Sky Sports Launches New Social Content
Sky and US cross-platform media network Whistle Sports have launched a new social media channel dedicated to creating original football content.
Operating under Sky’s ‘Soccer AM’ brand, the new channel will be accessible via multiple platforms in regions around the world, with its own YouTube channel and a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Vine. Content will include original programming, videos and posts.
The content produced will feature new faces such as England Women’s footballer Alex Scott as well as bringing together existing Sky Sports on-screen talent Adam Smith, from Soccer AM, and Laura Woods. There will be original programming, entertaining videos and posts covering football topics such as gaming, fantasy football, stats and skills
The launch marks the first collaboration since Sky invested $7m in Whistle Sports in October 2014.
David Gibbs, director of digital media at Sky Sports, said: “Whistle Sports has led the way in producing entertaining digital sports content in the US for some time now with hugely engaged audiences. The new Soccer AM channel on social media is going to do something very different to what football supporters are used to from Sky Sports.
“We will produce new types of content, with new presenters for new audiences. By combining our expertise and talent, we hope to produce something that will really excite young football fans.”
Whistle Sports CEO John West added: “Young millennial sports fans increasingly use social media to drive their engagement with live sports. Our community of compelling creators have grown to serve that need and engage a growing generation of global sports fans,” pointing out that Whistle Sports recently broke an aggregate 100m global fans and followers across social platforms.
“Sky make a perfect partner for our international expansion due to their commitment to innovation. This new brand, new content and new approach around the world’s most popular sport is a great new offering.”
