Sky and BBC expand strategic partnership

The broadcasters said the renewal of their long-term strategic partnership would further showcase the BBC’s brands including iPlayer and audio service BBC Sounds on Sky’s TV products.

BBC director general Tim Davie said: “It’s essential that all audiences get the maximum value from the BBC – and this agreement will ensure millions of Sky customers around the UK have access to the diverse rich mix of programming across the BBC – whether that’s our live TV channels and radio networks or millions of hours of programming available when you want on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

“It’s also key that UK audiences hear and see stories and programmes that resonate with them and where they’re from, so I look forward to working with Sky to continue to support the UK creative economy to achieve that goal.”

The BBC and Sky said the deal re-enforces their joint support of the UK creative economy – with a common goal between both organisations to invest in high-quality programmes and news made in the UK for UK audiences. 

The deal builds on an agreement that was announced in November 2019, when the duo announce that BBC iPlayer would launch on Sky Q and that the BBC was to explore using Sky’s AdSmart tech for targeted trailers.

• Read more: Sky and BBC partner on tech and content

Recently, the broadcasters have shared sports broadcast rights, including both the Women’s Super League and matches from the new cricket format The Hundred.

Sky Executive VP and chief executive, UK & Europe, Stephen van Rooyen added: “We know our customers love the BBC’s distinctive range of world-class content, so we’re pleased we can integrate it more deeply and aggregate it seamlessly together with all the best apps and content from our other partners, all in one place on Sky Q.

“There’s a long history of collaboration between Sky and the BBC and both organisations play a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s cultural economy – I’m excited to see what more we can do together.”