Sky Sports News Makes International Debut
As part of its international channels activity, BSkyB has entered into a multi-year agreement with Modern Times Group (MTG), parent company of European pay TV operator Viasat, that will see Sky Sports News HD and a selection of support programming and features distributed exclusively to sports fans in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
In the coming weeks, MTG will distribute Sky Sports News HD throughout parts of Europe – in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland – through its Viasat pay TV platform, as well as through its channel packages on third party cable TV platforms and IPTV networks. MTG will also add Sky Sports News HD to its Baltic platforms later in the year.
Sky Sports News HD already syndicates selected programming to other international broadcasters such as Fox Soccer in the USA, but this new agreement marks the first time that the entire Sky Sports News HD channel will be available on an international pay TV platform.
Covering a wide range of sports – including the Premier League, Football League, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1TM, golf and rugby union – Sky Sports News HD offers fans a 24 hours news service, 365 days a year.
This agreement builds on Sky’s growing international channels business that already sees Sky News reach millions of viewers across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
On top of carrying Sky Sports News HD as a standalone channel on its Viasat platform, MTG will also have the option to insert Sky Sport News HD content, including Formula 1TM pre-race programming, into its own wholly owned sports channels for up to three hours each day.
In addition, the agreement also enables MTG to exclusively broadcast a range of other premium Sky Sports content, including support programming and features such as Soccer AM and The F1 TM Show.
Rob Webster, commercial group director, BSkyB, said: ‘The demand for high quality sports news has never been greater and we’re delighted to be working with MTG to bring the full Sky Sports News channel to an international audience for the first time. For sports fans, there’s no better place for around-the-clock breaking news, expert commentary and interviews than Sky Sports News. We’re thrilled to be developing the channel’s distribution in Europe and are looking forward to sharing all of the action with MTG’s customers.’
Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, President and CEO of MTG, added: ‘This is fantastic news for sports fans who already enjoy our world class and market leading offering of local and international sports coverage. Subscribers to our platforms and channels will now have access to even more of the latest breaking news and expert views from the best known sports stars, personalities and commentators. Sports news is a global headline grabbing phenomenon, and Sky Sports is a strong brand that consistently delivers high quality content. It is great that our viewers will now have access in and out of their homes to even more of the very best sports entertainment.’
