Sky and Channel 4 have announced a new content sharing deal, which will mean only one Grand Prix during the 2019 Formula 1 season will be available live on free-to-air TV.
As part of the deal, Sky will broadcast all Formula 1 races exclusively live on its dedicated F1 channel with Channel 4 broadcasting the highlights from each race. The two companies will share live coverage of the British Grand Prix, making it the only race available on an free-to-air channel.
The deal also gives Channel 4 the rights to broadcast the first series of Sky’s drama series Tin Man, starting Tim Roth, during primetime.
In turn, Sky will make a selection of Channel 4 and Walter Presents drama series available as upfront box set stacks on NOW TV and Sky platforms, including Sky Go. The first boxset, the third series of No Offence, will be available from tomorrow.
Alex Mahon, chief executive officer of Channel 4, said, “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to establish such an exciting and innovative partnership with Sky which will ensure that the British Grand Prix and highlights of the 2019 Formula 1 Championship remain available on free-to-air television for UK viewers.”
Stephen van Rooyen, chief executive officer of Sky UK & ROI, added, “Today’s partnership is the start of a new era of collaboration between Sky, Channel 4 and, we hope, other British broadcasters. Not only will this innovative partnership benefit viewers, watching via Sky or free-to-air, but it will further strengthen the ecosystem of UK broadcasters and British originated content.”
