BBC Three scrapped as on-air channel

[dipsydoodle]

BBC Three is to be axed from television schedules and move online, as part of the BBC's cost-cutting plans.

It means shows such as Don't Tell The Bride and Pramface will only be available through the iPlayer, rather than Freeview, satellite or cable.

The BBC will make an official announcement on Thursday, media correspondent David Sillito said.

Celebrities are already rallying behind the service. Matt Lucas said the move would be "really bad for new comedy".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26447089

[House of Roberts]

1. What harm would it be

if all the BBC channels were available worldwide for free via the internet?

I really prefer their F1 coverage, except when the races aren't shown live. I'd probably watch more from over there if it was allowed.

[dipsydoodle]

2. The BBC sells its programmes to the world wide service.

I don't UK tv license payers , the general public here , would be too impressed with effectively funding the world on the subject you mentioned.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. International sports coverage won't be shown that way

because channels in other countries pay for the rights. Especially F1, which is all about the money.

As dd says, British households fund the BBC, so a simple "free to everyone, everywhere" is a bit unfair on us. At the moment, we're not allowed to read websites that are part of BBC Worldwide, because they can contain ads, and the British public isn't allowed to see anything from the BBC with ads.

[House of Roberts]

4. I see.

I'd be willing to watch it with ads, for the ROW feed. NBC's F1 coverage has ads, which apparently are paying the bills so far.

I used to get the older British comedy shows on my local PBS station on Saturday nights. They have been running Masterpiece Theater lately. I just checked, and the shows are back March 15th! Keeping Up Appearances, To The Manor Born, Are You Being Served?, and The Vicar Of Dibley from 8pm to 10pm!

[T_i_B]

5. BBC3 was always a bit rubbish anyway....

...BBC4 on the other hand is ace!

[non sociopath skin]

6. I have to say that I've never watched BBC3 ...

... but it would be churlish of me to want it axed because I'm not part of the demographic.

The Skin

[LeftishBrit]

7. Not a great BBC3 fan, but all else aside, fear this may be the thin end of the wedge.