In a move that brings together the UK’s leading pay-TV provider with the UK’s leading free-to-air broadcaster, Sky and the BBC have agreed a new partnership that will see the two broadcasters collaborate across content and technology.
The standout of the move will see the BBC iPlayer app and connected red-button service launch on Sky Q, Sky’s next generation TV platform, enabling Sky customers to watch BBC programmes via the BBC iPlayer app, by pressing the red button when watching a BBC channel, or through Sky’s integrated catch-up service. Sky viewers have already been able to enjoy BBC content on-demand via an integrated catch-up service across Sky+ and Sky Q.
Sky customers will also have easier access to a host of BBC children’s content with popular shows from CBBC and CBeebies including The Dumping Ground, The Worst Witch and Topsy & Tim, set to be available as box-set series across the Kids section of Sky Q, including within the Kids Safe Mode which was launched by Sky earlier this year.
The BBC and Sky have also revealed that they are in early stage exploration to use PromoSmart, the Sky AdSmart-based targeting technology, to serve up more personalised promotional content to BBC viewers. Among other usages, this will allow 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.
“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,” commented Stephen van Rooyen, Sky CEO UK & Ireland. “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.”
“We’re thrilled that viewers who watch our programmes on Sky will now be able to enjoy the full BBC iPlayer experience,” added BBC group managing director Bob Shennan. “We’re also very much looking forward to experimenting with PromoSmart in the future. This agreement shows how the BBC and Sky can work together to give audiences the very best experience and support a strong UK media industry, and we look forward to continuing this relationship.”