Freeview fires up over YouTube spoof

SYDNEY: Freeview Television has fired back against the creators of a YouTube video spoofing Freeview’s marketing campaign.

“Freeview is a free service – so there is no comparable offer,” Freeview chief executive Robin Parkers responded. “It will be up to the viewers to decide on the success of Freeview once the remaining channels launch.”
 
The video makes fun of Freeview and the way it is being promoted, mocking its offering of 15 channels and the lack of support from manufacturers and retailers.

With lines such as "get ready for more of the same" and "you can watch sports you’ve never heard of, news you can’t understand and even question time – yes, mother f****ing question time – all in crystal clear standard definition", the video has drawn the ire of Freeview.

The promotion of 15 channels is at the cornerstone of Freeview’s marketing campaign, with many consumers believing they will receive 15 new channels, when there are currently already 12 free-to-air channels on air, including HD channels.
 
Network Ten will launch sports channel One on 26 March.

“One has received great support from advertisers and the media, and feedback from viewers has been very positive,” Parkes said.
 
Seven Network waited until last week to announce its plans to launch its HD offering by the middle of the year, while Nine Network remains tight-lipped regarding plans for its additional channel.
 
“What is exactly is Freeview really?” questioned MCN chief executive Anthony Fitzgerald.

“Currently, it’s just an advertising campaign, and quite a misleading one at that. But on a positive note, it’s good to see the free-to-air networks finally embrace digital television.”