U.K. Getting 24-Hour Esports TV Network, With Sky, ITV Buying Minority Interests

The U.K. is "set to get" its first 24-hour esports TV channel, Ginx eSports TV, which will "get a major boost at launch with Sky and ITV expected to take minority stakes in the business," according to Mark Sweney of the London GUARDIAN. The channel, which will "launch in the sports section of Sky’s electronic programme guide, will air tournaments including Turner’s ELeague, which includes the world’s biggest competitive game Counter Strike: Global Offensive." Outside the U.K. and Ireland the channel "will be distributed" to an additional 23 million households, "giving it a total reach" of 37 million (GUARDIAN, 6/16). In L.A., Leo Barraclough reported the channel will "launch on Sky on June 23" and will "showcase major eSports tournaments from across the world, as well as hosting original programming" (VARIETY, 6/16). WIRED's Matt Burgess reported live broadcasts will be made from Ginx's studio in Kings Cross, London. The company was founded in '07 and "has previously broadcast in Asia and Europe" (WIRED, 6/16).