Pages from Ceefax

[Stephen Coates]

I just started watching Pages from Ceefax on our Freeview receiver and wondered if it was on iPlayer.

I went to the BBC 2 page on iPlayer and it said 'ON NOW: Fimbles, 6:00am - 6:20am' even though it was 4:20.

I put the streaming version of BBC2 on, and I was surprised to see that the BBC broadcast the Pages from Ceefax programme on iPlayer. Although the programme's name is not mentioned.

Also, the Ceefax page shown in the screenshot is one which is well over due .

[Harrison]

But the question is... why do they bother to broadcast Ceefax/teletext pages at all any longer? Most people now have freeview which supports digital teletext and that is far better than the old Teletext system.

However, I will say that the Acorn developed BBC Teletext system was an impressive invention at the time, utilising the spare lines in each frame of a broadcast to send extra data. It has to still be one of the most efficient uses of a transmission signal to carry extra data, piggy backed on the main purpose for the signal.

[Stephen Coates]

I suppose its either Pages from Ceefax or an extended simulcast of BBC News 24.

[Harrison]

They could use the free air time to repeat programs from the week, for anyone who missed them. Would be a better use of the program gap. Thinks like Doctor Who, Doctors or Eastenders.

[Stephen Coates]

But things are sometimes repeated anyway, sometimes with sign language.

Anyway, who would possibly need repeats when we are in the 21st Century and have iPlayer?

[Harrison]

Those of us who hate watching TV programs on a computer?

[J T]

They could use the free air time to repeat programs from the week, for anyone who missed them. Would be a better use of the program gap. Thinks like Doctor Who, Doctors or Eastenders.

Is there any sort of issue with repeat rights/fees here? I'm not sure repeating things is actually *free* is it? Or is it? Genuine question.

[Harrison]

Surely if the BBC made the program, such as Doctor Who, then they don't have to pay any additional fees/rights?

[J T]

Don't the actors get paid for repeat appearances though? Contracts may vary, obv, but I'm sure I've heard they do (or at least, did).

[Harrison]

I think it depends on the contract. I think for many its a one off fee, otherwise the BBC could have trouble continuing to farm their old shows out to the many vintage/gold TV channels.

Personally, if I were suddenly the star of something like Dr Who I would make sure I got royalties on every episode shown.