Sky unveils entertainment-led Sky 1 revamp
July 17, 2017
By Colin Mann
In a week where the pay-TV operator has instigated a revamp of its premium sports channels, executives at Sky have revealed a commissioning strategy that will see Sky 1 feature what they describe as “new, ambitious and action-packed entertainment shows”.
At a Broadcasting Press Guild briefing in Sky’s west London HQ, Phil Edgar Jones, Head of Entertainment at Sky revealed three new Sky Original Productions set to debut on the channel this autumn and winter. Sing It (working title) the UK’s first authentic a capella singing contest, Revolution (working title), an extreme sport action-entertainment show that will pitch skateboarders, BMXers and skaters against one another, and Carmageddon (working title), an epic clash where pimped-up, battle-ready cars will face their judgement day.
According to Edgar Jones, Sky is making Sky 1 “even bigger, bolder and better,” with the three new productions. “They signify a new direction for the channel,” he added.
Adam Macdonald, Director of Sky 1 HD, confirmed that the productions were intended to be long-running, returning shows. “We can’t just do an occasional special,” he admitted. Zai Bennett, Director of Programmes for Sky UK, stressed that if Sky introduces a new show, “it has to be the best of its kind”.