Sky and Discovery have agreed a new long-term agreement covering the UK and Ireland, Germany and Austria.
The Discovery portfolio of real-life entertainment channels, including Discovery Channel itself, will continue to be available on Sky platforms in the UK, while Discovery Channel will continue to be available on the NOW TV platform in the UK and Sky Ticket in Germany.
The deal includes linear channel distribution, video on demand, direct to consumer products, and extension of the advertising relationship.
For the first time, the multi-year deal also covers Discovery’s non-linear brands in the UK and Ireland. Sky will be a distribution partner for Discovery’s existing direct-to-consumer streaming services such as MotorTrend, and new products still to be announced.
Discovery’s Eurosport will work with Sky Q to bring the Olympics in the UHD and HD formats with pop up channels made available.
Stephen van Rooyen, Chief Executive Officer, UK & Europe, Sky said: “We’re pleased to have reached a new agreement with Discovery. Our customers across the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria can continue to enjoy their content, including their world-class factual programming.
As part of the expanded deal, Sky Media and Discovery renewed their advertising sales partnership in the UK and Ireland, whilst creating new opportunities for advertisers in VOD and via AdSmart.
“Sky and Discovery have been working together for over 30 years to bring audiences the best in real-life entertainment. We are very pleased that our strategic relationship continues to grow, and our new multi-dimensional agreement means Sky customers can continue to enjoy our wide range of factual, sport, lifestyle and entertainment channels and programmes for years to come,” said Kasia Kieli, President & MD Discovery EMEA.
This is a significant renewal for both sides. As has been seen from the many platforms where Discovery channels have been dropped for extensive periods Sky is a tough negotiator. But a contract with Sky puts the Discovery brands in many millions of homes and Sky has secured valuable new content for its Sky Q service.
