Sky, BBC in tech tie-up

The Worst Witch

UK satcaster Sky and public broadcaster the BBC have joined forces in a partnership that will see the BBC iPlayer app and red button service available on pay TV service Sky Q.

The partnership will extend access to the BBC for Sky customers who can currently watch BBC content on demand using an integrated catch-up service across Sky+ and Sky Q.

The latest development will allow them to watch BBC programmes via the BBC iPlayer app. They can do so by pressing the red button when watching a BBC channel, or through Sky’s integrated catch-up service.

Sky customers will also have easier access to BBC children’s content with shows from CBBC and CBeebies including The Dumping Ground, The Worst Witch and Topsy & Tim available as box-set series across the Kids section of Sky Q.

Moving forward the broadcasters are looking to make BBC Sounds available on the Sky and Now TV platforms.

On the technology front, the broadcasters are working together to use PromoSmart, AdSmart Sky’s targeting technology which will allow the BBC to offer more personalised promotional content to viewers. That means when watching BBC channels live, viewers in different households could be shown different trailers for BBC content more relevant to their interests during the programme breaks.

“It is a great example of how UK broadcasters can work together for the benefit of viewers and the industry,” said Stephen van Rooyen, CEO Sky 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.”

Analyst Paolo Pescatore told C21: “A sign of the times is the best way to describe this latest tie-up. It builds upon Sky’s approach to aggregate a wide range of services and the BBC’s quest to break down the barriers to adoption of BBC services on other platforms. It’s a win for consumers.”