BBC and Sky announce joint content and technology partnership

(Image credit: Sky, BBC)

You might think the BBC and Sky would be the last TV broadcasters to join forces, but the two heavyweights have just agreed a new partnership which will seem them collaborate across content and technology.

The new deal sees the immediate deployment of the BBC iPlayer app and red-button service on Sky Q. Users have been able to access BBC content through Sky's built-in catch-up service, but this move now gives them more direct access to the iPlayer and all its content.

The press release states the two companies are also "exploring a range of other partnership opportunities" including the expansion of the BBC Sounds music streaming platform to Sky and NowTV platforms. There's also been a commitment to BBC content being available on Sky's "future TV platform", whatever that might be.

Stephen Van Rooyen, CEO UK & Ireland, Sky, said the partnership is "a great example of how UK broadcasters can work together for the benefit of viewers and the industry".

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.