rrrick Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I've just learned that TCM will stop broadcasting in my home country, The Netherlands as of Jan. 1st 2014. That's sad. I've watched many, many classics on the channel, and although the last years became more and more frustrating because of the limited and erratic schedule, it's just a pity to see them go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaTodd Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 What do you think is behind it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorry_Driver Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 Het spijt me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dabb Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 I found this little bit on it On 1 July 2011 UPC Netherlands removed TCM from its line-up due to "a low appreciation of the channel by its customers." Turner Broadcasting Systems has confirmed it will cease the dedicated Dutch langauge feed of TCM at the end of the year. Following ?a strategic review? the broadcaster has decided to end TCM for The Netherlands and the Dutch speaking _for of_ (sic) Belgium. In September 2013 Turner Broadcasting Systems revealed it plans to close down the channel for the Benelux market. The end date is set on 1 January 2014. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorry_Driver Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 If it was removed from the lineup in 2011 by the Dutch, I wonder why TCM had to anything else. sounds like it was already gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dabb Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 UPC Netherlands is just one cable provider, evidently other providers hung onto it - until now, that is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geralddddd Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 The TCM in other countries is nothing like the TCM here. Not even close. If you think this TCM plays too many new movies, you should see the ones other countries have to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorry_Driver Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 Yep that makes sense. Isn't Benelux Virgin B.V the record co. the Rolling Stones is on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrrick Posted November 4, 2013 Author Share Posted November 4, 2013 I've been frustrated for years with TCM's European activities, subsidiaries, licensees, whatever you want to call them. I'm sure a lot has to do with territorial rights for which films can be broadcast where by whom, but frankly it resulted in quite a mess. It's a pity to see TCM Netherlands go, but frankly their offerings here were nowhere near the level of e.g. The UK, let alone the U.S. A very limited roster of films, with some films being shown up to 15 times a month, and others only 1 every 5 years. No documentaries, no editorial, nothing. The channel was basically treated as a bunch of old movies thrown on screen without any thought or any respect. In all honesty, the frustration goes two ways. There is hardly if at all something like film culture over here. The general public just does not seem to have any interest in cinema as an (historical) art form. So, even if flawed, TCM was basically the last flicker (pun intended) of classic movies being accessible over here. During the last couple of years I've tried to get in touch with someone, anyone, involved in the Dutch activitities to find out what their policy was, to maybe make suggestions for improving and most important of all for marketing their enormous potential to a wider audience. Ah well, it was (kind of) fun while it lasted... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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