Sky One Poaches Lost From Channel 4

Reports are breaking that the new season of hit television drama series Lost have been poached from Channel 4 by Sky One in the UK, for an estimated £20 million.

Channel 4 originally signed the series on a two-year deal in 2004 and has been in contract renewal negotiations with Buena Vista International Television for several months.

It is understood that Sky, who successfully poached 24 from the BBC in 2003, outbid C4 and other rival broadcasters for the new contract. Channel 4 will now be fighting hard to retain another key acquisition, Desperate Housewives, which was signed on the same two-year deal as Lost.

Sky One may well build on multi-media opportunities, such as enabling viewers to watch the latest episodes of Lost via broadband and mobile platforms. The series is also likely to air in high definition on the Sky One HD channel.

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com