topic Re: Sky History owner in What's On

Sky History owner

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:34:04 GMT

I've seen multiple posts claiming Sky has no involvement with Sky History and Sky History2. This is incorrect. I want to make sure everyone understands clearly.

The company name and owner of Sky History is "Hearst Networks UK"

Hearst Networks UK is a joint venture between Hearst Communications and Sky Group, each holding a 50% stake. This partnership operates several factual entertainment channels in the UK and Ireland, such as Sky History, Sky History2, Crime+Investigation, and BLAZE.

Bottom line, Sky History is owned by both Hearst Communications and Sky Group.

Sources:
https://www.televisual.com/news/hearst-networks-sky-extend-distribution-deal/
https://worldscreen.com/tvreal/hearst-networks-uk-bolsters-partnership-with-sky/
https://www.hearstnetworks.com/news/uk/hearst-networks-uk-cements-its-long-term-partnership-extension-sky

Re: Sky History owner

TimmyBGood — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:59:59 GMT

@Anonymous

I wouldn't disagree on ownership, but operationally it appears to be a Hearst enterprise, as are the 'History' brand channels operating elsewhere in the world. Interestingly of all the European versions only the UK has the Sky logo attached: this appears to date back to A&E first expanding into Europe through British Sky Broadcasting (as it was then) in the mid 90s.

https://www.hearstnetworks.com/brands/history

Whatever the case may be, the downgrade of the satellite presence in the Sky UK EPG has happened, so whether Sky had any input in the decision or not didn't change the outcome.

Re: Sky History owner

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 22:13:58 GMT

@TimmyBGood wrote:
@Anonymous

I wouldn't disagree, but operationally it appears to be a Hearst enterprise, as are the 'History' brand channels operating elsewhere in the world.

Whatever the case may be, the downgrade of the satellite presence has happened, so whether Sky objected or not it didn't change the outcome.

In the UK and Ireland only, Hearst Networks UK, a joint venture between Hearst Communications and Sky Group operates Sky History, Sky History2, Crime+Investigation, and Blaze in the UK and Ireland only.

In the rest of Europe, Hearst Networks EMEA, a subsidiary of Hearst Communications operates History, History2 and other channels.

(Note: A&E Television Networks is a joint venture between Hearst Communications and The Walt Disney Company)

A+E Networks Asia, a joint venture with A&E Television Networks and Malaysia's Astro Overseas Limited, broadcasts History and other channels in Asia and Australia.

A+E Networks India, a joint venture between A+E Networks and Network18 Group, broadcasts History and other channels

A+E Networks Latin America, a joint venture between A+E Networks and Ole Communications, broadcasts History and other channels

Point is that joint ventures with Hearst Communications or A+E Networks generally keep the name of Hearst or A+E and don't mention the other company.

~~~

To reply to your message, as Hearst Communications and Sky Group both have a 50% stake in Hearst Networks UK, both needed to agree to the changes. Also, the link you provided is for Hearst Networks EMEA which is for Europe and not Hearst Networks UK for the UK & Ireland.

The correct UK & Ireland links are:
blaze.tv
history.co.uk
crimeandinvestigation.co.uk