Sky To Turn Down New Channel Applications

BSkyB is to stop launching new channel slots on its satellite platform, citing finite set top box memory capacity.

Sky said that it will “proceed with extreme caution” in the launch of the 100 or so TV and radio channels already on the electronic programme guide (EPG) launch queue.

Nicola Bamford, director of channels and operations at Sky, said in a letter to broadcasters this week: “After a very careful consideration we have taken the decision to make these changes in order to safeguard the interests of both viewers and platform users.

“Our goal is to provide a high quality viewer experience and a stable environment for all platform users, while maintaining the principle that access to the EPG should be available without discrimination to broadcasters.”

Sky has said that it intends to allow potential broadcasters to buy EPG slots from existing channels.

According to the Sky letter, taking into account regional variants and interactive services, there are currently almost 1,000 services on its platform.

Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com