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BSkyB, Virgin reach carriage accord UK satcaster BSkyB and cable platform Virgin Media have reached an agreement in their long-running carriage dispute, which denied Virgin subscribers channels including Sky1.  The warring companies this afternoon announced two carriage deals. The first will see the return of Sky's basic channels to Virgin Media's cable television service, after 18 months of squabbling.From November 13, Virgin's 3.6 million cable TV subscribers will once again be able to watch Sky1, Sky2, Sky3, Sky News, Sky Sports News, Sky Arts 1, Sky Arts 2, Sky Real Lives and Sky Real Lives 2. The second deal covers the continued carriage of Virgin Media TV's basic channels, Living, Living 2, Bravo, Bravo 2, Trouble, Challenge and Virgin 1, as part of Sky's satellite channel line-up, which reaches nine million UK and Irish homes Both deals will run concurrently until 12 June 2011. The breakthrough in long and at times bitter negotiations will also see legal action between the two media firms brought to an end. BSkyB pulled a number of its basic channels off the Virgin platform in March last year, in a high-profile spat after the two sides failed to agree financial terms. The move meant Virgin Media subscribers lost hit shows such as 24 and Lost. Both sides criticised each other in poster campaigns, while Virgin began suing BSkyB over the matter, claiming that the satellite operator was abusing its position in the UK's pay-TV market. "We recognise the quality and popularity of Sky's channels and look forward to welcoming them back to Virgin Media's TV service," said Virgin CEO, Neil Berkett. "I believe this agreement represents a fair deal." Jeremy Darroch, Sky's CEO, added: "This is great news for Sky and Virgin Media customers alike. We want our channels to be enjoyed by as many people as possible." Virgin homes account for about 30% of the Sky channels' audience. Ed Waller 4 Nov 2008 © C21 Media 2008 
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