Sky and BBC announce content and technology partnership

Sky and the BBC have agreed a new partnership that will see the two broadcasters collaborate across content and technology. As part of the deal, the BBC iPlayer app and connected red-button service launches today on Sky Q, while the BBC will exploit Sky’s PromoSmart personalisation technology.

Sky Q viewers have had access to iPlayer for catch-up services for some time, but this new collaboration will enable 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 customers will also have easier access to BBC children’s content, with appropriate box-set series across the Kids section of Sky Q, including within the Kids Safe Mode which was launched by Sky earlier this year.

"In practice, this could mean that viewers in different households could be shown different trailers for BBC content that are more relevant to their interests during the breaks between programmes..."

The broadcasters say they are also exploring a range of other partnership opportunities, including the availability of BBC Sounds on Sky and Now TV platforms.

The BBC and Sky say they are in early stage exploration to use PromoSmart, powered by AdSmart Sky’s targeting technology, which will be used to serve up personalised promotional content to BBC viewers. In practice, this could mean that 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,” says Stephen van Rooyen, CEO UK & Ireland. “It’s a great example of how UK broadcasters can work together for the benefit of viewers and the industry. 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.”

Bob Shennan, Group Managing Director, BBC, adds: “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.”