Sky and the BBC have reached agreement on a new partnership across content and technology, including the promo version of Sky’s AdSmart technology.
The latest version of the BBC iPlayer is now available in the Apps section of the Sky Q box. It takes first place, ahead of Netflix on the grid, though viewers will now need to sign in with a BBC ID.
As well from the Apps, viewers can now also access iPlayer from the Red Button on BBC channels, as well as the catch up section of the Sky Guide.
Another advantage is the ability to start a show from the beginning.
BBC children’s content will now also be added to the Kids section of Sky Q, including The Dumping Ground, The Worst Witch and Topsy & Tim, set to be available as box-set series
Stephen van Rooyen, CEO UK & Ireland, Sky, said: “We are pleased to be working with the BBC on such a broad-ranging partnership – it is a great example of how UK broadcasters can work together for the benefit of viewers and the industry. We are continuing to explore, together with the BBC, how it could use Sky’s innovative technology to help it better connect with licence-fee payers for the long term.”
The BBC and Sky are also in early stage exploration to use PromoSmart, powered by AdSmart Sky’s targeting technology, to serve up more personalised promotional content to BBC viewers. In practice, this will mean that viewers in different households could be shown different trailers for BBC content that are more relevant to their interests during the breaks between programmes when watching BBC channels live.
Bob Shennan, Group Managing Director, BBC, added: “We’re thrilled that viewers who watch our programmes on Sky will now be able to enjoy the full BBC iPlayer experience, and to access our full red-button service. We’re also very much looking forward to experimenting with PromoSmart in the future.
The broadcasters are also exploring a range of other partnership opportunities, including the availability of BBC Sounds on Sky and NOW TV platforms.
