Sky channels will return to Virgin

BSkyB and Virgin Media have agreed two new channel carriage deals that will last until 2011.

The new agreements will see Sky’s basic channels, including Sky1, Sky News and Sky Sports News, return to Virgin’s cable TV service on November 13.

Virgin TV’s basic channels, including Living, Bravo and Trouble, will feature on Sky’s retail channel line-up on satellite under the second agreement.

The deals include fixed annual carriage fees for the channels, with both suppliers able to secure additional capped payments if their channels meet certain performance-related targets.

Neil Berkett, Virgin’s CEO, said: “This is great news for Sky and Virgin Media customers alike. We want our channels to be enjoyed by as many people as possible so we’re delighted to secure their return to the Virgin Media platform.”

As part of the deal, both Sky and Virgin have agreed to drop High Court proceedings against each other relating to their former agreement.

Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com