Sky Go & TV Licence.

Capyboppy

There is lots of mentions of a Sky Go which I presume is connected with a paid for subscription. What about the normal Sky News app on a mobile? I take it I would be correct that it is the same?: even though not a paid for service, i would not be allowed to watch the ‘Live” news section? Only the catchup selection?  What about if travelling in a car or by public transport?

Cornucopia

Correct - you need a TV Licence to watch the Sky News TV channel on all devices, any location (within the UK) and using any receiving technology.

I've not seen the Sky News app, but if there are catch-up or standalone clips that play on request then they wouldn't need a Licence to view.

In practice, TV Licensing have said that they have no intention to enforce the Licence in public places.  Even so, the law still applies.

Gerry1

Cornucopia said:

Correct - you need a TV Licence to watch the Sky News TV channel on all devices, any location (within the UK) and using any receiving technology.

Not so.  The online version makes available the last twelve hours of output, so you can wind it back to the start of the previous programme and happily watch it quite legally without a licence.

For example, after 11pm you can replay the Press Preview which started at 10:35pm. And you don't have to endure adverts in the break !

Cornucopia

I would not recommend that.   

Accessing the live streaming version of a broadcast channel definitely requires a Licence, and rewinding it may or may not be a grey area, but I wouldn't like to rely upon it in Court.

pphillips

Cornucopia said:

I would not recommend that.   

Accessing the live streaming version of a broadcast channel definitely requires a Licence, and rewinding it may or may not be a grey area, but I wouldn't like to rely upon it in Court.

I can't really see what the legal difference is between a rewind of a live stream and catch up.
TV programmes can appear on catch up just minutes after the live broadcast has ended.

Cornucopia

Firstly, the law specifically says that live streams require a Licence.

Second, you will be viewing the live stream for a few seconds before/during rewind.   That requires a Licence.

This is my understanding and interpretation of the circumstances presented.     There has to be a boundary between lawful and unlawful, and my understanding is that this is where it lies.

Gerry1

Cornucopia said:

Firstly, the law specifically says that live streams require a Licence.
Second, you will be viewing the live stream for a few seconds before/during rewind.   That requires a Licence.

Can't agree with you there, I'm afraid.

• If I'm watching Sky News from half an hour, six or twelve hours ago - it clearly isn't live.

• TV Licensing says "Licensable activity does not include...  watching on demand programmes from other providers, such as: ITV Hub, All 4 or Demand 5, BT Vision, Virgin Media or Sky Go".
• Using desktop Vivaldi or Opera, I am presented with the static Sky News logo and have to click the 'Play' arrow before any content is shown.  I can then choose the start time, so no live content is shown.
  

Cornucopia

You're entitled to the contrary opinion.   

As a BG I have an obligation to give sound advice as I see it, especially where we are dealing with a legal requirement.