Virgin Media, Sky Agree To Five-Year Extension Which Excludes Drama, Entertainment Channel

Virgin Media "has struck a five-year deal" to carry Sky's TV channels -- but once again "failed to reach agreement to offer Sky Atlantic, home to big name shows," according to Reynolds & Sweney of the London GUARDIAN. The new deal, a "significant extension" of the existing three-year deal the two TV companies have in place, is the "latest move in the battle against BT Sport." Under the new deal, Virgin Media will also offer customers five of Sky's new HD channels -- for Sky Sports 3 and 4, Sky Sports News, Sky News and its dedicated F1 channel (GUARDIAN, 5/12). BROADCAST's Peter White wrote the agreement will give Virgin’s Sky Sports and Sky Movies customers "on-demand and live access to the channels through the cable operator’s range of mobile and tablet apps." However, the new arrangement "does not include HBO-led premium drama and entertainment channel Sky Atlantic, despite suggestions last year that the two companies had re-opened talks to make it available" (BROADCAST, 5/12).