In a deal including for the first time carriage of the global media company’s direct-to-consumer streaming services, Sky and Discovery have agreed a new long-term, multi-faceted partnership across the UK and Ireland, Germany and Austria.
Under the terms of the new deal, Discovery’s portfolio of real-life entertainment channels, including Discovery Channel, will continue to be showcased across the Sky platforms in the UK, and on the Sky Deutschland platforms in Germany and Austria. The Discovery Channel will continue to be available on the NOW TV platform in the UK and Sky Ticket in Germany. The deal also includes linear channel distribution, video-on-demand, direct-to-consumer products and extension of the companies’ relationship regarding advertising.
However, for the first time, the multi-year deal also covers Discovery’s non-linear brands in the UK and Ireland. Sky will now be a distribution partner for Discovery’s existing direct-to-consumer streaming services such as MotorTrend, and new products from the future pipeline of Discovery's direct-to-consumer offerings.
Sky Q and Eurosport will also be working together to bring the best possible experience to customers across the UK and Ireland for the 2021 Olympics with UHD and HD pop up feeds dedicated to specific sports and events.
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. Reaching over 95% of the UK population, Sky Media represents all of Sky’s channels and also sells on behalf of a range of renowned broadcasters and channels including Channel 5, Viacom and Discovery.
Expressing pleasure with the new deal with Discovery, Stephen van Rooyen, chief executive officer, UK & Europe of Sky said that Sky customers across the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria could now enjoy what he said was ‘world-class’ factual programming. “Discovery can take you from the depths of the ocean out to deepest space, all from the comfort of your living room,” he added. “We bring together the best content from partners like Discovery, HBO and Showtime, add it to the best live sport in Europe, our award-winning Sky Originals and apps we love like Netflix.”
James Gibbons, EVP and GM, Discovery Networks UK, Ireland, ANZ added: "We are also delighted to extend the advertising partnership for our rapidly growing UK portfolio across linear TV and VOD, and welcome Sky as a key distribution partner for our streaming services in the UK & Ireland, as we forge ahead in the exciting world of direct-to-consumer.”