Sky One Unveils Dramatic Winter Schedule
Satellite superpower BSkyB has unveiled its winter schedule for flagship entertainment channel, Sky One, focusing on high-profile drama and documentary programmes.
The new line-up will see Kiefer Sutherland return to TV screens in a new series of hit conspiracy drama, 24, while a new series of the controversial cosmetic surgery drama Nip/Tuck promises to keep Sky’s Sunday night offering at the front of viewers’ minds.
Sky has also commissioned Denis Leary’s project, Rescue Me, a gritty character-based drama series centring on the personal and emotional battles of New York fire-fighters in a post 9/11 world. The series has won acclaim in the US, and Sky hopes to replicate its reception on this side of the Atlantic. The series will begin on 11 January, running for 13 weeks.
In addition to old favourites and new drama series, Sky viewers can look forward to new episodes of classic animated comedy, The Simpsons, with Sky hitting back against Channel 4’s recent acquisition of the programme with a deal to air new episodes four years before any other broadcaster (see Channel 4 Calls In Pizza Hut To Sponsor The Simpsons).
Commenting on the new programmes, channel controller James Baker said: “The channel continues to build on the success of the autumn season with further high quality and innovative programming. Rescue Me enjoys the same production values of Nip/Tuck and 24, the new seasons of which we are delighted to premiere on Sky One.”
Sky has also commissioned a string of documentaries to fill a designated documentary slot on Wednesday nights, with 60-minute programmes revealing an insight into all aspects of adolescent life. Peaches Geldof: Inside the Mind of a Teenager will kick off the new programme strand, while Julie Burchill presents Chavs and Me, a provocative account written and presented by the controversial journalist.
On the new programming direction Baker said: “The authored documentary strand delivers intelligent and opinionated programming on a range of topical issues. With presenters as diverse as Peaches Geldof and Julie Burchill, Wednesday nights promise to provide appointment-to-view programming. It all contributes to great entertainment value for our subscribers.”
Other documentaries planned by Sky include Camp Michael Jackson, following the hysteria surrounding the pop star’s recent court appearances, and The Secret Life Of…, in which Arthur Smith affectionately explores the nation’s most eccentric, outspoken and shocking citizens.
Sky will no doubt hope to increase its subscriber base this winter, with the traditionally lucrative run up to Christmas almost certain to bring new customers, especially with Sky’s increased focus on accessibility, demonstrated through its Sky Starter Pack (see Sky Launches Starter Pack To Tempt Freeview Viewers).
However, a recent warning from high street retailer Dixons suggests that this year’s Christmas rush may not be as profitable as previous years. Last month the electrical store revealed that sales had slowed and warned margins would come under pressure in the run up to Christmas (see Slow Down Of Electrical Goods May Hit Sky Subscriptions).
Sky has struggled to maintain momentum in its subscriber take-up, continually failing to meet self-set targets and signing up just 62,000 new subscribers during the three months to September, falling short of its 100,000 target (see Sky Revenue Up 11% Despite Missing Subscriber Target).
The broadcaster has also seen a slump in its viewing share recently, falling to 2.69% from 3.91% at the same point in 1999, a dip of 1.22% points. However, the channel has seen a slight increase on last year, climbing by 0.05% points on October 2003 following the roll out of several high-profile programmes and a decision to distance itself from low budget entertainment offerings (see Sky One Cleans Up Schedule In Bid For More Viewers).
Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com
Recent Television Stories from NewsLine Advertisers Alienated Over Plans For Junk Food Ban Freeview Penetration Set To Equal Sky Next Year Zip Gives Viewers Access To Interactive Car Specialists
Subscribers can access ten years of media news and analysis in the Archive