Sky, A+E Networks extend partnership
May 24, 2017
A+E Networks and Sky are extending and strengthening their long-term partnership by securing the distribution of A+E Networks’ portfolio of leading entertainment brands to Sky’s 22.4 million customers across the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany and Austria.
With A+E’s commitment to increased investment in local productions across its European markets, Sky’s customers can look forward to more of their favourites such as Ronnie O’Sullivan’s American Hustle and Britain’s Next Top Model in the UK; Mafia Queens in Italy; and History Hunters (Wigald & Fritz – Die Geschichtsjäger) in Germany. In addition, A+E Studios’ acclaimed re-imagining of iconic TV series Roots comes to HISTORY in the UK this summer, following its recent premieres on HISTORY in Italy and Germany.
Extending the partnership with A+E Networks ensures Sky continues to provide its customers with the best bought content to sit alongside Sky’s original productions. This pan-territory partnership encompasses A+E Networks’ six brands in Europe: HISTORY; Lifetime; Crime + Investigation; H2; A&E; and Blaze. Sky says that by treating partners’ brands and content as they would its own, it continues to be the partner of choice for channel providers.
The partnership also enables Sky customers to access A+E Network’s brands and content via non-linear platforms, including through Sky’s OTT service NOW TV in Italy, enhanced content offerings through Sky Go in the UK and Germany.
A+E Networks recently expanded its portfolio with the launch in March of entertainment brand Blaze in Italy, available exclusively on Sky Italia. This is only the second territory to launch Blaze since its global premier in the UK, where it launched as a free to air brand in September 2016.
“It’s great to have built on Sky’s decade-long relationship with A+E with this pan-European partnership,” declared Rob Webster, Group Director Partner Channels, Sky. “Customers across all of our regions continue to enjoy world-class content thanks to Sky’s partnerships with companies like A+E who trust us to treat their brands and content as if they were our own.”
“I am very pleased that we have created an enhanced long-term partnership with Sky across Europe,” added Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director, EMEA, A+E Networks. “It further cements our important relationship and demonstrates A+E Networks’ commitment to delivering the highest quality brands and content to viewers across Europe.”