BSkyB gets tough over repeat programming

Channels on Sky Digital will have to show less repeat programming to stay on the platform, BSkyB has announced.

The satellite company has increased the minimum amount of new programming which must be broadcast by channels on its EPG, just weeks after it ceased taking new channel launch applications.

According to Broadcastnow.co.uk, a document sent to broadcasters said that from 1 July 2008, it would “only provide an EPG listing to television channels and radio stations which broadcast no less than 6 hours of non-repeating programming in each 24-hour period”. It also required “no less than 24 hours of non-repeating programming in each seven day period and no less than 50 hours of non-repeating programming in each 30 day period”.

The new rules are expected to affect smaller channels that have limited amount of fresh programming.