Sky’s Director of Sky Arts and Entertainment, Phil Edgar-Jones, has been awarded an OBE for service to the Arts and Television in the 2023 New Year Honours List.
Edgar-Jones was appointed Director of Sky Arts in 2014, having joined Sky as Head of Entertainment in 2012. He is responsible for the output of Sky Arts, the only dedicated arts channel in the UK, broadcasting programmes celebrating music, theatre, dance, literature and visual art 24 hours a day.
With Managing Director of Content, Zai Bennett, Edgar-Jones was behind Sky Arts’ move to free-to-air broadcasting via Freeview.
“It’s a particular kind of honour to be recognised for doing something you love. I am privileged to be able to collaborate with incredible artist talents across the spectrum of the arts alongside our brilliant team at Sky,” said Edgar-Jones. “We are passionate about the power and importance of arts and culture, not just to enrich our lives, but also as an economic force. This award is the cherry on top of a very lovely cake.”
Stephen van Rooyen, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Sky UK & Europe added: “We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate Phil’s contribution, not just to broadcasting but to the UK arts industry. His work supporting artists and arts institutions throughout the pandemic was second to none. Through Sky Arts, he has created a legacy of must-watch programmes, enduring partnerships and creative initiatives which throw open the doors of the arts to everyone and ensure Sky remains at the forefront of the UK’s cultural economy.”
Phil has commissioned a wealth of successful arts programmes over the course of his tenure including Portrait Artist of the Year, The Prince’s Master Crafters and The Live Revival.
As Director of Entertainment, Phil also commissions much-loved series such as Rob & Romesh Vs, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and A League of Their Own.
