UKTV History" then why does it seem that you will be making the History channel unwatchable for a large section of the viewers, this seems to be absolute madness. I thought that the idea of running a successful TV company was to pull the viewrs in, not push them out or have I got it all wrong. Please reply to this message as I am dying to know the logic behind this decision.

I've actually signed up to the message board specificlaly to register my deep, deep disappointment ay the news of this ridiculous schedule change.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason for it, and yo disadvantage working viewers of the channel like this leaves a very bad taste in the mouth.

My primary reason for originally buying a Freeview box was UKTV History, and now we're losing the channel I might as well throw the xxxx' box in the bin and go back to the pap that's inflicted on us by the terrestrial channels...

Well, I've searched for uktv history and registered to this forum solely to express my considerable disappointment at the planned changes. I also find uktv history about the only channel I watch on digital (except for bbc3 & bbc4). It's been bad enough with all the cod dramas and endless Sharpes of late, but losing the documentary content is a great loss.
What a pathetic response from "Jane" of uktv". I guess this is all designed to try and make us sign up for the extra channels that you have to pay for.

Now here's a suggestion - have uktv history during the day and uktv documentary in the evening - THAT would popular!

Well I guess that it was too good to last. Anyone who has travelled to the states, where there are many many more stations than the UK will know that 90% of them are rubbish and recycle the same ideas again and again. OK so UKTV history (part owned by the BBC) recycles programmes, there are few new shows on it, but at least it recycles worthwhile programmes.

Apparently it's being curtailed to make room for 'DAVE' a re-branding of UKTV G2 which will be aimed at the 'young male audience' and feature such repeats as Dr Who (new ones just like the ones that are constantly churned out on BBC3), Top Gear (ditto) and never mind the Buzzcocks. Oddly though DAVE will be broadcast on channel 19 not 12 and I can only assume that UK TVhsitory is to be shut down due to a lack of space on the MUX. This is why CBBC and CBEEBEES (or whatever) close down to make room for BBC 3 and BBC4. Oddly too (though I'm not worried) I read that UKTV Bright ideas is also to vanish. Again I can only assume that this is due to lack of MUX space. (Oh technical note: A MUX is a chunck of electronics that takes the various channels and then combines them in such a way that they are broadcast in a smaller space than they would if they were sent vie analogue. There are 6 - I think - but each only has a finite space. Please don't ask about High Definition, or I will cry...)

Now typing as a 'young male' there is absolutely nothing on DAVE that interests me. What is the point of repeating Top Gear again and again, when it's supposed to be a magazine programme, and thus current? Dr Who is as I have mentioned firmly entrenched in a never ending run on BBC3 and Buzzcocks? Is it really worth repeating?

I don't want a dustbin lid on my roof and besides Sky is too expensive for a bunch of space based rubbish. Hmm we have Virgin 1 for that now (endless repeats of Star Trek anyone?) and while it would be nice to think it was possible for UKTV to grab one of the shopping channels, they can't 'cos they don't own the broadcast licence for 'em. Come to think of it it would be even better if we could end the sudden rash (as in disease) of channel something +1s!

I can only assume that the mandarins in UKTV have decided that they can get more advertising revenue from a channel aimed at 'young males' than one aimed at folks with an interest in the natural world or history. No I can't work that one out either.

There *might* be a solution, though it will cost. New versions of hard drive recorders are coming out which have freeview built in. Yes you have to buy em. But you will be able to record Analogue and freeview on them and they have a larger capacity than a 3 hour tape. The pain is having to set them up correctly, but I think that there are some (more expensive but coming down in price) which will automatically cut the adverts out. I'd like to see what that does to a channels advertising revenue....

I registered to complain! UKTV History is having its hours cut. The person who decided that should be sacked! Jane H your response says to me that UKTV is not interested in the Freeview viewers. I cannot get Virgin media in my area and I refuse to have Sky in my house again! So if UKTV are that committed to UKTV History then put money where your mouth is and keep the hours unchanged! But I will not hold my breath!

Hi all,

UKTV provides a range of high quality channels in the entertainment, factual and lifestyle genres. We are a commercial venture funded by subscription revenues from the Virgin Media and Sky pay TV platforms and by advertising.

In order to maximise our investment into our portfolio of channels we need to continually explore ways of increasing our income, of which advertising constitutes the largest part. As the biggest and fastest-growing platform, Freeview offers us the greatest opportunity to grow our audience share which in turn drives advertising revenue. Whilst we have very many loyal UKTV History fans whom we value hugely, based on viewing behaviour to our various channels in pay homes, we believe that Dave will attract an even larger audience in Freeview.

I hope this goes a bit further to explain our position.

Thanks
Sharron

OK Sharron, if advertising revenues are so important, why not put UKTV documentary on freeview in the evenings instead of Top-Up?

I'm sure you will get plenty of viewers, and not ones with a single-figure IQ which is what you appear to be looking for.

Just another example of the dumbing down of the UK media. Where will it end - 24 hours of Kyle what's's-name?

As UKTV do not seem to be interested in freeview customers. I have decided to complain directly to advertisers that advertise on UKTV History telling them why I am complaining to them! If just 1 company refuses to advertise on your channel, you just might start to listen to us.

Cutting the hours of UKTV History is a complete disgrace. As most of the correspondence above shows (apart from the platitudes from the station) everyone is fed up with this. It is just another example of the dumbing down process as it would seem to me that the new "Dave" channel will be appealing to viewers who are brain dead! The title of the new channel just about sums it up. Complaining to the advertisers direct seems a good idea - let's all support greatstory and do the same.

Regarding the suggestion by xx11 to "put UKTV Documentary on Freeview in the evenings instead of Top-Up", if that means providing UKTV Documentary for Freeview viewers instead of UKTV Gold to Top Up TV viewers, that is not possible as UKTV do not own that broadcast space, Top Up TV own it.

Dave??? Who the hell wants to watch that??

So, Sharron, what exactly are you going to do when you find that Dave DOESN'T attract the viewing figures that you are hoping for and you find out that you have alienated and 'done over' a very loyal audience who are craving good solid TV??

Why am I not surprised? At the end of the day all anyone ever wants is money money money and never mind the little guy

it's an absolute disgrace, totally appalling

Quote Jane H. 'UKTV History will still be offering the same high quality history programming to our Freeview audience during the hours of 7am-6pm.'


Not actually true old girl - - 'the same high quality programming'? Not same programming - - hours have been cut. Definition of the word programming is vague.
Shall we seek legal advice over statement - or dance to the great fiddler in the SKY.

Having worked in TV many years ago, prior to THAMES (a proper station) losing it's franchise, I am never surprised or shocked at what the current broadcasters do. Yes, they need to raise revenue but they all (without exception) seem to have lost sight of something.

Until the early 90's, tv in this country was regarded pretty much as the best in the world. Technical standards & programming standards were very high. Create dead air for a few seconds & the IBA would be on your back! All that has changed. The British public have been conned over digital tv. Anyone who, like me, worked in the days of quad vtr's will tell you that the analogue picture was far better than digital. It was also stated (when launched) that sound was cd quality. It never was, isn't now and probably never will be. Digital is merely a means of cramming as much crap on air as possible in the available space.

I will NEVER line Roodpart Mudrocks pockets so it means I, like many, will never see UKhistory again. I will certainly not be watching stations like 'Dave' or 'Nuts' or any of the new breed of station. As a previous poster said, the name really sums it up.

Have UK-TV thought about the fact that the bulk of the 'kiddie brain' audience that they are aiming for are actually out on the streets and getting ratted in the local while DAVE is on air churning out all those repeats?

Actually UKHistory as one of the many part time stations on air doesn't actually put out much in the average day. Think about it. While most of the programming is of reasonably high quality and aimed at people with an IQ higher than that of a lettuce, there isn't much of it. Tune in at startup and a few hours later you've pretty much seen the entire days output which is then repeated ad nauseum.

UK-TV are not alone though. For those into adult humour, how many times have you watched all episodes of Two Pints on BBC3 (ex BBC Choice)? I think the Beeb changed the name to reflect the fact that there really wasn't much choice. Watch the repeats of the repeats of the repeats or.... nothing.
Whatever happened to setting up your vcr or dvd to record a programme so you didn't miss it?

Whilst in whinging mode, I have to say that at least with the effective demise of UKHistory I'll not run the risk anymore of screen burn because of the DOG (Digital Onscreen Graphic) that all these part timers insist on cluttering the screen with.
Actually I did send UK-TV a email somewhile ago, asking if they were prepared to replace my tv tube because as a loyal viewer I'd suffered screen burn. (UKHistory logo still visible on the screen when the tv is off) They failed to respond to my email.
Why is it there? Why do they need this so called 'branding'? Pressing 'info' or equivalent will tell you what you are watching. Surely anyone channel flipping knows what they are watching. On screen graphics cause long term damage to tv's with a CRT rather than LCD (which generally is horrible quality anyway), they are annoying and they insult our intelligence.

Channel 5 used to show the 5 logo until there were too many complaints, when they dropped it. I see they have now re-instated it. Bigger, bolder and more annoying than ever. You press 5 and expect to get 5. I don't need a constant annoying reminder.

All these graphics including the 'next on' graphics that most stations are now using, often up to 2 minutes before the end of the programme should be banned along with crushed credits and continuity announcers who talk drivel over the ends of all programmes. Crushed end titles is both insulting to the programme maker and annoying for viewers who may want info about the programme etc.
While busy crushing credits, the announcer tells you whats on next. They follow this up with a promo for the next prog, then ads, then tell you AGAIN what's next. Why do manufacturers bother with programme guides and 'now & next' buttons?

ITV is in such a bad way because of such appalling programming. I used to be proud to work for ITV. All the part timers are getting audiences largely for programmes made by ITV & BBC in the days when standards meant something.
Nut much more I can say on that really. I can't even be sure any standards exist anymore. Any idiot can slot a digital cassette of an old programme sourced from a mainstream broadcaster into a machine and press a button.

Lastly (though I could go on for hours about all that's wrong with tv) I am fed up with constantly having to retune my ON Digital box (No, I refuse to call it Freeview!!) because another rubbish part time channel has commandeered and wasted more valuable space on the MUX. Tv used to be run by creative talent (remember THAMES, 'A talent for television') but no more. Accountants rule the roost and it shows. UK Tv is in a very sad state.

Annoyed of London...

Great. The main reason I got a Freeview box was for UKTV History. Unfortunately, I have a job, so am now unable to watch the only decent Free-to-air TV Channel. I've registered here solely to make my views known. What a shameful, disgraceful decision. I refuse to pay for Sky etc and now I'm wondering about the wisdom of buying a Freeview box. Thanks a bunch! And what the hell is DAVE anyway? Will it be packed with informative, educatinal programmes, or the same old turgid rubbish most of the other free channels offer.

You should be ashamed. If UKTV History's ad revenue isn't what you'd like then market the channel better!

Hi All. I, too, have also registered purely for the purpose of registering my disgust at the new scheduling for UKTV History which commences tomorrow. I too have to be gainfully employed to survive so will, in future, be unable to watch UKTV on my return home in the evening
I would also like to add my voice to those that suggest UK Documentary filling that space would be a brilliant idea! It is one of the few channels that I sometimes wish I could receive but as I wont have Sky and cable does not come to our area it is a wish I cannot fulfil
I would like to add that I think both statements from UKTV which I have read on here are a total insult to the intelligence of their viewers and I will look forward to the day DAVE sinks without trace!!

Hello

In response to the following point by Sharron at UKTV:

"In order to maximise our investment into our portfolio of channels we need to continually explore ways of increasing our income, of which advertising constitutes the largest part. As the biggest and fastest-growing platform, Freeview offers us the greatest opportunity to grow our audience share which in turn drives advertising revenue. Whilst we have very many loyal UKTV History fans whom we value hugely, based on viewing behaviour to our various channels in pay homes, we believe that Dave will attract an even larger audience in Freeview."

I have determined from this statement that the "potentially" larger viewing audience on DAVE will prove attractive to additional advertisers - Ok so revenue is the driver. Why then bother to say you have a loyal fan base, who you value hugely, when you are clearly turning your back on them?

Most companies build on their loyalty, a very valuable commodity, and look for ways to build on that loyalty. If you are looking to attract additional revenue why not market what you already have, "very many loyal UKTV History fans", more effectively? Maybe take a leaf out of National Geographic (a similar audience base), and approach the likes of BMW, Rolex, Longines, Bang & Olufsen, Credit Suisse, Lexus and more, and sell your "loyal" non-subscription based audience! Hey, it may even enable you to develop more attractive programming which will further increase your viewing audience!!

But no, lets parachute in DAVE and hope he solves all our problems!! After all re-runs of Top Gear and DR Who will convince me to part with my disposable income!!!!

So well done UKTV. Can't help wishing it all goes wrong!

Gutted and Angry

I too have registered to voice my disappointment at the decision to replace UKTV History's evening schedule with "Dave".

"Dave" must have been named after the Tory leader by a bunch of mindless brainstorming media types so that we can relate to it's mindless, substanceless content.

"Dave" will be in direct competition with BBC3, FTN, E4, E4+1 etc. and the drivel that is broadcast there in contrast to the complete lack of competition on freeview for high quality, imformative and educational content.

Perhaps UKTV could raise precious revenues by offering cut price lobotomies to its 'loyal' audience, so we can tolerate the mindless tripe that these channels and soon-to-be Dave hose us with.

Thank you for being candid and explaining that it is all about the money/shareholders but shame on you nevertheless!