IIRC, media companies always had issues with new formats... They boycotted Cassette tapes when they came out, they boycotted VHS tapes when they came out.
And yes silk it was 'illegal' to record you stuff off the tv. I think they even tried to ban VHS recorders! (will they did in SA, at least thats what my parents told me)
And (with regards to tv shows) that they cant force people to sit through 20 minutes of adds for their 40 minute tv show. They feel the need to brand us pirates and evil people. LoL
Also, who watches Torchwood