Ofcom bids to speed up broadband development
Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, has unveiled new proposals to promote investment and competition in the fastest broadband services. This includes the opening up of BT’s fibre lines to rival firms, such as Sky and TalkTalk – similar to the move in which BT’s copper telephone network was opened to rival phone and broadband services. As such, other companies would be able to control the lines and provide super-fast broadband services to their... [Read More...]
Sky reveals first 3D programming
BSkyB will launch Sky 3D, Europe’s first 3D TV channel, with the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea on Easter Saturday. Following the channel’s launch, Sky will then show at least a further five Premier League games before the end of the current season and the Coca-Cola Football League Play-Off Finals, all live and all in 3D. The broadcaster says that more than a thousand pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland... [Read More...]
Sky appoints Glen Matchett to lead Sky Movies marketing
Former UKTV marketer Glenn Matchett has been appointed head of movies marketing at Sky, replacing Paul Gilshan who joined The Times in January. In his new role, Matchett will have responsibility for the marketing of Sky’s film proposition, including Sky Movies and Sky Box Office. He will manage relationships with relevant media and creative agencies, and all above and below-the-line activity. Matchett will report to Naomi Gibney, director of marketing... [Read More...]
Sky creates first head of social media position
Sky is seeking its first head of social media as it aims to ramp up its activity in the burgeoning sector. Reporting to the director of brand marketing − a role yet to be filled since the departure of Andy Brent last September − the post-holder will be responsible for Sky’s social media activity in its brand marketing department and encouraging audience engagement. The creation of the role followed Sky News’s appointment last year of Ruth... [Read More...]
Virgin to launch Bravo and Living live streams on Sky Player
Sky viewers will soon be able to stream Virgin Media Television channels Bravo and Living live through the online Sky Player. Sky Player is Sky’s online TV service and allows consumers to watch selected channels live, as well as a range of TV shows on demand through a PC or a Mac, or on TV using a Microsoft Xbox 360. Living and Bravo launched on the Sky Player’s on demand service last month, which means Sky viewers can already watch shows... [Read More...]
Sky ad falls foul of ASA over digital switchover claim
A television ad featuring the actress Sue Johnston has been banned after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled it implied the digital switchover would be complicated without having Sky equipment. The ad promoting the broadcaster’s Sky+ service, created by advertising agency WCRS, received two complaints. Johnston, in the ad, says: “I’m very lucky that I’m an actor and I’ve managed to make a living out of... [Read More...]
Sky Player launches on Xbox
Sky Player launched on the Microsoft Xbox games console today with access to the service costing from £15 to £50 per month depending on the package purchased. The streaming service features both live TV and on-demand content from a range of channels including ESPN, Sky Sports, Sky Movies, Gold, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Sky is negotiating with other broadcasters to add more channels to the original 24 offered. Existing Sky subscribers... [Read More...]
Sky secures content via Freeview and broadband hybrid service
Sky has struck a deal with digital TV provider IP Vision to make its content available via a Freeview set-top box. It has agreed a deal with IP Vision, which operates a Freeview TV service combined with content delivered by broadband internet, to offer some of Sky’s most popular channels, including Sky Movies and Sky Sports. The content will be made available via Sky Player, Sky’s online subscription TV service. Sky Player will be a stand-alone... [Read More...]
Sky lures Gibney from BBC for senior marketing role
Sky has appointed a former BBC marketer, Naomi Gibney, as its new director of marketing and communications. Gibney, who has been with the BBC for seven years, will have responsibility for all content and channel-led marketing activity across Sky’s portfolio of entertainment channels that includes Sky 1, Sky Movies, Sky Arts and Sky Real Lives. She replaces Alex Lewis, who left to become marketing director for The Times and The Sunday Times. Gibney... [Read More...]
Global Radio appoints Sky digital director
Commercial radio group Global Radio has appointed Sky’s former strategic content editor Ben Perreau as its director of digital content. Perreau will take charge of online editorial strategy and content for stations including Capital FM, Classic and Heart from 16 November. He will report to Robin Pembroke, Global’s group director of online and interactive, and Richard Park, its group executive director. At Sky, Perreau launched and managed several... [Read More...]