Here in the Big Issue column we take a regular look at the current issues that surround Sky+ and give our comment and analysis. (Previous articles listed below:)

BBC1's End Of Term Report 

"Could do better, consistently fails to achieve standards set by his peers, has to pull his socks up " and of course " He needs to mature if he wants to be taken seriously "

These are just a few of the end of term expressions that I hold dear and close to my heart. Putting all this into perspective though, at the time of these ' home truths ' I was but a spotty over testosteroned stroppy teenager, who was reluctantly handing over his school report to his parents.......Not at all like  the BBC, a mature and successful broadcaster, which is a  multi million pound organisation, striving to make huge dents in the 21st century digital market !!

On the 14.07.03 I carried out a report of how BBC1 utilised the Series Link function offered by Sky Digital.

Not that we need reminding but series links are an important option given to Sky+ users, as it brings out the simplicity of recording programmes once the link has been set. On the last occasion I felt that the BBC came out very poor indeed. Each day that I carried out the study showed that an additional 6 - 12 links could have been provided.

The main problem I felt seemed to be the BBC's refusal to Series Link News programmes, whether they be on at peak viewing time or indeed through the night. Other glaring omissions were popular peak time programmes that were repeated through the night.

Now it's easy for BBC1 to possibly say " Well there's no call for the link to be provided at 01:30hrs " .  Well my argument would be simple. The feature is there to be used, so use it!  Maybe due to someone’s lifestyle or work commitments they may not be able to watch or record at 20:00hrs every Tuesday, however it is possible to catch the repeated programme at 01:30hrs every Wednesday morning. There, simple really.

On the last occasion BBC1 broadcast 170 programmes over the week, and offered only 96 links, equating to only 56.47 %. This was poor and contributed towards them only coming 4th in the table behind Channel 4, newcomers Five and Sky One.

Had BBC1 used the link to its full potential their figures would have been so much higher and respectable. In fact an additional 58 programmes could have been linked, an increase of 34.11 %, bringing up a new weekly total of  90.58 %. This would have then propelled them into second place, only about 5 % behind Sky One.

So not wishing to embarrass BBC1 in the class too much, and being the fair teacher that I am, I’m going to put on hold the 1000 lines of " Must do better ", however it's very important that I point out to them that the above results/report only merits a grade C- , possibly C. In other words, only scraping a pass mark.

Now that the new term for BBC1 is well underway I have conducted a further report to see whether they have taken any notice of teacher, and made any improvements to their series link service.

Again I have taken a week from the Sky EPG starting from 06:00hrs Saturday 09.08.03 and concluding at 06:00hrs Saturday 16.08.03. I would like to highlight the programmes that were broadcast by the BBC but not linked. Once this has been established, I will then report back whether or not they should have been linked!!

For each day I would also like to bring to your attention the programmes that are now linked, compared to my initial findings.

Each day will again equate to an actual Series Link %, and of course I shall then highlight what their possible Series Link % could have been.

I shall then conclude by comparing my current results with my findings back on 14.07.03

That will then tell us whether or not BBC1 has sat up straight and paid attention, or whether they have been sniggering at the back of the class !!!

Update to Series Link Behaviour for BBC1 (101) On Saturday 9th August 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs.

In this 24hr period there were 30 programmes broadcast of which 21 were linked and 9 were not linked

This equates to 70 % of programmes being linked and 30 % not being linked.

Below you will a full list of all the programmes that were and were not given the link by BBC1 in the 24hr period. Where a programme is not linked, I shall identify in RED and then explain whether or not the programme should have been linked.

Out of the remaining 9 programmes 6 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 27 programmes linked, therefore equating to a new daily % of  90% linked, an improvement of 20 %. This still leaves 10 % of programmes not being linked.

Conclusion

Well as you can see the BBC seem to be well on their way to producing the 100 % mark when it comes to linking their programmes. Of course films are never going to be linked so if you take these away your left with just news and sporting programmes. Unfortunately this is where the BBC lets itself down. There is absolutely no reason as to why the main BBC news, and Regional news programmes cannot be linked. Similarly this reasoning goes for the Grandstand programme as well. Even though the 13:00 showing is only on for 5 minutes it should clearly link onto all the other BBC showings marked Grandstand. If this is looked at and rectified accordingly then the Beeb and Sky+ users will be laughing on a Saturday.

Buts lets not criticize them too much. Credit where credits due. On the 4th July when I first carried out my study, for some reason they never linked any of the early morning children’s programmes. These programmes included: Tom & Jerry Kids, Taz - Mania, Ubos, Arthur, and Rug Rats. On the news side of things, a programme called BBC News 24 was never linked. Well I am pleased to report that all of the mentioned programmes are now linked, so well done BBC1 and thanks for listening.

At the very end of this article, I shall highlight for you as a %, the improvement BBC1 have made since 4/5th July

Update to Series Link Behaviour for BBC1 (101) On Sunday 10th August 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs

In this 24hr period there were 24 programmes broadcast of which 13 were linked and 11 were not linked

This equates to 54.17 % of programmes being linked and 45.83 % not being linked.

Below you will find a full list of all the programmes that were and were not given the link by BBC1 in the 24hr period. Where a programme is not linked, I shall identify in RED and then explain whether or not the programme should have been linked

Out of the remaining 11 programmes 4 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 17 programmes linked, therefore equating to a new daily % of 70.83 % linked, an improvement of 16.66 %. This still leaves 29.17 % of programmes not being linked.

Conclusion

Well it's good to see that BBC1 have taken notice and a familiar pattern is starting to take shape. My original findings unfortunately showed that Breakfast was never linked, however they have now realised that many a person may wish to relax on a Sunday morning and watch Breakfast with the knowledge that it will now automatically be set for them , should they choose to use the link. Again it's good to see that BBC1 have taken notice and reacted to their last report. Weatherview, that’s only on for about 5 minutes was never linked, however as this could be beneficial to many people they have now reacted to demand and implemented the link.

Unfortunately a pattern seems to be emerging with regards to the main BBC news and Regional news programmes, these again were not linked.

Update to Series Link Behaviour for BBC1 (101) On Monday 11th August 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs

In this 24 hr period there were 40 programmes broadcast of which 35 were linked and 5 were not linked.

This equates to 87.5 % of programmes being linked, and 12.5 % not being linked

Below you will find a full list of all the programmes that were and were not given the link by BBC1 in the 24hr

period. Where a programme is not linked, I shall identify in RED and then explain whether or not the programme should have been linked

Out of the remaining 5 programmes 3 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 38 programmes linked, therefore equating to a new daily % of 95 % linked, an improvement of 7.5 %. This still leaves 5 % of programmes not being linked

Conclusion

What a great result this could have been but for Regional news programmes. As you can see, from the 5 that were not linked, one was a last showing in the current series and the other was a film. Unfortunately the other 3 were all the same, that being the Regional News programmes throughout the day. It's great now that BBC1 show all the regions, as before we were just left with London News, or 4/5 others via the interactive text function. Now that all regions are broadcast, viewers can watch what's applicable to them. With Sky+ users can now record their regional news, compared to only London News before.(You were unable to record news via the Interactive text) Unfortunately the BBC are not currently linking these programmes, so it makes plain simple recording at the moment only a dream and not reality. Hopefully if BBC1 can read this, and rectify, then this could so easily become reality sooner rather than later. I don't believe this is too much to ask for as surely it's only a matter of ' identifying ' the programme.

It's good to see that BBC1 have now added the series link to their Liquid Assets programme. This is a popular series and therefore deserves to carry the link. Along with and the addition of the main News programmes being linked (Why not at weekends ?) then overall this is a great result from the Beeb. Incidentally BBC1, had you of realised the value of linking the regional news programmes, then I could have been sitting here congratulating you on scooping top of the class for links !!

Series Link Behaviour for BBC1 (101) On Tuesday 12th August 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs

In this 24 hr period there were 40 programmes broadcast of which 35 were linked and 5 were not linked.

This equates to 87.5 % of programmes being linked, and 12.5 % not being linked

Below you will find a full list of all the programmes that were and were not given the link by BBC1 in the 24hr

period. Where a programme is not linked, I shall identify in RED and then explain whether or not the programme should have been linked

Out of the remaining 5 programmes 3 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 38 programmes linked, therefore equating to a new daily % of 95 % linked, an improvement of 7.5 %. This still leaves 5 % of programmes not being linked

Conclusion

Well for two days on the bounce the BBC have provided an excellent service with regards to the link. Taking away the two programmes that could not of been linked, and we're left with just those regional news programmes. The addition however of those main National news programmes is a real winner for the BBC as they are on 2 or 3 times daily, and with what's currently occurring in the world today it's important to some viewers that news programmes are linked. Another welcome addition to the world of Series Links is the repeat showing of Ruby Wax with......... This is shown in the very early hours, however consideration has been given and the link is used accordingly.

Series Link Behaviour for BBC1 (101) On Wednesday 13th August 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs

In this 24 hr period there were 41 programmes broadcast of which 36 were linked and 5 were not linked.

This equates to 87.80 % of programmes being linked, and 12.20 % not being linked

Below you will find a full list of all the programmes that were and were not given the link by BBC1 in the 24hr

period. Where a programme is not linked, I shall identify in RED and then explain whether or not the programme should have been linked

Out of the remaining 5 programmes 3 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 39 programmes linked, therefore equating to a new daily % of 95.12 % linked, an improvement of 7.32 %. This still leaves 4.88 % of programmes not linked.

Conclusion

Well this is certainly becoming clear territory now for BBC1. We reach mid-week and the Links are still being used with full force. The broadcaster has certainly made use of all those Main News bulletins being linked, and apart from the usual film and repeated programme, the remaining 3 programmes always seem to be the Regional News programmes. Please, Please, Please BBC1 recognise this omission and change accordingly.

Other changes that have been made, are that now the repeated programmes of Bargain Hunt and Wildlife On One, both on in the early hours of the morning are now given the link. The BBC should be justly applauded for this, as although some might say they should have been linked in the first place, they weren’t, but the BBC have seen right to change and give Plusworld, and ultimately Sky+ users what they want !!

Series Link Behaviour for BBC1 (101) On Thursday 14th August 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs

In this 24 hr period there were 36 programmes broadcast of which 30 were linked and 6 were not linked.

This equates to 83.33% of programmes being linked, and 16.67 % not being linked

Below you will find a full list of all the programmes that were and were not given the link by BBC1 in the 24hr period. Where a programme is not linked, I shall identify in RED and then explain whether or not the programme should have been linked

Out of the remaining 6 programmes 3 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 33 programmes linked, therefore equating to a new daily % of 91.67 % linked, an improvement of 8.34 % This still leaves 8.33 % of programmes not linked.

Conclusion

Well again it's another winner from BBC1. The only 3 programmes that failed to carry the link were again the familiar Regional News programmes. The only other 3 could not of provided the link as 2 were films and one was a special one off documentary.

It's good to see that the Main National News programmes are still holding the link, as are the five minute showings of Weatherview. Remember, these all failed to carry the Series Link back in July.

Series Link Behaviour for BBC1 (101) On Friday 15th August 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs

In this 24 hr period there were 36 programmes broadcast of which 31 were linked and 5 were not linked.

This equates to 86.11% of programmes being linked, and 13.89 % not being linked

Below you will find a full list of all the programmes that were and were not given the link by BBC1 in the 24hr period.

Where a programme is not linked, I shall identify in RED and then explain whether or not the programme should have been linked

Out of the remaining 5 programmes 3 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 34 programmes linked, therefore equating to a new daily % of 94.44 % linked, an improvement of 8.33 %. This still leaves 5.56%  of programmes not linked.

Conclusion

Well the BBC have really ended the week on a high. With this kind of performance it would be cruel to criticize. Films are never going to be linked, so again taking away what now seems to be the obligatory 2 films and we're left with the 3 x Regional News programmes. One hopes that after reading this article the BBC will go away and reconsider their handling of these news programmes.

Overall Conclusion to BBC1's Handling Of The Series Link Function, W/C 09.08.03 from 06:00hrs.

Well I really do think that BBC1 should be applauded for their attitude towards the Series Link. Back in July when I carried out my first study, I highlighted what they were totalling as a % with their handling of the link. To be brief, it was not good enough and matters needed to improve. Rather embarrassingly, in the overall chart that I compiled BBC1 came in at a miserable 4th place. To compound matters even further, five (formerly channel 5), new comers to the scene of series links beat BBC1 quite heavily!! For reasons best only known to BBC1,certain programmes failed to interest the series link function. These included :

All regional news bulletins. (Formerly London News)

BBC National News programmes at weekends

Weatherview

BBC News 24

Liquid Assets

Breakfast

Wildlife on One

Only Fools and Horses

Repeat showings of DIY SOS

Repeat showings of  Bargain Hunt

Tom & Jerry Kids

Taz - Mania

UBOS

Arthur

RugRats

Grandstand

Now for the week that I carried out this update on BBC1, all the above programmes were listed, and I’m pleased to say that they are all now linked. Adults and teenagers alike can now rest easy with the comfort that News programmes, and light entertainment programmes can now take care of themselves once the link has been set. Young children need never worry again about missing their favourite programme as the BBC has now treated them with consideration and respect.

And finally on the plus side, it's very welcome to see that the BBC have recognised that when their primetime programmes are repeated in the early hours, the link can still be applied to accommodate viewers life styles.

Now looking back over the week one thing does jump out and puzzle me. For some reason they let themselves down slightly with their handling of certain news programmes. During the week, the national lunchtime, early evening and News at Ten programmes are always linked. For some reason, and maybe they can explain, they fail to link the National News programmes at weekends. This is confusing as these programmes are on every weekend. As mentioned many times, the Regional News programmes were never linked. We at Plusworld believe that these should be linked. The only other fault I found over the course of the week is that of Grandstand on a Saturday. Regardless of what sport or event is on, BBC1 always advertise this as being ' Grandstand ', because of this every programme marked as Grandstand broadcast on a Saturday afternoon should be linked.

Best Days For Links as a % (Actual)

1st - Wednesday 13th August = 87.80%

2nd - Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th August = 87.50%

3rd - Friday 15th August = 86.11%

4th - Thursday 14th August = 83.33%

5th - Saturday 9th August = 70%

6th - Sunday 10th August = 54.17%

Worst Days For Links as a % (Actual)

1st - Sunday 10th August = 45.83%

2nd - Saturday 9th August = 30%

3rd - Thursday 14th August = 16.67%

4th - Friday 15th August = 13.89%

5th - Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th August = 12.50%

6th - Wednesday 13th August = 12.20%

The above %'s have been worked out on those programmes that were actually linked. Below you will find the same chart, however this time the %'s have been worked out, based on the programmes that were not linked, actually possibly being linked.

Best Days For Links as a % (Possible)

1st - Wednesday 13th August = 95.12%

2nd - Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th August = 95%

3rd - Friday 15th August = 94.44%

4th - Thursday 14th August = 91.67%

5th - Saturday 9th August = 90%

6th - Sunday 10th August = 70.83%

Worst Days For Links as a % (Possible)

1st - Sunday 10th August = 29.17%

2nd - Saturday 9th August = 10%

3rd - Thursday 14th August = 8.33%

4th - Friday 15th August = 5.56%

5th - Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th August = 5%

6th - Wednesday 13th August = 4.88%

Over the course of the week BBC1 actually broadcast 247 programmes. Of these 201were linked. This equates to an actual weekly % of 81.38% of programmes being linked.

This leaves over the course of the week 46 programmes not being linked. This equates to 18.62% of programmes not being linked.

Had BBC1 of linked all those News and Sport  programmes, then over the course of the week a possible 226 programmes would have been linked. This would have equated to 91.49% of programmes being linked.

This would then of left 21 programmes unable to be linked, which would have equated to 8.50%.

So there we are, all in all a great improvement from BBC1. Not wishing to keep looking back, however to put their achievements into perspective. In July when the first analysis was carried out the BBC were only averaging 56.47% of their programmes being linked. This is now compared to 81.38%. Should BBC1 actually sort out the odd omission, then their % could have been 91.49%, compared to 90.58% back in July. These figures are important as what it tells us is, BBC1 have actually improved their Series Link service by 24.91%. Well done BBC1. Right, now where's that Regional News Series Link controller...

This site uses frames. Click here if you don't see directory buttons on left.

Copyright © 2003 plusworld.co.uk All Rights Reserved.