Of course, the BBC take a big risk every time they OB live - they get little control over the mind programming they would normally insert into a
documentary, etc. Their reasoning sounds perfectly legit, it's exactly the kind of thing I'd expect of the BBC. Think of all those people without a TV
license that would be broadcast evidence for free!
That said, I do see this as just BBC protocol, not some big conspiracy - I'm sure if Channel 5 did Night Sky live with Brian Cox they would WANT them
to bring them such an exclusive. But Channel 5 is not the "staple piece" of British TV programming, so they have far less pressure than the BBC to
adhere to governmental obligations.
edit on 8-11-2012 by markymint because: Spellingz