DOCSLIB.ORG

Convergent Television and 'Audience Participation': the Early Days Of

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Convergent Television and 'Audience Participation': the Early Days Of Repositorium für die Medienwissenschaft Vivi Theodoropoulou Convergent Television and ‘Audience Participation’: The Early Days of Interactive Digital Television in the UK 2014-12-24 https://doi.org/10.25969/mediarep/14109 Veröffentlichungsversion / published version Zeitschriftenartikel / journal article Empfohlene Zitierung / Suggested Citation: Theodoropoulou, Vivi: Convergent Television and ‘Audience Participation’: The Early Days of Interactive Digital Television in the UK. In: VIEW Journal of European Television History and Culture, Jg. 3 (2014-12-24), Nr. 6, S. 69– 77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25969/mediarep/14109. Erstmalig hier erschienen / Initial publication here: https://doi.org/10.18146/2213-0969.2014.jethc071 Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Dieser Text wird unter einer Creative Commons - This document is made available under a creative commons - Namensnennung - Weitergabe unter gleichen Bedingungen 4.0 Attribution - Share Alike 4.0 License. For more information see: Lizenz zur Verfügung gestellt. Nähere Auskünfte zu dieser Lizenz http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 finden Sie hier: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 volume 03 issue 06/2014 CONVERGENT TELEVISION AND ‘ AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION’ THE EARLY DAYS OF INTERACTIVE DIGITAL TELEVISION IN THE UK Vivi Theodoropoulou Department of Communication & Internet Studies Cyprus University of Technology, 94 Anexartisias Str., 3603 Limassol, Cyprus [email protected] Abstract: The paper focuses on the introduction of interactive digital television (DTV) in the UK at the turn of the millennium, and its take-up and use by early audiences. It discusses whether the processes of television technological convergence went together with ‘consumer behaviour convergence,’1 enhanced audience engagement with the interactive TV services offered, and participation. Based on findings from a UK-wide survey and in-depth interviews with early Sky digital subscribers conducted during the early days of the service, the article shows that early interactive DTV was taken up because of its multichannel offering and thematic orientation and, interestingly, was approached and appreciated mostly as a television content provider. It thus notes a divergence on industry’s attempts to promote convergence in broadcasting and on the level and pace with which users adopt and adapt to such change. In so doing it highlights the evolutionary nature and slow rate of change of cultural habits and forms. Keywords: Interactivity, use habits, customisation and individualisation of viewing, complementarity, TV programmes, screen entertainment medium 1 Convergent DTV: Early Assets and Affordances 1.1 Digital UK In the late 90s and early years of 2000s, DTV was introduced in the UK given the planned switch-off of analogue television and Europe-wide policies for a total transition to digital broadcasting.2 It was also launched as an attempt to 1 See: Horst Stipp, ‘Convergence now?’, The International Journal of Media Management, 1, 1, 1999, 10–13, p. 11 2 In the early years of the digital switchover, the UK was one of the leaders of the EU transition to digital broadcasting in terms of the high adoption rates, the existence of different platforms (satellite, cable, terrestrial), the launch of interactive services and the launch of Freeview (in 2002) as the subscription-free national terrestrial platform that would allow switchover completion. Despite setting the pace, the commitment to a voluntary transition meant that, in the end, the UK took quite some time to fully switch to digital (in 2012) as other countries took over (such as the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and others) see: Michael Starks, Switching to Digital Television: UK Public Policy and the Market, Intellect, 2007. For a more in-depth analysis of the EU DTV transition and history, one needs to look at EU countries individually -and perform a comparative analysis- given the cultural, political and technological/broadcasting particularities of each and since, despite the common EU goal towards DTV, each country set its own transition plan and policy. See, for example: Michael Starks, 2007; Wendy Van den Broeck and Jo Pierson, eds, Digital Television in Europe, Brussels, Vubpress, 2008; Petros Iosifidis ‘Digital Switchover in Europe’, The International Communication Gazette, 68, 3, 2006, 249–258. 69 Vivi Theodoropoulou, CONVERGENT TELEVISION AND ‘AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION’ converge the functions of television with those of the computer, and to potentially bridge digital divides and offer internet-like services and access across the population. In the early days of DTV services, the UK was considered the most developed market in the world. In late 1998 it was the first country with both a satellite and a terrestrial digital broadcasting service, as BSkyB launched Sky digital, the satellite service, in October 1998 and ONdigital launched the world’s first digital terrestrial service in November of the same year.3 With cable operators Telewest and NTL launching their digital services in 1999, DTV in the UK became available on a subscription basis on all three platforms. By the end of 2001, the UK was recording the fastest DTV penetration in the world with an overall take-up of 37%.4 But, what was new about this new medium and how did audiences react to it through use? This paper attempts to answer such questions based on a multiple method research -so as to achieve both breadth and depth of responses- conducted with Sky digital early adopters between late 2000 and 2002.5 In particular, a UK-wide postal survey using a simple random sample of 1986 early Sky digital subscribers was conducted and achieved a response rate of 35.25%. This was complemented by 15 in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of the original survey sample.6 1.2 Digital Satellite TV Digital satellite television that this paper focuses on, offered an unprecedented choice of television channels of digital quality image and sound, along with the public service broadcasting channels, bundled in a variety of channel packages (and prices) from which the subscriber could choose.7 Pay-per-view (PPV) and (near) video-on-demand services enabling users to record/retrieve television programmes and watch them at a time convenient to them, radio channels, enhanced or ‘contextual’ interactive features within the television programmes, and the on-line or ‘non-contextual’ interactive services of ‘Open….,’ launched in October 1999, were also available. The ‘Open….’ platform allowed access to shopping, banking, e-mails, electronic games and other interactive elements.8 The term non-contextual9 is used to describe such services because, as opposed to the contextual interactive programmes/features which did not interrupt TV viewing, these operated outside the TV flow and context, and their use was taking place in a ‘new environment’ resembling an unsophisticated web interface. In the early days, these online internet-like services accessed on television were a novel feature indeed. Yet, compared to the internet they were rather slow to download and use, and the technology, graphic design and choice available could be described as rather basic and limited. Enhanced contextual interactive services could be accessed by pressing the red button on the remote control. At the time, such services were Sky Sports Active (SSA), allowing access to match statistics, replays and highlights as well as alternative camera angles in football and other sports games and events, and Sky News Active (SNA) providing background and updated information on certain key news items, weather news etc. These features are still accessible and while using them the viewer can still watch the TV programme on a smaller ‘window.’ Numerous multi-stream enhanced interactive services attached to programmes have been developed through the years, turning television into participation television and allowing viewers to vote or participate in quizzes, communicate with the programme producers, find background information on the programme and use camera angles of their choice. These features are always thematically related to the programme watched and may have an entertainment or informative character depending on the nature of the television show they are linked to.10 From its early days 3 For more details see: William Cooper and Mark Springett, ‘DTV in the United Kingdom’ in Wendy Van den Broeck and Jo Pierson, eds, Digital Television in Europe, Vubpress, 2008, pp. 221–231. 4 Independent Television Commission, ‘Progress toward Digital Switchover – An ITC Consultation’, October 2002. 5 For more details see: Vivi Theodoropoulou, ‘The Introduction of Digital Television in the UK: A Study of its Early Audience’, PhD thesis, the London School of Economics and Political Science, London, 2012 6 In the interview quotes form this research that follow, the gender initial (Male or Female) and age of the interviewee is used as an identification mark. 7 The subscriber could select from a variety of channels focusing on general entertainment or single-genre (thematic) channels such as movie, sports, news, documentaries, music, children’s channels as well as adult channels and specialist channels. 8 To use this service, the digibox had to be connected to the telephone line. In May 2001 the service was shut and only few of its features were integrated in Sky Active, the newly found service that incorporated all of Sky digital’s functioning interactive features. 9 See: Vivi Theodoropoulou, ‘Consumer convergence: digital television and
Load more

Recommended publications
  • British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc Annual Report 2009 U07039 1010 P1-2:BSKYB 7/8/09 22:08 Page 1 Bleed: 2.647 Mm Scale: 100%
    British Sky Broadcasting Group plc Annual Report 2009 U07039 1010 p1-2:BSKYB 7/8/09 22:08 Page 1 Bleed: 2.647mm Scale: 100% Table of contents Chairman’s statement 3 Directors’ report – review of the business Chief Executive Officer’s statement 4 Our performance 6 The business, its objectives and its strategy 8 Corporate responsibility 23 People 25 Principal risks and uncertainties 27 Government regulation 30 Directors’ report – financial review Introduction 39 Financial and operating review 40 Property 49 Directors’ report – governance Board of Directors and senior management 50 Corporate governance report 52 Report on Directors’ remuneration 58 Other governance and statutory disclosures 67 Consolidated financial statements Statement of Directors’ responsibility 69 Auditors’ report 70 Consolidated financial statements 71 Group financial record 119 Shareholder information 121 Glossary of terms 130 Form 20-F cross reference guide 132 This constitutes the Annual Report of British Sky Broadcasting Group plc (the ‘‘Company’’) in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘‘IFRS’’) and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS and is dated 29 July 2009. This document also contains information set out within the Company’s Annual Report to be filed on Form 20-F in accordance with the requirements of the United States (“US”) Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). However, this information may be updated or supplemented at the time of filing of that document with the SEC or later amended if necessary. This Annual Report makes references to various Company websites. The information on our websites shall not be deemed to be part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report.
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome to Sky+
    WELCOME TO SKY+ This is your guide to using Sky+, giving you the essentials as well as handy tips. Read on and get ready - Sky+ could change the way you watch TV, forever. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO? Get started page 9 Enjoy the freedom of Sky Anytime on TV page 38 See what’s on page 14 Order Box Offi ce programmes page 43 Use your Planner page 20 Have more control over kids’ viewing page 45 Record programmes page 23 Watch your favourite channels page 50 Pause and rewind live TV page 30 Go interactive page 52 Play recordings page 32 Troubleshooting page 65 RECORDING WITH SKY+ 23 FULL CONTENTS Recording without interrupting what you’re watching 23 Recording from TV Guide or Box Offi ce listings 23 FOR YOUR SAFETY 4 Recording from anywhere you go 23 Electrical information 5 Recording an entire series 23 Recording a promoted programme 24 BACK TO BASICS 6 When recordings clash 24 About your Sky+ box 6 Avoiding recordings from being deleted 25 Keeping you up-to-date 6 PIN-protecting kept recordings 25 Features available with your Sky+ subscription 7 Cancelling current and future recordings 26 Your viewing card 7 Deleting existing recordings 26 Your Sky+ remote control and your TV 8 Keeping an eye on available disk space 27 GETTING STARTED 9 Disk space warning 27 Turning your Sky+ box on and off 9 Recording radio channels 28 Changing the volume 9 Adding to the start and end of recordings 29 Changing channels 10 PAUSING AND REWINDING LIVE TV 30 Using the Search & Scan banner 11 Saving after pausing or rewinding 31 TAKING CONTROL 12 Changing how far
    [Show full text]
  • Yearbook 2018/2019 Key Trends
    YEARBOOK 2018/2019 KEY TRENDS TELEVISION, CINEMA, VIDEO AND ON-DEMAND AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES - THE PAN-EUROPEAN PICTURE → Director of publication Susanne Nikoltchev, Executive Director → Editorial supervision Gilles Fontaine, Head of Department for Market Information → Authors Francisco Javier Cabrera Blázquez, Maja Cappello, Léa Chochon, Laura Ene, Gilles Fontaine, Christian Grece, Marta Jiménez Pumares, Martin Kanzler, Ismail Rabie, Agnes Schneeberger, Patrizia Simone, Julio Talavera, Sophie Valais → Coordination Valérie Haessig → Special thanks to the following for their contribution to the Yearbook Ampere Analysis, Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing (BvD), European Broadcasting Union - Media Intelligence Service (EBU-M.I.S.), EPRA, EURODATA-TV, IHS, LyngSat, WARC, and the members of the EFARN and the EPRA networks. → Proofreading Anthony Mills → Layout Big Family → Press and public relations Alison Hindhaugh, [email protected] → Publisher European Audiovisual Observatory 76 Allée de la Robertsau, 67000 Strasbourg, France www.obs.coe.int If you wish to reproduce tables or graphs contained in this publication please contact the European Audiovisual Observatory for prior approval. Please note that the European Audiovisual Observatory can only authorise reproduction of tables or graphs sourced as “European Audiovisual Observatory”. All other entries may only be reproduced with the consent of the original source. Opinions expressed in this publication are personal and do not necessarily represent the view of the Observatory, its members or of the Council of Europe. © European Audiovisual Observatory (Council of Europe), Strasbourg 2019 YEARBOOK 2018/2019 KEY TRENDS TELEVISION, CINEMA, VIDEO AND ON-DEMAND AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES - THE PAN-EUROPEAN PICTURE 4 YEARBOOK 2018/1019 – KEY TRENDS TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION 0 A transversal look at the US and European audiovisual markets .
    [Show full text]
  • Sky±HD User Guide
    Sky±HD User Guide Welcome to our handy guide designed to help you get the most from your Sky±HD box. Whether you need to make sure you’re set up correctly, or simply want to learn more about all the great things your box can do, all the information you need is right here in one place. The information in this user guide applies only to Sky±HD boxes with built-in Wi-Fi®, which can be identified by checking whether there is a WPS button on the front panel (DRX890W and DRX895W models). Welcome to your new Sky±HD box An amazing piece of kit that offers you: • All the functionality • Easy access to On • A choice of over 50 HD • Up to 60 hours of of Sky± Demand with built-in channels, depending HD storage on your Wi-Fi® connectivity on your Sky TV Sky±HD box or up subscription to 350 hours of HD storage if you have a Sky±HD 2TB box Follow this guide to find out more about your Sky±HD box* * All references to the Sky±HD box also apply to the Sky±HD 2TB box, and the product images in this user guide reflect the Sky±HD box. If you have a Sky±HD 2TB box then it will look slightly different but the functionality is the same. Contents Overview page 4 Enjoying Sky Box Office entertainment page 57 Let’s get started page 9 Other services page 61 Watching the TV you love page 18 Get the most from Sky±HD page 64 Pausing and rewinding live TV page 28 Your Sky±HD box connections page 86 Recording with Sky± page 30 Green stuff page 91 Setting reminders for programmes page 41 For your safety page 95 Using your Planner page 42 Troubleshooting page 98 TV On Demand
    [Show full text]
  • United States District Court District of South Carolina (Columbia Division)
    3:17-cv-02616-MBS Date Filed 04/23/20 Entry Number 229 Page 1 of 57 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA (COLUMBIA DIVISION) In re SCANA Corporation Securities Civil Action No. 3:17-CV-2616-MBS Litigation JOINT DECLARATION OF JOHN C. BROWNE AND JAMES W. JOHNSON IN SUPPORT OF (I) LEAD PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR FINAL APPROVAL OF CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT AND PLAN OF ALLOCATION; AND (II) LEAD COUNSEL’S MOTION FOR AN AWARD OF ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND PAYMENT OF LITIGATION EXPENSES 3:17-cv-02616-MBS Date Filed 04/23/20 Entry Number 229 Page 2 of 57 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TABLE OF EXHIBITS TO DECLARATION.............................................................................. iii I. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 II. PROSECUTION OF THE ACTION .................................................................................. 6 A. Factual Background of the Claims .......................................................................... 6 B. Filing of the Initial Complaint and Appointment of Lead Plaintiffs and Lead Counsel .......................................................................................................... 8 C. Lead Counsel’s Investigation and the Consolidated Class Action Complaint ................................................................................................................ 9 D. Continued Informal Discovery Following Filing of Complaint ........................... 11 E. Defendants’ Motions to
    [Show full text]
  • Pay TV Market Overview Annex 8 to Pay TV Market Investigation Consultation
    Pay TV market overview Annex 8 to pay TV market investigation consultation Publication date: 18 December 2007 Annex 8 to pay TV market investigation consultation - pay TV market overview Contents Section Page 1 Introduction 1 2 History of multi-channel television in the UK 2 3 Television offerings available in the UK 22 4 Technology overview 60 Annex 8 to pay TV market investigation consultation - pay TV market overview Section 1 1 Introduction 1.1 The aim of this annex is to provide an overview of the digital TV services available to UK consumers, with the main focus on pay TV services. 1.2 Section 2 describes the UK pay TV landscape, including the current environment and its historical development. It also sets out the supply chain and revenue flows in the chain. 1.3 Section 3 sets out detailed information about the main retail services provided over the UK’s TV platforms. This part examines each platform / retail provider in a similar way and includes information on: • platform coverage and geographical limitations; • subscription numbers (if publicly available) by platform and TV package; • the carriage of TV channels owned by the platform operators and rival platforms; • the availability of video on demand (VoD), digital video recorder (DVR), high definition (HD) and interactive services; • the availability of other communications services such as broadband, fixed line and mobile telephony services. 1.4 Section 4 provides an overview of relevant technologies and likely future developments. 1 Annex 8 to pay TV market investigation consultation - pay TV market overview Section 2 2 History of multi-channel television in the UK Introduction 2.1 Television in the UK is distributed using four main distribution technologies, through which a number of companies provide free-to-air (FTA) and pay TV services to consumers: • Terrestrial television is distributed in both analogue and digital formats.
    [Show full text]
  • Trade Marks Inter Parte Decision,O/161/05
    O-161-05 TRADE MARKS ACT 1994 and THE TRADE MARKS (INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION) ORDER 1996 IN THE MATTER OF APPLICATION NO 780297 IN THE NAME OF INFOGRAMES EUROPE AND IN THE MATTER OF OPPOSITION THERETO UNDER NO. 70943 IN THE NAME OF BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING LIMITED Trade marks Act 1994 and The Trade Marks (International Registration) Order 1996 IN THE MATTER OF Application No 780297 in the name of Infogrames Europe And IN THE MATTER OF Opposition thereto under No. 70943 in the name of British Sky Broadcasting Limited Background 1. On 13 June 2002, Infograves Europe sought under the Madrid Protocol to extend protection for their registered trade mark SKYSTORM to the United Kingdom. The designation claimed priority under the International Convention dating from 8 November 2001. The designation is for the following specifications of goods: Class 09: Apparatus for recording, transmitting, receiving, reproducing and processing sound or images; magnetic, optical, digital and electronic recording media; magnetic, optical and digital discs; computer memory units; printed circuits; computers; computer peripheral equipment namely monitors, keyboards, computer mice, control consoles and levers, digital, optical and magnetic disk and diskette drives, digitizers, printers, modems; telephony apparatus, telecommunication installations and facsimile machines; recorded computer programs; computer-gaming software; electronic game consoles; magnetic, optical and digital media for computer programs; appliances for games intended for television use; coin-operated amusement machines; video games. Class 28: Games, appliances for electronic games other than those intended for television use only; automatic games other than coin-operated and those adapted for use with television receivers only; toys. 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Customer Service Briefing
    NEWS RELEASE 10 JANUARY 2006 SKY BRINGS LEGAL MOVIE DOWNLOADS TO MILLIONS OF SKY DIGITAL VIEWERS • SKY BY BROADBAND offers legal movie downloads and sports highlights on the PC • SKY BY MOBILE offers sports, news and entertainment on mobile phones • Available now to millions of Sky digital viewers at no extra charge Sky takes a significant step in its drive to offer customers more choice in how they watch television with the launch today of new ways to enjoy Sky content on computers and mobile phones. Two new services – Sky by broadband and Sky by mobile – will give customers more flexibility than ever before about how, when and where to watch Sky TV. Users can download blockbuster or classic movies to enjoy when they want and access highlights of the weekend’s Barclays Premiership matches on their PC with Sky by broadband, or catch up with the latest news on the move with Sky by mobile. The new services are designed to increase the value and enjoyment that customers get from joining Sky digital. From launch, Sky by broadband and Sky by mobile are available to millions of Sky digital viewers in the UK and Ireland as part of their existing subscription*. The Sky by broadband and Sky by mobile services come in response to growing evidence of consumers’ desire to take control of their TV viewing and to access media content in different ways. Broadband now accounts for 57.4% of all UK internet connections (source: National Statistics, September 2005) as consumers take advantage of faster connection speeds to watch video content or download music on their PC.
    [Show full text]
  • British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc Annual Report 2007
    British Sky Broadcasting Group plc Annual Report 2007 British Sky Broadcasting Group plc Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5QD, England Telephone 0870 240 3000 British Sky Broadcasting Group plc plc Group Broadcasting Sky British Overseas +44 20 7705 3000 Facsimile 0870 240 3060 www.sky.com Registered in England No.2247735 The cover of this report is printed on Era Silk which contains 50% recycled and de-inked pulp from post-consumer waste. The remaining 50% is made up of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Annual Report 2007 virgin fibre and pulp. The text of this report is printed on Revive 50:50 uncoated, a 50% recycled paper manufactured with 25% de-inked post consumer waste, 25% unprinted pre-consumer waste and 50% virgin fi bre. All pulps used Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and the manufacturing mill is accredited with the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management. The mill, merchant and printer are FSC accredited. Project: Final No: 000000 3B2 VERSION: 7 www.bowne.com Job/Filename: u52717_01.3d gcornell Time: 09:25:41 Date: 09/08/07 BL: 0 Trim: x Page: 1of49 -1397612683 0 Path: {Work_In_Progress} U5xxxx BOWNE/U527xxx/U52717 BskyB/ Black plate (1,1) Table of contents ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Chairman’s statement 2 .......................................
    [Show full text]
  • Annex 2: Methodology
    Small Screen: Big Debate – a five-year review of Public Service Broadcasting (2014- 2018) Annex 2: Methodology Publication date: 27 February 2020 Contents Section 1. Research survey methodology 1 2. TV output and spend analysis 3 3. TV and AV consumption analysis 9 4. Listening analysis: RAJAR 16 Annex 2: Methodology 1. Research survey methodology Technology Tracker The Technology Tracker is a quantitative face-to-face CAPI survey, measuring awareness, access, usage and attitudes towards fixed and mobile telecoms, internet, multi-channel TV, on-demand services, and radio/audio. The survey is conducted once a year (January-February) among UK adults, aged 16+ (c. 3,900 adults in 2019). The data are initially weighted to correct the over-representation of nations, regions and areas to produce a geographically representative sample. They are then weighted by age, gender, social class, working status, and region to match the known population profile. PSB Tracker The PSB Tracker is conducted using a mixed methodology with online and CAPI face-to-face data collection. The sample was split 50% online / 50% face-to-face. In 2019, a total of 3,130 interviews were conducted (2,188 in England; 313 in Scotland; 315 in Wales; 319 in Northern Ireland). There have been methodological changes over time. In 2014, the tracker was a telephone survey, between 2015 and 2017, it was a 75% online and 25% face-to-face approach and in 2018, the study moved to 50% online and 50% face-to-face. In 2018 and 2019, frequent occasional viewers (defined as those who say they are occasional viewers but watch PSB channels every day or most days) have also been included.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2012 Plc Group Broadcasting Sky British Annu a L Repo R T 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Business Review
    British Sky Broadcasting Group plc Annual Report 2012 British Sky Broadcasting Group plc ANNU A L REPO L R T T 2012 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Business review We want to be first choice for Financial review entertainment and communications. Governance Sky is a valued part of everyday life in more than 10 million Chairman’s statement 3 homes. We entertain, excite and inspire customers with a Directors’ report – Business review great choice of high-quality television in high definition. We Chief Executive make technology simple and put viewers in control. We Officer’s statement 4 connect people to each other and to the world with our Our business 8 broadband and phone services. Our performance 10 Because we never forget that Sky is a choice, we put Review of our business 12 customers first and work hard to earn their trust. We How we do business 19 Financial statements make our products affordable so millions can join in. Principal risks and uncertainties 28 And we back it all up with a commitment to exceptional Directors’ report – Financial and operating review 32 customer service. Directors’ report – Governance Seeing the bigger picture is part and parcel of the way Board of Directors 40 we do business. That’s why we’re committed to doing Corporate governance report 42 the right thing and playing our part in the communities Report on Directors’ where we live and work. remuneration 54 We strive to be the best for our customers and our Other governance and information Shareholder statutory disclosures 64 people, and to make a positive contribution to life in the Consolidated financial statements UK and Ireland.
    [Show full text]
  • Domestic Violence Has No Boundaries the Department of Homeland Security’S Se­ Curing the Cities (STC) Initiative
    LeGrand ol’ time, 3 Treasure hunt, 7 | Health & Fitness, 9 THURSDAY, FEB. 6, 2014 gmnews.com SentinelNorth Brunswick • South Brunswick Radiation from watches leads to safety concerns By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer adioactive emissions were found at a North Brunswick storage facility R where antique watches were stored during a routine patrol by police officers last week. The county and state Hazardous Materi­ als (HAZMAT) units confirmed the pres­ ence of radium-226 isotopes at a single storage unit on Carolier Lane on Feb. 1, ac­ cording to police. An investigation revealed that the stor­ age unit contained numerous antique watches that had dials painted with radiolu- minescent paint, which contained radium and allowed them to glow in the dark. The North Brunswick Police Depart­ ment, the New Jersey State Police and the FBI determined there was no connection to terrorism. By the afternoon of Feb. 2, HAZMAT SCOTT FRIEDMAN removed all hazardous material and opened Students from Judd Elementary School’s fourth- and fifth-grade chorus present “The Adventures of Annie' In North Brunswick on Jan. 29. the area to the public. Police said the mate­ rial recovered posed no immediate threat to the public. North Brunswick police participate in Domestic violence has no boundaries the Department of Homeland Security’s Se­ curing the Cities (STC) initiative. Many of­ By JESSICA D'AMICO domestic and sexual violence. chance, but he barely followed through. ficers have received training and equipment Staff Writer Men can also fall prey to such abuse, but A “honeymoon stage” is a common to detect and respond to radioactive and nu­ punch in the face marked the end of in much smaller numbers.
    [Show full text]