A poll on Digital Spy's forums has shown overwhelming support for Virgin Media, following its announcement that Sky may pull its basic channels off the cable platform.

At the last count, of the 1325 who have voted, 79% say Virgin should "stick to their guns," and 21% believe Virgin should "cave in" to Sky's financial demands for the channels.

Meanwhile, a Sky spokesman told DS that it wants to reach an agreement with Virgin Media.

According to Sky, although unwilling to discuss the exact details of the deal they have offered Virgin, they denied that it is anything like the presented position of Virgin that the price is being doubled, adding that the company is “slightly miffed” at the way this has been presented by Virgin when as far as Sky is concerned they were still in active discussion with Virgin and very much hope to resolve this issue.

The spokesman said: “We have invested heavily in our basic channel line-up over the last few years and this has incurred a 70% increase in the attributable costs of providing the channels."

Sky feels it is "only fair" that the investment in content, offering channels not previously available on cable including Sky Three and Sky Arts, and its significant investment in HD be recognised in what Virgin Media pays for its basic channels.

DS understands that these have been on the table for discussion with Virgin Media. According to the Sky spokesperson “Sky have a very strong line-up of basic channels which have been heavily invested in and we hope Virgin will come back to the table to continue negotiations”.

Sky’s current agreement with Virgin Media ends at midnight on Wednesday. Sky says it "hopes that Virgin will pick up the phone and talk to them before Wednesday."