Sky CEO slams switchover "ultimatum"

Sky is "uncomfortable" with Tessa Jowell's plans to switch off the analogue signal by 2012, network CEO James Murdoch has admitted.

The unlikely comments came during a session at the Cambridge Convention over the weekend just days after the culture secretary confirmed the timetable for shutdown, which begins with viewers in the Scottish border making the switch in 2008.

"We're uncomfortable with the element of compulsion in the whole programme," Murdoch told delegates. "Our view is that compulsory switch-over is something that presents issues for customers, not just the vulnerable but families and viewers around the country. It's an ultimatum. You take away the choice for someone to say, 'Actually, I don't want to give £150 for this'."

Meanwhile, BBC Director-General Mark Thompson said that the corporation, who will be responsible for funding switchover for "vulnerable" groups, hopes to have an idea on the costings for the aid within the next month.