Cable Forum - View Single Post - Guardian: "Sky Atlantic won't be on Virgin Media soon, says BSkyB boss"

nialli · 25-02-2011, 14:52

I don't think it will pick up - if it can't succeed with the ballyhoo around Boardwalk Empire and the tens (hundreds?) of millions Sky has spent promoting it, then you've got to ask yourself what other series are going to appear on Atlantic this year that will draw a larger audience. Treme had strong reviews and followed the hugely acclaimed The Wire, but has fallen completely flat. Game of Thrones? A cult classic at best. Mad Men season 5? Unlikely to appear anytime soon (production postponed indefinitely whilst negotiations between Lionsgate and AMC continue) and that couldn't even draw a big audience on all platforms, let alone just Sky alone.
It was a brave attempt by Sky to launch such a prestige channel, but no matter how deep Sky's pockets it is a profit-driven company and needs a return on its investment. Any money and audience from Virgin Media would be welcome I'm sure, by both Sky and advertisers, and Berkett's right to compliment the product but haggle the price.

25-02-2011, 14:52	#190
nialli Inactive Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Greenwich, SE10 Services: Sky Stream, Sky broadband Posts: 865	Re: Guardian: "Sky Atlantic won't be on Virgin Media soon, says BSkyB boss" I don't think it will pick up - if it can't succeed with the ballyhoo around Boardwalk Empire and the tens (hundreds?) of millions Sky has spent promoting it, then you've got to ask yourself what other series are going to appear on Atlantic this year that will draw a larger audience. Treme had strong reviews and followed the hugely acclaimed The Wire, but has fallen completely flat. Game of Thrones? A cult classic at best. Mad Men season 5? Unlikely to appear anytime soon (production postponed indefinitely whilst negotiations between Lionsgate and AMC continue) and that couldn't even draw a big audience on all platforms, let alone just Sky alone. It was a brave attempt by Sky to launch such a prestige channel, but no matter how deep Sky's pockets it is a profit-driven company and needs a return on its investment. Any money and audience from Virgin Media would be welcome I'm sure, by both Sky and advertisers, and Berkett's right to compliment the product but haggle the price.