Ofcom: 'tell us about Sky'
Survey will investigate market domination
A trade group wants licensees' feedback on Sky for its answer to a probe from media regulator Ofcom.
The impact of Sky's dominance of commercial football screenings is being examined in Ofcom's investigation into the pay-TV market.
Ofcom asked the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) for information on any harm caused to licensed premises.
This includes pubs cancelling subscriptions because of cost, or being priced out of the market in the first place.
The ALMR is surveying its members — multiple operators of generally larger sites — and also wants evidence from other licensees.
Hosts can contribute to the survey via www.morningadvertiser.co.uk
ALMR spokeswoman Kate Nicholls said Ofcom officials appear "broadly sympathetic" to the problems faced by pubs to Sky's charges.
She urged individual licensees to contribute their own experiences to the debate:
"For many licensees, live Premiership football is a 'must-have' part of their offering — but it is increasingly becoming an expensive luxury.
"Licensees have suffered in silence in the face of inexorable price hikes over recent years. This inquiry is a unique opportunity for that silent majority to make its voice heard."
She explained that Ofcom was interested to hear from licensees who had cancelled their subscriptions because of recent price increases, or who were unable to subscribe in the first place because of cost.
Ofcom also wants to understand the impact that a pricing structure based on rateable value has on commercial customers.
