Anger as millions of Virgin viewers lose UKTV channels

VIRGIN Media customers have been left outraged after UKTV channels including Dave and Gold were wiped from “around four million” boxes due to a dispute.

Some viewers declared they would cancel their subscriptions if the popular channels were not restored.

Talks between the firms failed to solve a fees impasse and 10 channels, including five which are free-to-air, disappeared from subscribers’ televisions at midnight on Saturday.

Viewers were also left unable to access UKTV on-demand services via their Virgin Media sets.

One Twitter user said: “@virginmedia @UKTV Will be cancelling TV, broadband & all phones as soon as we can get through to someone at Virgin!! Think they might be busy with a lot of angry customers.”

Another said: “@virginmedia So this looks like the end, 15 years a customer and you’ve messed up big time. Sky shop Wednesday unless you fix it SaveDave”

Free-to-air channels Dave, Drama, Home, Really and Yesterday, along with paid-for channels Gold, Alibi, Eden, Good Food and W were replaced on Sunday morning.

It leaves fans of shows including Taskmaster, Judge Romesh, Harrow and Red Dwarf unable to watch some of their favourite programmes.

Virgin Media has accused the broadcaster of seeking “inflated sums” to provide its paid channels.

David Bouchier, the cable TV firm’s chief digital entertainment officer, said they were ready to restore UKTV’s free channels, like Dave, “immediately” with its permission.

“We have been in extensive discussions with UKTV but we have not been able to reach an agreement which reflects the reality of how people are watching television in the 21st century.

“UKTV is insisting on holding back its channels, like Dave, which are freely available over the air and online, unless we pay inflated sums of money for its paid channels like Gold.

“On top of this, UKTV is unable to provide the extensive on-demand programming which is expected of a modern-day broadcaster.”

UKTV chief executive Darren Childs said it could not accept the “drastic” cut in price that Virgin was seeking to show the paid channels.

“We need a fair price to support our growing investment in programmes.”

The 10 channels are still available on Sky, BT, Talk Talk, Freeview and Freesat. Viewers can also watch online via UKTV Play.