Hearst Networks UK’s portfolio of factual entertainment channels, including Sky History, Sky History 2, Crime+Investigation, and Blaze will enjoy continued distribution across Sky and NOW in the UK and Ireland.
It follows an extension of the agreement between Hearst (the former A+E Networks) and Sky. The new deal includes linear channel distribution, video on demand, and an extension of the media sales relationship with Sky Media, Sky’s advertising arm. Sky Media will exclusively represent Hearst Networks’ advertising sales, including linear, video-on-demand, AdSmart, and sponsorship advertising.
Hearst Networks UK and Sky launched the co-branded channel Sky History in 2020. The History Channel’s name change to Sky History strengthened the partnership in the market and positioning alongside Sky’s wholly owned brands such as Sky Documentaries and Sky Comedy.
Sky History has the highest monthly reach of any pay-TV factual channel.
“We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Sky,” said Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director, UK & EMEA at Hearst Networks. “We value Sky’s continued investment in our brands, and we are excited to build on the outstanding success of Sky History while growing the prominence of Crime+Investigation on Sky.
Jon Simkin, MD Content Partnerships at Sky, added: “We’re thrilled to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Hearst Networks, continuing to sell their advertising and deliver their distinctive content to our customers.”
Hearst Networks UK is a joint venture between Hearst and Sky. Hearst Networks EMEA is comprised of four unique companies: Hearst Networks UK, a long-standing joint venture with Sky operating across the UK, Nordics, Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; Hearst Networks Germany, Hearst Networks Italia, and COSMO Spain, each of which is wholly owned by Hearst.
