Sky Revs Up Formula 1 Rights
December 16, 2022 
6 Comments
Sky will be in the driving seat for Formula 1 coverage, starting next month.
Here’s the media release:
Sky New Zealand is the home of Formula 1 from 2023
Sky is delighted to confirm that we have secured the rights to deliver Formula 1 to New Zealanders in a multi-year deal across Sky, our digital platforms, and free-to-air.
The agreement will see all Formula 1 races shown on Sky’s platforms from January 2023, along with support content and analysis.
It means Sky and Sky Sport Now customers will have access to all of the F1 stars, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix in March.
In addition, Sky will deliver the much-anticipated Melbourne Grand Prix free-to-air to all New Zealanders, along with highlights of each F1 race free-to-air.
Sky Chief Executive Sophie Moloney said: “Formula 1 is spectacular to watch, and we know from our research that many of our customers are very keen for us to get this exciting content back on Sky. We also expect it to attract new customers, particularly to our streaming service Sky Sport Now.”
“Our commitment to attracting new and diverse sports fans, and to delivering to all New Zealanders, is also clear in the free-to-air aspects of this deal.”
“We make careful and strategic choices about the content we buy, and we’re delighted to welcome Formula 1 back to Sky.”
Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights at Formula 1, said: “As our sport continues to grow and attract new fans around the world, we are delighted to reach this agreement with Sky New Zealand.
“In 2022 we reached new heights in viewership across our TV and digital platforms, as well at in at race attendances and 2023 will be bigger again.
“We are the only truly global championship in sport and we are proud to bring our world class coverage to every corner of the globe.”
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December 16, 2022 at 1:54 pm
In addition, Sky will deliver the much-anticipated Melbourne Grand Prix free-to-air to all New Zealanders, along with highlights of each F1 race free-to-air. This implies Prime but doesn’t prevent it being on Sky Go without the need for a sub?!
I see the E! Channel on Sky is closing down. I thought the 7 deal in Aus to launch 7Bravo wouldn’t affect us here but it appears that NBCUniversal has decided to close the channel on both sides of the Tasman. Does this mean that the HayU reality streaming platform is coming to NZ Philip? Or will all of the E! programming migrate over to Bravo NZ and ThreeNow?
All good questions, Leo. So far Sky has only said: “NBCUniversal are closing their E! channel (CH14 on Sky) and moving a selection of shows to Sky’s digital streaming platforms – on demand via Sky box and Sky Go. This means the E! channel will cease broadcasting on Sky from 11.59pm, Sunday 15 January 2023.” I’ve asked follow-up questions, such as which titles will make the transition and if they will stream in HD, but Sky has still to respond.
Hey, Leo. Here are some of the titles Sky will be streaming or screening on-demand: Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Botched,
Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry, E! True Hollywood Story and Flip It Like Disick. No word on if they will stream in HD.
Hi Philip, Happy New Year and cheers for getting back to me in regards to the E! Channel shut down. A shame to see the channel go but understandable considering its new strategy. All the best for this year Philip and looking forward to all your analysis on the ever changing world of broadcast and streaming.
Thanks for the kind sentiments, Leo. Looking forward to another year of your insights and tips.