Sky Boss Says Talks Still Ongoing on Warner Content Deal, Sets Out Commissioning Strategy

variety.com:

K.J. Yossman Dana Strong, CEO of Comcast-owned Sky Group has promised customers of the U.K. media conglomerate will continue to receive Warner Bros Discovery content on Sky platforms, saying that discussions with the studio to extend their content agreement are ongoing. “We’ve been a partner with Warner for a very long time,” said Strong, adding that they’re “in conversation” about the future of their deal.

The deal, which primarily covers HBO content such as “Succession” and “And Just Like That,” is set to expire next year. Given the rise of studio-owned streamers, at the beginning of the multi-year output deal it seemed it would be unlikely to be renewed, with WBD focusing on funnelling exclusive content to its own streaming offering Max.

As the rollout of Max has floundered in some territories and the general streaming landscape has shifted, studios such as Disney and, presumably, WBD, are instead returning to the older model of licensing and windowing. “All of that is starting to open up,” Strong acknowledged while in conversation at the Deloitte and Enders Analysis Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference. “Regardless, in every scenario, Sky customers will have Warner content on Sky platforms.” Strong also opened up about Sky’s content strategy, outlining the three pillars as commissioning, acquisition and partnerships with SVODs.