Sky Ordered To Cut Sports Channel Costs
Sky has been told by the country’s media regulator Ofcom that it must cut the price it charges competitors for its sports channels by up to 23%.
The decision comes as part of the result of a three-year inquiry and Sky Sports 1 and 2 will now be offered for £10.63 a month – 23.4% less than at present.
If the two channels are sold together, Ofcom has set a price of £17.14 meaning a discount of 10.5% on current wholesale charges.
The decision could open up the possibility of cheaper access across the UK to Sky Sports, which offers Premier League and Champions League football.
Sky said it would appeal against the decision, arguing that it could decrease the quality and quantity of programming that it currently offers.
Governing bodies of various sports are also reportedly unhappy with the decision as they rely on lucrative TV rights deals.
The Premier League is reportedly ‘very disappointed’ with the decision and is set to look into Ofcom’s findings.
Sky has also been given permission to offer pay-TV services on Freeview, replacing Sky’s current free channels -meaning that 10m Freeview-only homes will have access to premium sport for the first time.
