Sky and Discovery ink new multi-year carriage deal

Comcast-owned broadcaster Sky has signed a new carriage deal with Discovery across the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria.

The agreement includes linear channel distribution, video on demand, direct to consumer products, and extension of the advertising relationship.

It means that Discovery’s portfolio of channels, including Discovery Channel, will continue to be available across the Sky platforms in the UK, and on the Sky Deutschland platforms in Germany and Austria, as well as on Sky’s streaming services Now TV and Sky Ticket.

For the first time, the multi-year deal also covers Discovery’s non-linear brands in the UK and Ireland. Sky will be a distribution partner for Discovery’s existing direct-to-consumer streaming services such as MotorTrend, as well as any further new direct-to-consumer offerings from Discovery.

The deal was described as “long-term”, but the length of duration and any financial arrangements were not revealed.

Stephen van Rooyen, CEO, UK & Europe, Sky, said: “We’re pleased to have reached a new agreement with Discovery. Our customers across the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria can continue to enjoy their content, including their world-class factual programming.”

Kasia Kieli, president & MD Discovery EMEA, added: “Sky and Discovery have been working together for over 30 years to bring audiences the best in real-life entertainment. We are very pleased that our strategic relationship continues to grow, and our new multi-dimensional agreement means Sky customers can continue to enjoy our wide range of factual, sport, lifestyle and entertainment channels and programmes for years to come.”