RaptureTV are pulled from Sky Digital

Due to a still on-going legal dispute that has been raging for at least 6 months, Sky Digital have finally removed Rapture TV from channel number 193. A statement from RaptureTV reads as follows:

• “In September 2006, Rapture TV launched a complaint about BSkyB’s excessive EPG charges with UK TV regulator OFCOM. OFCOM has now determined that BSkyB’s charges are fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory. Having reviewed the determination, Rapture TV made it clear that it would be looking at lodging an appeal at the Competitions and Appeals Tribunal, as they feel much of the evidence submitted was not taking into account and/or was treated outside the scope.”

  “Rapture TV is looking forward to submitting their case to the Competitions and Appeals Tribunal and bringing in more evidence that OFCOM deemed to be out of the scope and expects an outcome that is in line with the evidence supplied.”

In September 2005, RaptureTV launched (to the delight of many anime fans) on Sky Digital with both Full Metal Alchemist and Wolf’s Rain included in its schedule. Since then the channel has also aired both Mezzo DSA and (currently) Excel Saga. Ultimately, their removal is a set back for the UK anime industry. Rapture fans can still tune in to the channel (it hasn’t stopped broadcasting), though it will require some manual fiddling with your Sky Digital set-up to do so.