BBC iPlayer Finally Comes to the UK Sky Q TV Platform

Sky (Sky Broadband) and the BBC have signed a new content and technology partnership, which among other things will today finally see the BBC’s iPlayer (IPTV) video on demand app and connected red-button service launch on their Sky Q TV platform. Previously it was possible on Sky to get BBC VoD content but not via iPlayer.

Sky customers will also have easier access to BBC children’s content with popular shows from CBBC and CBeebies including The Dumping Ground, The Worst Witch and Topsy & Tim, set to be available as box-set series across the Kids section of Sky Q, including within the Kids Safe Mode which was launched by Sky earlier this year.

The broadcasters are also exploring a “range of other partnership opportunities“, including the availability of BBC Sounds on the Sky and NOW TV platforms, as well as committing to BBC content being available on Sky’s future TV platform. Meanwhile Sky hopes to shop out their targeted advertising expertise (PromoSmart – powered by AdSmart) to the BBC, although that’s still only in the “early stage” of exploration.

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky CEO UK & Ireland, said:

“We are pleased to be working with the BBC on such a broad-ranging partnership – it is a great example of how UK broadcasters can work together for the benefit of viewers and the industry. We are continuing to explore, together with the BBC, how it could use Sky’s innovative technology to help it better connect with licence-fee payers for the long term.”

Bob Shennan, BBC Group Managing Director, said:

“We’re thrilled that viewers who watch our programmes on Sky will now be able to enjoy the full BBC iPlayer experience, and to access our full red-button service. BBC iPlayer is a fantastic way to watch the incredible breadth of programmes the BBC offers, including fantastic full series, terrific archive content, brilliant new dramas like His Dark Materials, landmark natural history programmes like Seven Worlds, One Planet and hilarious comedies like Motherland.

We’re also very much looking forward to experimenting with PromoSmart in the future. This agreement shows how the BBC and Sky can work together to give audiences the very best experience and support a strong UK media industry, and we look forward to continuing this relationship.”

End.