Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
This time round it will appear on VM just as soon as Sky believes there is no longer any commercial advantage in it being an exclusive. A couple of years, perhaps.
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I think 1-2 years is about right, people should not expect to see Sky Atlantic on VM any time soon, as this time around there do not seem to be the same immediate business pressures on Sky (or VM) to make it happen.
However on past form, decisions are made for strategic as well as immediate business reasons. In years past, Sky have seen off both BSB and ITV Digital, and may have been trying it on with VM in 2007. Hence the costly (and 'irrational') purchase of the ITV stake as well as the Sky Basics episode.
In the medium term, Sky probably now 'needs' a viable and visible competitor if it is to avoid regulatory intervention. Also Sky and VM have a number of common interests, particularly in fostering and strengthening the Pay-TV model before YouView comes on the scene in 2012. So who knows.