Sky Vision secures TV3 output deal

UK-based distributor Sky Vision has scooped rival DRG and secured an exclusive programme representation deal with Ireland’s TV3.

This will see Sky’s distribution arm represent an initial 200 hours of TV3 shows, with another 150 hours of new programming to come between now and 2017.

DRG was the previous distributor, but the Sky deal comes into effect immediately.

TV3 has been making a concerted effort to boost its presence on the international market under former Channel 5 boss Jeff Ford, who said: “Sky is a major influential player in the industry so I’ve no doubt this partnership will pave the way for lucrative opportunities in new territories.”

Ford is set to move back to London to become general manager of Fox International Channels UK, with Lynda McQuaid appointed to replace him.

Sky Vision, meanwhile, has nearly doubled its catalogue hours since 2012 and has around 4,000 hours in total.

“Our ambition from day one has been to build and operate a business of quality programming and scale, representing the best producers in the business; both those that supply Sky channels and third-party companies,” said Sky Vision director of entertainment and factual Barnaby Shingleton.

“TV3 is renowned in the industry for its quality-led approach to generating exciting and commercially-relevant content.”