Sky, Discovery agree expanded deal in carrriage extension

Pay-television broadcaster Sky has agreed an expanded, long-term extension to its carriage deal with international media group Discovery covering the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria.

For the first time, the multi-year deal covers Discovery’s non-linear broadcast brands in the UK and Ireland. Sky will be a distribution partner for Discovery’s existing direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player and GolfTV, and any future products that are launched.

The deal, in total, comprises linear channel distribution, video on demand, direct-to-consumer products, and an extension of the companies’ existing advertising relationship.

Discovery’s portfolio of channels, including international sports broadcaster Eurosport, will continue to be showcased across the Sky platforms in the UK and Ireland, and on the Sky Deutschland platforms in Germany and Austria.

The Sky Q platform and Eurosport will also work together to bring the “best possible experience” to customers across the UK and Ireland for the postponed 2021 summer Olympic Games with UHD and HD pop up feeds dedicated to specific sports and events.

The new agreement announced today (Monday) comes after the last deal was struck amid tension between the two parties. In February 2017, Discovery and Sky agreed a carriage deal allowing the Eurosport channels to stay on Sky’s platforms in the UK and Germany.