Sky Italia Inks Exclusive Deal with HBO

MILAN: The new Sky Italia channel Sky Atlantic HD is slated to begin airing the fourth seasons of Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire, among other HBO programming.

In addition to Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire, Sky subscribers will have exclusive access to True Detective, starring Matthew McConaughey, and Banshee, which comes from the creator of True Blood. The agreement includes all platforms and devices. HBO productions will also be available on Sky Go and Sky On Demand.

“The mission of Sky is to offer to our subscribers the very best in entertainment, sport, movies, kids and factual programming,” said Andrea Scrosati, the executive VP of programming at Sky Italia. “HBO is by far one of the world leaders in producing fantastic scripted programming, with series and movies that over the years turned into social and cultural phenomena worldwide. So we are incredibly proud of Sky Atlantic HD making its debut by also featuring HBO-branded excellence that we believe is exactly what our subscribers were looking for. Finally, we believe that having the HBO product next to some key European and Italian productions will give even more relevance to the great creativity that this country is able to express and that Sky Italia is supporting directly or through acquisitions.”

“We are very grateful for Sky Italia’s appreciation and recognition of the HBO brand. We couldn’t be happier to expand upon this relationship with such a valuable partner,” added Charles Schreger, the president of programming sales for HBO. “In similar arrangements around the globe, both sides have benefited greatly and we anticipate that will once again be the case here.”