Bad boy Eminem raps for free

Channel 4 backs down on Reading Festival charges...

First published 21.8.2001 Channel 4 has pulled out of charging users for streaming video footage of this year's Reading Festival. The broadcaster originally hoped to make users of its E4.com website pay a premium to watch performers like Eminem, Fun Lovin' Criminals and Manic Street Preachers play at the rock festival. Channel 4 Interactive is known to be experimenting with micropayment and premium-rate ISP technology, and has been looking for the right vehicle to launch its charging strategy. According to Channel 4, it wants to prove it can successfully host a free event online before making the leap into charging. If successful, the broadcaster will almost certainly move to a paying model for the festival next year. Tickets for the Reading Festival have sold out, but web users will be able to watch four streams of live footage from 11am to 11pm this weekend.