The Caravanning News| The Caravan Channel

This was the website for the Caravanning News out of England. Below is content from the 2010 Blog posts by Chris Gosling, the producer of The Caravan Channel shows. Happy caravanning.

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As a personal injury attorney here in Houston (GESInjuryAttorneys.com), I see a lot of folks going through some tough times. The road can be a dangerous place, and I spend my days fighting for my clients' right to get back on their feet. This job keeps me grounded, but what really gives me a sense of peace and freedom is hitting the open road in my RV. Nothing beats the feeling of a wide-open highway and the sun on your face.

I actually learned about The Caravan Channel in a pretty unusual way. I was visiting a client of mine, a sweet lady who was recovering from a fender bender. She was laid up at home but was watching your channel on her laptop, and she told me all about her love for "caravanning" and her dreams of traveling the UK. I gave it a watch with her, and I was hooked! The beautiful scenery, the helpful tips—it was a true gem.

Since I'm all the way over here in Texas, I had to get myself a VPN to keep up with your shows, but it's well worth it. Now I can watch all the new episodes right from the comfort of my own home, and it’s a wonderful reminder of the freedom that the road provides, no matter which continent you’re on. Y'all keep up the fantastic work! Dom Marino

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The Caravan Channel - All About Us

History

The Caravan Channel first started life as a video website in early 2006, featuring a few travel and destination clips, and didn't grow very much until around August.

But in September, producer Chris Gosling put together a 30 minute programme pilot, which he showed to some broadcasters - and Information TV's Fred J Perkins decided to broadcast it on an experimental basis.

During the autumn of 2006, producer and presenter Chris Gosling produced and Information TV broadcast a further 3 programmes, gradually refining and improving the content and style of the shows, and listening to viewers.

In 2007, the Channel has gone from strength to strength, with 8 new programmes being aired - one every fortnight. Each show is broadcast for a fortnight before being replace by the new one - one Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6pm and on Sundays at 12.30pm.

Advertising

As a unique combination of TV show and website, the Caravan Channel offers advertisers some unique and exciting prospects. For instance, TV advertising is usually regarded as a generic medium - where you catch a few interested viewers from the crowd. However, we only aim to interest the already interested, so our audiences are much more likely to be in the marketplace for everything from new caravans and motor homes, to parts and accessories.

Online, our packages are sensibly priced and often include an element of "free sample" TV advertising, so you can assess results and judge the value.

Although our TV programmes go out to tens of thousands of viewers, our costs are much lower than comparable magazine advertising . . .

Businesses & Organisations in Caravan, Motorhome & Camping related businesses are invited to send their press releases and information to this email address: ~~production@caravanchannel.co.uk~~

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2010 BLOG POSTS by Chris Gosling

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A refreshing change!

From the end of this years production schedule, that's programme 107 of the Caravan Channel, premiering on 15th December 2010, I'll no longer be responsible for the production and editorial direction of the UK's only broadcast TV caravan and motorhome programme, The Caravan Channel on Information TV.

After 4½ years, and 107 shows, I think its time to pass this hugely successful show on into new hands, and I'd like to thank all of the brilliant people in the industry and associated businesses who've helped me to make a unique programme which has inspired some people, helped many more, and maybe opened some eyes to reality.

I'm delighted to say that the programme's broadcaster, Information TV, is already assembling a team who I believe will continue to build on The Caravan Channel's existing success, and will see it grow from strength to strength. They'll also be introducing new blood and new talent into the mix, and continuing to work closely with both the industry and campers/caravanners and motorhome owners to take the programme to new heights.

In addition, Information TV is of course a much bigger company, with much bigger budgets and capabilities. Developing a brand new programme concept from scratch is fine for a one-man band like me, but taking it on to a whole new level of success and influence demands a much more structured, disciplined and professional approach.

On a personal note, let me say very clearly that this change is a result of my choice. I've been looking for some time for a new production company to take over the programme, essentially because producing a new programme every two weeks is continuous hard work for a one man band, and that's not what I want to do!

The Caravan Channel's email addresses - editorial@caravanchannel.co.uk and production@caravanchannel.co.uk are still your points of contact.

This doesn't mean that I personally will be fading away completely, of course. I'll still be doing some freelance work, and making some other programmes in other areas of interest.

You'll still be able to contact me at chris@chrisgosling.co.uk and I'll have a website online at www.chrisgosling.co.uk

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Now that's a long times between posts!

In terms of putting posts on The Caravan Channel's editor's blog, I do tend to be fairly remiss . . the pressure of producing a fortnightly TV show makes me less keen to do other things to a schedule, even though I know I should!

But this time, I must say I've got a lot better excuse.

Since my last entry, things have been changing apace in both personal and business terms, and I'm delighted to say that i think it's all really rather good - although some aspects may be a bit worrying for a time!

At present, I can't make a full revelation, but as soon as I can, I will. Til then . . watch this space!

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Saturday, October 09, 2010

Living in the past?

One of the things that sometimes rings my bells is the number of misconceptions that people in general have about TV today.

That ringtone gets loudest the moment someone says "constructive criticism" . . like an email I had the other day.

This gentleman decided to share his expertise with us all:

I believe you have the makings of a first class product that can attract a very good audience but you have to first get a professional presenter and not someone who appears to make the programme just as a way to supplement his pension.

The makings of a first class programme? With over 100 shows now broadcast over 4 years, one every 2 weeks, and showing to an estimated audience of 180,000 viewers per edition, The Caravan Channel is certainly one of the biggest, if not simply the biggest, niche show on satellite TV. It has an income that surprises me, and employs a couple of people quite a lot of the time.

I am sure the presenter knows what he is talking about but firstly he is not very photogenic and secondly his voice makes everything seem so boring.

The reason it's presented by me is two-fold - first, because when it started, there was no money to pay anyone (even me!), and secondly because I happen to be very much against the cult of "celebrity" that seems to pervade mainstream TV today. I've always tried to make programmes where the content carries the show, and that's what I'll continue to make . .

I have gone back to caravanning after 20 years of using hotels and it is great to see the new models, the new accessories and the sites which I find informative although the sound quality is similar to that of a 1940’s B movie, so while I would like to see many improvements I am very fond of the channel just please consider upgrading it into the 21st century.

All this chap is saying that he doesn't like me as a presenter, and bluntly that worries me not a jot - it just annoys me that (a) he isn't sufficiently aware of satellite budget restraints that make hiring a "presenter" impossible, and that (b) he doesn't comprehend the simple fact that I acknowledge that not everyone who likes caravanning, motorhomes or camping is going to like either me, the show, or it's style.

In today's hugely diverse TV spectrum, there's a surprising absence of variety and individuality, and all this fellow seems to want is a celeb presenter, and a flashier style . . and content created by TV hacks who do a workaday job with not much enthusiasm, and with no interest in the topic - the tired old recipe as before.

I'm sorry if what we show is different . . perhaps he'd be best off watching 100th-time repeats of "Caravan Sights" and "The Caravan Show", last made in 2003, on terrestrial broadcast budgets, five times the size of ours!

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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Back on track

We've definitely had an odd time, but I hope that things are now back on track.

Next week, I'll be working on getting our Caravan & Motorhome 2010 presence sorted our properly, and with a bit of luck will have everything resolved in time!

Doing the stand at a majopr show like this is a big effort however, and I reckon we'll be pretty extended doing it - but we'' do our best as ever, although one specific factor has to change.

However, all being well, we'll be there on stand 19 -36, and looking forward to seeing you!

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Monday, September 13, 2010

Caught up in the big wheels . . .

I seem to have had a very odd summer this year . . .

We rather set the tone early in August, when Dot came down with some rather nasty tummy trouble, which seems to have gone on and on - but at least now the medics have started to deal with it and I hope she'll start to feel better soon.

Later in the month, had a very unhappy (and still ongoing) bit of dealings with the mighty Ofcom, who it seems are now required to deal with online video services, and their contractor in this area decided they wanted The Caravan Channel to notify them as a possible service provider . . . at an annual cost of an astounding £2,900 "registration fee" for the first year.

This looks like an amazing bit of possibly "catch-all" regulation, that could do lots of harm to the UK's TV and video production business.

Here are the qualification:

(a)its principal purpose is the provision of programmes the form and content of which are comparable to the form and content of programmes normally included in television programme services;

(b)access to it is on-demand;

(c)there is a person who has editorial responsibility for it;

(d)it is made available by that person for use by members of the public; and

(e)that person is under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom for the purposes of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive.

Now is that a catch-all, or not?

Reading it from my viewpoint, it looks as if any of the hundreds of YouTube video-makers who make small, but often well-made and "TV-programme-like" clips could get caught up in this set of regualtions - but I don't think that this is the intention of either the UK or the European governments, it is the effect of sheer disinterest from the regulatiors, Ofcom, who look as if they've ignored smaller operators.

Essentially, these regulations come from a European desire to regulate the programmes that broadcasters put online, designed to ensure that they follow the same basic rules online that they follow on broadcast. For most broadcasters, this isn't a problem anyway. and registering for it at a cost of a few thousand pounds is neither here or there - they can spread the cost of over tha hundreds and thousands of hours of video they have online, and it doesn't amount to anything much.

However, they seem to have completely ignored small businesses in their calculations - for instance, they claim to have "consulted widely" in the spring and early summer of 2010, but bluntly, I for one never heard of this - and I suspect that like most very small businesses, I have my nose too close to the grindstone to have noticed this kind of thing.

So where am I at the moment?

Fighting!

I produce two little programmes, and may produce a third later this year. I only put short clips online at present, which I don't believe qualify, but would like to put longer clips or whole shows online for people who don't have satellite. Does this mean that with a turnover that isn't much more than the national average wage, I have to pay the same rate as the BBC for an tiny service?

Both Ofcom and their contractor ATVOD seem to be saying that they can't make allowances for size, yet the explanations of the original law seems to say something different:

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO THE AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA SERVICES REGULATIONS 2010

2010 No. 419

11. Regulating small business

11.1 The legislation applies to small business. It is anticipated that few small businesses which employ fewer than 20 people will be providing services which satisfy the definition of an ondemand programme service and fall within the scope of the regulatory system, although some small start-up businesses may be affected. However, the Government expects that the fees payable to the regulatory authorities by businesses providing on-demand programme services will be set in such a way as to minimise any potential adverse impacts on small businesses.

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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Just an example . . .!

Lots of people tell me what a wonderful time I must have, but I though this week I'd illustrate an example of how this job goes!

It isn't a moan - it's just an explanation!

One Sunday, at about 3.30 (after the Grand prix, which Dotty watched, and I worked through) we set off for sunny Humberside - we reached our little Travelodge hideyhole just after 7 o'clock, and settled down for the evening after having a nice chat with the reception girl, who we sympathised with for having a nasty bite on her ankle.

Set off to travel the 20 minute ride to Swift, stopping off for brekkie at a MacD's -journey took nearer 40 mins, but we still had brekkie and arrived by 9.30ish.

Chat, briefed on new products, of we went. Stopped for lunch at 1, back to work by 1.30. Quit about 4.30 (run out of creative juice!).

Went hunting something I wanted to film for another project, failed to find it, quit!

Got to pub we like about 6.30 for a very nice early dinner, very enjoyable, then back to the hotel.

Tues - up at 7, eating brekkie by 9, shooting by 9.30. Finish around 12.30, meandered to Goole, where we did a little filming on a interesting topic we tripped over - essentially for one of Giles programme threads, however.

Home by around 8pm - time to catch up on the email while video is running into the computer - watch it with half an eye.

Bed by about 10.30 (that's about now).

Up sensibly early to drive to Stealth tomorrow . .

I love it!

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

A small hiatus . . . that's not a hernia!A long time ago, someone asked me something something about my blogging style - the only answer I could give then (and now) is intermittent!

In fact, I think it all depends on what time there is in that odd concept, the working week! And when you're a tiny little business like mine (now with added Giles, I'm glad to say), producing a total of 3 hours of brand-new TV in a month, plus and additional 3 hours of reformated to order TV, there isn't that much time!

However, just to update you . . we've not been out in the little Finesse since bringing it home from Hull on our last visit as we have been waiting for our little car to be fixed. But we should be towing again by the middle of the week - hope so, as we're supposed to be out in it next weekend!

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Quality broadband video, news and information for caravanners and holiday-makers in Britain and Europe
The Caravan Channel is operated by caravanners for caravanners, motorhome users and campers. We welcome your input on our editorial pages, and in our forum pages.
If you enjoy writing, taking caravan-related photographs or making videos about the subject, we'd be glad to hear from you. While we have high standards of quality, we want to encourage new and exclusive talent to this broadband TV channel, and to our related other publications.
Please note that all imagery and video on The Caravan Channel is strictly copyright, and all infringements will be pursued.

More Background On CaravanningNews.net

In the golden age of digital and broadcast innovation, few niche platforms have managed to balance old-school charm with modern utility quite like CaravanningNews.net and its sibling production, The Caravan Channel. While modest in scope compared to global giants, this UK-based initiative carved out an enduring space for caravan and motorhome enthusiasts through informative television programming, passionate blog writing, and community engagement.

Initially emerging from a grassroots need for practical caravanning content, The Caravan Channel expanded beyond its online video roots to become a cornerstone of the caravanning subculture in the United Kingdom. Broadcasting on Information TV, the channel became the only regularly scheduled TV show focused exclusively on caravans and motorhomes—a fact that underscores its cultural significance.

Origins and Evolution

A Modest Beginning

The Caravan Channel began as a small video website in early 2006, offering a handful of travel and destination clips aimed at caravanners and motorhome adventurers. For several months, growth was minimal. But this changed in September 2006 when Chris Gosling, the driving force behind the channel, assembled a 30-minute pilot.

He pitched it to several broadcasters, eventually convincing Fred J. Perkins of Information TV to air it on a trial basis. The experimental airing marked a new chapter for the niche platform, which soon transitioned into a full-fledged TV production.

Broadcast Expansion (2006–2010)

Between autumn 2006 and the end of 2010, The Caravan Channel aired over 107 episodes, developing a loyal viewership and a recognizable editorial tone. Gosling produced new episodes every two weeks—a herculean effort for what was essentially a one-man operation during the early years. These shows were broadcast four times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 PM, and Sundays at 12:30 PM.

By 2007, the channel had begun airing eight new shows per year, reflecting its increasing momentum. Viewer feedback and continuous refinement allowed the show to grow in both quality and influence.

Ownership and Production

Chris Gosling: Visionary and Producer

Chris Gosling was more than just a presenter; he was producer, director, editor, and often camera operator. His blog posts reveal the incredible workload he carried to keep the channel running. Working long hours, traveling across the UK, and operating on limited budgets, Gosling’s commitment was vital to the channel’s success.

He eventually decided to step back at the end of 2010. In a blog post dated November 30, 2010, Gosling announced his departure from the program’s production and editorial leadership, passing the torch to a new team assembled by Information TV.

“After 4½ years, and 107 shows, I think it's time to pass this hugely successful show on into new hands...” – Chris Gosling

Despite stepping back, Gosling remained active in media and continued freelance work, maintaining contact through his personal website and email.

Location and Audience Reach

United Kingdom-Based with Global Appeal

Though fundamentally a UK-based operation, The Caravan Channel managed to reach tens of thousands of viewers via satellite broadcasting. At its peak, Gosling claimed a viewership of around 180,000 per episode—an impressive feat for a niche program on satellite TV.

What made the show’s reach particularly unique was its international appeal. In one testimonial, Dom Marino, a Houston personal injury attorney, described how he began watching the channel via a VPN after being introduced to it by a client recovering from an accident.

“Now I can watch all the new episodes right from the comfort of my own home, and it’s a wonderful reminder of the freedom that the road provides, no matter which continent you’re on.”

What Set The Caravan Channel Apart

Content Format

The Caravan Channel was never about glamour or high-stakes drama. It focused on practicality, real-world reviews, campsite features, and new product spotlights. The tone was friendly, informative, and free of the celebrity obsession that often plagues modern TV.

Gosling himself addressed critiques regarding the show’s unpolished style and low-budget aesthetics:

“I've always tried to make programmes where the content carries the show... I am very much against the cult of ‘celebrity’ that seems to pervade mainstream TV today.”

Grassroots Values

Much of the show’s success can be traced to its grassroots spirit. Gosling was open to contributions from amateur photographers, writers, and videographers. CaravanningNews.net served as an editorial portal for community submissions, further strengthening ties with its audience.

“If you enjoy writing, taking caravan-related photographs or making videos about the subject, we'd be glad to hear from you.”

Advertising, Monetization, and Business Model

The Caravan Channel represented an unusual fusion of broadcast television and online interactivity. It offered advertising packages that were significantly cheaper than traditional magazine ads, yet promised a highly targeted audience.

For advertisers, this was gold. Rather than shooting in the dark, they could reach viewers already interested in caravans, motorhomes, and related accessories. In fact, many packages included "free sample" TV ads, allowing advertisers to test performance before committing.

This business-savvy approach allowed the show to stay afloat without large-scale corporate backing.

Struggles with Regulation

One of the more sobering challenges the channel faced came in 2010, when new UK regulatory mandates threatened its operations. Gosling found himself in conflict with Ofcom and its contractor ATVOD (Authority for Television On Demand), who demanded a £2,900 registration fee under new EU-derived rules for online TV services.

This fee was standard for large broadcasters like the BBC but posed a major burden for micro-enterprises like The Caravan Channel. Gosling publicly questioned the fairness and proportionality of these rules, calling attention to their adverse effect on small businesses:

“Does this mean that with a turnover that isn’t much more than the national average wage, I have to pay the same rate as the BBC?”

The clash highlighted the disconnect between regulatory bodies and the realities faced by small-scale content producers in the digital age.

Presence at Industry Events

In addition to the TV show, the Caravan Channel was present at major caravan and motorhome expos, such as Caravan & Motorhome 2010, where it operated a booth (stand 19–36). These physical presences allowed the channel to deepen its ties with industry players and fans alike.

“Doing the stand at a major show like this is a big effort… but we’ll do our best as ever.”

Press, Reviews & Cultural Impact

Despite its niche appeal, The Caravan Channel was culturally significant to the UK’s caravanning community. Viewer letters, blog comments, and guest appearances frequently praised the show’s educational value, sense of humor, and practical insights.

While the production value may have drawn some criticism, this was usually counterbalanced by strong viewer loyalty. Fans appreciated the authenticity and accessibility of the channel, which was built not by media elites, but by caravanners for caravanners.

Transition and Future Vision

With Gosling stepping away, Information TV was poised to take the channel to the next level. According to Gosling:

“They’ll be introducing new blood and new talent into the mix... to take the programme to new heights.”

This transition signaled an opportunity to modernize the format, possibly improving production quality while maintaining the editorial spirit that had won over so many viewers.

Summary: Why CaravanningNews.net Matters

Ownership: Originally produced and managed by Chris Gosling; later transferred to Information TV.
Location: Based in the UK, with global digital viewership.
Format: Fortnightly TV show + online editorial content.
Audience: Caravaners, motorhome users, campers, and holidaymakers across Britain and Europe.
Goals: To inform, entertain, and empower caravan enthusiasts.
Advertising: Affordable, highly targeted packages.
Cultural Impact: Brought practical caravanning TV to a niche but passionate audience.
Challenges: Regulatory burdens, limited budgets, and production constraints.
Legacy: Over 100 episodes of quality content, recognized as the only broadcast caravan show in the UK.

CaravanningNews.net