Sky doubles arts offering with second channel

by Darren Davidson, Brand Republic 19-Aug-08, 08:15

LONDON - BSkyB is to launch a new arts channel to show contemporary and classical programming, in a move that will double its arts programming output.

On Monday October 20, the satellite broadcaster will launch Sky Arts 2 to sit alongside Sky Arts HD and Sky Arts 1, which was previosuly known as Sky Arts, but will now be refocused to show more contemporary programming.

The new channels will broadcast 36 hours of arts programming a day with the autumn season boasting forthcoming shows from Mariella Frostrup, Brian Sewell, Vanessa Mae and Suggs among others.

Other highlights include Metropolitan Operas in HD and a nightly series of seminal concerts from performers such as Johnny Cash and The Who.

Sophie Turner Laing, managing director of entertainment at Sky, said: "Arts is integral to the Sky platform and we now have the wealth and breadth of diverse arts content to warrant two dedicated arts channels.

"At a time when other broadcasters' commitment to the arts is open to question, we firmly believe in giving our customers the best choice, all delivered in the highest possibly quality, HD."

Sky Arts 1 will broadcast more contemporary and cult programming, such as live rock concerts, documentaries and the celebrity "hijack" series.

Its sister channel, Sky Arts 2, will be the home of classical art content, including opera, classical music, fine art programming and dance performances.

Sky Arts HD will broadcast content from both Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts 2.