Sky Takes Control Of SCI FI Channel’s Ad Sales

All UK advertising sales for SCI FI, the science fiction television channel, will be taken over by Sky Media, the advertising sales division of BSkyB, in the New Year.

Following the addition of the formerly independent SCI FI, the Sky Media portfolio will account for 13.1% of adult impacts, rising to more than 15% among 16-34s and around 20% among male viewers.

Richard Hawking, Sky Media’s operations director, said: “As one of the most distinctive brands in the multi-channel world, SCI FI makes a great addition to the Sky Media portfolio and a strong fit with our own offering.

“This agreement further strengthens our delivery of key audiences after a year of significant growth in our third-party sales business.”

Nick Betts, managing director of SCI FI, added: “SCI FI has built a phenomenal reputation over the last ten years and has delivered a unique and valuable audience to advertisers.

“I have no doubt that the channel will be a valuable addition to the Sky Media portfolio and have every confidence that they will be able to build on the excellent work done by our in-house sales team to-date.”

Industry insiders believe that members of SCI FI’s in-house sales team will be made redundant in the New Year. However, a spokesman declined to comment on whether the team would move over to Sky or whether the move would cause redundancies at the channel.

SCI FI, which reaches over three million people per week, is the latest in a growing number of third-party channels to join the Sky Media portfolio. Sky Media’s commercial impacts among all adults grew by 7%, compared with 2% growth for the overall TV advertising market.

BSkyB: 0207 705 3000 www.sky.com