Sky Sports News HD makes international debut

Sky has entered into a multi-year agreement with Modern Times Group (MTG), parent company of European pay TV operator Viasat, that will see Sky Sports News HD distributed exclusively to sports fans in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

From the end of February 2013, MTG will distribute Sky Sports News HD in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland through its Viasat pay TV platform, as well as through its channel packages on third party cable TV platforms and IPTV networks, including MTG’s online service Viaplay. MTG will also add Sky Sports News HD to its Baltic platforms later in the year.

Covering a wide range of sports – including the Premier League, Football League, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1, golf and rugby union – Sky Sports News HD offers fans a comprehensive and dynamic news service 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. From its breaking news around football transfers to its critically acclaimed ‘Special Reports’ series, the channel provides news, analysis and insight from across the sporting world.

This agreement builds on Sky’s growing international channels business that already sees Sky News reach millions of viewers across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Rob Webster, Commercial Group Director, BSkyB, said: “The demand for high quality sports news has never been greater and we’re delighted to be working with MTG to bring the full Sky Sports News channel to an international audience for the first time. For sports fans, there’s no better place for around-the-clock breaking news, expert commentary and interviews than Sky Sports News. We’re thrilled to be developing the channel’s distribution in Europe and are looking forward to sharing all of the action with MTG’s customers.”

Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, President and CEO of MTG, added: “This is fantastic news for sports fans who already enjoy our world class and market leading offering of local and international sports coverage.”