Sky UK and Discovery Sign Long Term TV Partnership – Avoid Fight

Sky (Comcast, Sky Broadband) and sibling NOW TV have today managed to avoid a repeat of the 2017 rights dispute by reaching a new “long-term” partnership with Discovery, which means that customers of their TV and streaming platforms will continue to receive the popular TV channels and content.

Back in 2017 the two sides ran into a classic dispute while attempting to negotiate a new contract. In short, Discovery appeared to want more money and Sky declined to pay what was being requested. As a result the two sides effectively ended up playing a game of chicken, where Sky risked losing access to all of Discovery’s popular channels and content. Thankfully a deal was eventually reached.

By comparison the new agreement has been signed without any obvious public scuffling and is also being extended with some additions. For example, Sky’s customers can expect Discovery’s Eurosport to deliver the next Olympic Games in 4K (UHD) and Discovery’s non-linear brands will also be coming to Sky (e.g. Discovery’s direct-to-consumer streaming services such as MotorTrend and other direct-to-consumer offerings).

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky’s CEO in the UK and Europe, 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.”

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