UK pay-TV giant BSkyB announced better-than-expected half-year operating profits this morning in London, and a major deal to expand its existing relationship with HBO. The pair has been cozy since 2010 when the Sky Atlantic channel became the “home of HBO” series. hat exclusive first-run output deal will now be extended through 2020, giving Sky customers continued access to the entire HBO catalog including such shows as Game Of Thrones and Girls, as well as new series like True Detective and Looking.
Sky has announced that it has sealed a new content deal with HBO to not only continue to show the US giant’s output but also partner in making programmes, as the UK broadcaster’s latest figures show that competition is impacting on its profits. Content is king for the big television platforms, and BT’s decision to compete in showing top flight English football has brought a major new competitor to Sky to the fore. However, Sky is hoping that its entertainment portfolio, including the HBO content that is shown on the Sky Atlantic channel can help stave off the threat, and the new deal is a clear indication that it is taking the fight back to BT.