Virgin Media customers could lose ITV channels THIS WEEKEND
MILLIONS of telly fans with Virgin Media face being cut off from hit ITV channels this weekend due to a long-running dispute between the two companies.
In the event of a blackout, fans risk missing out on the final of hit ITV2 show Love Island on Monday as the channel along with ITV3 and ITV4 could be ditched from Virgin Media.
It would also mean that customers will lose programmes like Coronation Street, Emmerdale and The Only Way is Essex.
Virgin and ITV have been locked in a dispute over a range of issues including the carriage of ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 as well video-on-demand rights.
According to the Guardian, ITV has now written to Virgin Media warning that it could pull some of its hit ITV programmes as soon as this weekend if a deal cannot be reached.
Four separate sources confirmed to the paper that a letter containing an ultimatum was sent.
Virgin Media could lose ITV programmes - what are your rights?
MILLIONS of pay-TV customers face losing channels if an agreement cannot be reached between the two companies. Here's what you need to know:
If you're not happy with the loss of channels you can try to leave your contract with Virgin penalty-free to switch to another provider, as the ITV channels are also available on Sky.
ITV has also introduced their own paid service, ITV Hub +, and it allows people outside the UK to download any episodes. The premium subscription costs a mere £3.99 a month and added features include watching any programmes ad-free.
Once you've benchmarked the best deals, here's what you need to do:
- If you're in contract - Virgin Media removed all UKTV channels last week and we still don't know if customers will be able to cancel their contract penalty free as a result.
Virgin says customers should contact it to review their situation on an individual basis - so it's likely to be the same with ITV channels.
If you're unhappy with the changes and you do want to leave Virgin, or you want a reduction in price, call the company on 0345 454 1111 and explain how much you watch ITV channels and how important they are for you. It's also worth looking through the terms and conditions of your contracts and seeing what it says about reduction. - If you don't have a contract: If you don't have a contract, you can leave penalty-free at any time, giving 30 days notice.
A spokesperson for Virgin Media told the Sun Online: "We continue to have constructive discussions with ITV.
"All ITV channels remain live on Virgin TV and we have no intention of removing them."
Customers will be able to access ITV channels via Freeview, as long as they have a TV which was made after 2010.
For more information visit the Freeview website.
Last week, angry viewers slammed Virgin Media after it dropped popular channels like Dave and Gold
The TV giant lost the rights to broadcast UKTV channels after it failed to strike a new deal amid a row about fees.
More about TV
The dispute meant that millions of Virgin Media customers lost 10 channels from midnight on Saturday, including Drama, Really and Good Food.
Some customers are demanding a refund or a cut in bills to reflect the fact that they can no longer watch their favourite shows on the channels.
Earlier this year the telecoms watchdog found that Virgin Media had overcharged customers up to £240 for leaving their broadband, phone or television contract early.
Choosing a digital TV package is a minefield because there are so many choices. Read our guide to make sure you get the best service for you.
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