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Fans Show Signs Of A Boycott Over BB3 Internet Charges

Over the past two weeks a growing number of Big Brother fans have been 'up in arms' over the possibility that Channel 4 may charge for the live 24-hour internet video streams this year.

Previously, the reasonably low-quality camera streams have been available free of charge, meaning home users and (much to the dismay of bosses around the country) office workers, have been able to watch Big Brother whenever and wherever.

It is not yet clear if there'll be enhanced 'higher-quality' Broadband internet content available this year, but it definitely seems that more people will have access to the TV channel E4 than was the case during Big Brother 2.

The digital channel, a sibling of Channel 4, broadcasts around 21 hours of Big Brother footage each day in high quality format. So, given the choice, if fans are required to stump-up some cash to watch 'round-the-clock coverage, many will be choosing to sit in their armchair rather than at their computers.

However, our recent polls have indicated that, out-of all the people without access to E4, almost 85% will refuse to pay for the internet coverage*. This potential boycott is due to many factors, a popular opinion being that Channel 4 already derive revenue from Sponsorship, TV advertising and the eviction telephone calls.

Many fans therefore think that for Channel 4 to charge, would be a step too far and our feeling is that when they say they won't pay, they mean it! Some fans, notably the army of students that the 'core young audience' show inevitably has, have complained that they literally cannot afford to pay.

Of course, no-one knows what the charges are likely to be yet, as Channel 4 have yet to make a conclusive announcement. However, given the general anger of the fans, a 'pay per minute' option is a definite no-go. If the men in suits insist on a compromise, the most acceptable one would probably be for a fee of say £5 a month or around £10 for the whole series. Even so, it could be a risky decision.

Expect an announcement from Channel 4 in the week leading up to the 24th of May.

*Our Home page Poll statistics on 19/5: Out of 604 people who had participated in the poll, 242 will have E4, 307 refused to pay, 37 would pay £5 a month, 6 would pay £15 a month, 4 would pay £30 a month, 8 would pay whatever it takes.

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