BBC and Sky partner to offer access to BBC iPlayer via Sky Player

The BBC and Sky (LSE:BSY) have announced that BBC iPlayer can now be accessed via Sky Player, Sky’s online TV service. The new version of Sky Player includes a series of BBC branded sections, with listings information and links to all TV programmes on the BBC iPlayer service.

Sky Player, which offers users access to live and on-demand content from a range of channel providers, will now also offer access to content from all BBC television channels. BBC programme information for these channels will be listed according to its appropriate Sky Player genre. Once viewers select a BBC programme to view they will be transferred to the BBC iPlayer site for video playback.

The announcement further boosts the Sky Player’s channel line-up, while enabling the BBC to reach out to new audiences for online video on demand.

Griff Parry, Director of On-demand, BSkyB, says: “Access to BBC content along with improvements to the user experience will further support the ongoing success of Sky Player.

“The combination of more choice and easier access means Sky Player users will find it even simpler to enjoy a wide range of TV content. The addition of links to content from BBC channels further demonstrates Sky’s role as a leading online aggregator with access to one of the broadest selections of online video.”

Anthony Rose, Head of the Online Media Group, BBC, adds: “We are delighted to be able to offer access to BBC TV programmes to Sky Player users. This deal further underlines our commitment to reaching new audiences by making BBC iPlayer available on as many services as possible.”

Sky Player offers thousands of hours of content across movies, sport, entertainment, lifestyle and culture, and documentaries. The service currently offers content from all Sky channels – including Sky1, Sky Sports, Sky Arts, Sky Movies, Sky News and Sky Real Lives – as well as a range of third party brands such as National Geographic, The History Channel and ESPN Classic.

BBC iPlayer offers more than 400 hours of BBC TV programmes each week.

All BBC iPlayer TV content will be available free to any visitor to the Sky Player service, including non-Sky TV customers.