I find this a national disgrace - political debate channels

[rhinochopig]

Having watched the last live debate, I thought I watch the next one (tonight).

I'm utterly disgusted to find that it is only being shown on Sky or on the BBC digital channels. How dare they exclude those people who do not have either of those channels. Why the hell should they be forced to listen to it on Radio 4. Given these debates are being held up as being a key part of our democratic decision making process, how the hell can they justify excluding much of the population?

To say I'm furious is an understatement.

[bonsai]

It's on Sky News which is on Freeview

Still time to grab a freeview receiver and aerial (if needed).

Very quaint not to even have freeview (which you will NEED within a few months -> 2 years anyway due to the digital switchover)

Edited by bonsai on Thursday 22 April 09:41

[Puggit]

You can watch Sky News for free on their website.

Calm the f..k down!

[cazzer]

Indeed, I also deplore their refusal to provide the debates on betamax, 78 rpm disks and wax cylinder.

[eps]

and Sky 3, which is also on Freeview... No aerial change needed, just a box.

[rhinochopig]

I have freeview HD and broadband, but there are a lot of people who have neither freeview or internet access.

I must be the only one that finds it morally objectionable that they are not making it accessible for as much of the population as possible - would it be so hard to show it on BBC 1 AND Sky?

[hornetrider]

rhinochopig said:

To say I'm furious is an understatement.

Oooh, get you. It's on Freeview you nugget.

[Teppic]

It's also repeated on BBC2 at 11:30 pm.

[BOR]

I can see his point. I'm not sure why the debates aren't available to broadcast simultaneously on whichever channels want it, and , at minimum, BBC1.

Odd way of doing this.

[TonyHetherington]

Teppic said:

It's also repeated on BBC2 at 11:30 pm.

Furious I tell you, furi.........oh. BBC2 you say?

[Puggit]

Teppic said:

It's also repeated on BBC2 at 11:30 pm.

I find it disgusting that people are expected to stay up so late or own a recording device of some point.

[Ultuous]

rhinochopig said:

I have freeview HD and broadband, but there are a lot of people who have neither freeview or internet access.

I'm all for trying to bring the debate to as wide an audience as possible, but if they've also failed to upgrade from their AM radio to a more recent FM capable model at some point in the last two decades, then I have to say I'm rather short on sympathy!

[Castrol Craig]

rhinochopig said:

I have freeview HD and broadband, but there are a lot of people who have neither freeview or internet access.

I must be the only one that finds it morally objectionable that they are not making it accessible for as much of the population as possible - would it be so hard to show it on BBC 1 AND Sky?

no, the 3 key news providers all have a chance to host a debate, and its only fair that its shown live only on the hosts network.

also, its stops people complaining about bias/poor running of the general show. (like next week on the bbc)

[Oakey]

BOR said:

I can see his point. I'm not sure why the debates aren't available to broadcast simultaneously on whichever channels want it, and , at minimum, BBC1.

Odd way of doing this.

Because it's Thursday night which means a busy schedule of Emmerdale, followed by Eastenders, more Emmerdale and finally Corrie. Duh!

[rhinochopig]

Teppic said:

It's also repeated on BBC2 at 11:30 pm.

Well don't I feel a tit. I still take issue with the principle of showing it live on limited channels though, but at least it's repeated I suppose, albeit when most people are in bed.

I still don't see why they can't allow any of the channels show it.

[Jazzer77]

Puggit said:

Teppic said:

It's also repeated on BBC2 at 11:30 pm.

I find it disgusting that people are expected to stay up so late or own a recording device of some point.

You are also forced to open your eyes to view it. The effort required is just too much!

[cazzer]

Not goin well this thread is it OP?

[rhinochopig]

Jazzer77 said:

Puggit said:

Teppic said:

It's also repeated on BBC2 at 11:30 pm.

I find it disgusting that people are expected to stay up so late or own a recording device of some point.

You are also forced to open your eyes to view it. The effort required is just too much!

Oh come on, I know lots of elderly people who have a video bought for them by their kids who have no idea how to set the bloody thing, and most of them are in bed long before 11:30pm

As for the radio piss take, why should this demographic have to listen to it on the radio. Facial expressions are a key part of how we interpret what people are saying.

OK, perhaps my OP was a little OTT, but I do have a point. If the government and other parties are going to adopt this type of political debate then they have a responsibility to make sure that it is accessible to as many people as possible. They are not doing this.

Edited by rhinochopig on Thursday 22 April 10:03

[Bing o]

FFS, I can watch it at 3am on CNN in Singapore, calm the fk down!!

[Tyre Smoke]

What percentage of the population are still on analogue or don't have digital access? Very very few I'd imagine.

OP, it's time for you bath and medication.