Bermuda distributor teams up with Sky News
A Bermuda company has teamed up with Sky News, working in partnership to bring the 24-hour news channel to audiences in Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada.
Hamilton-registered Riverhead Investments, owned and operated by Ann Petley-Jones, is acting as the distribution agent for Sky News as it looks to expand its audience in 15 countries and jurisdictions.
Ms Petley-Jones, who was formerly chief executive officer of LinkBermuda, said: “We are excited at this great opportunity to bring Sky News to a wider audience.
“Sky News is famous for the quality of its news service. It is a wonderful international brand backed by a news team with a track record of innovation and success. Riverhead is delighted to be partnered with such a group. ”
When it was launched in 1989, Sky News was Britain’s first 24-hour international breaking news channel. It is now available in 127 countries.
Figures from the European Media and Marketing Survey show that in Europe, Sky News has almost twice the daily audience of rival non-terrestrial news channels, including CNN and BBC World News.
Ms Petley-Jones said Riverhead had secured the licence for Sky News in Canada and the Caribbean, including Bermuda. It is now negotiating sub-licensing deals with television platforms in those territories.
“Sky News will be new to these territories,” she said.
“It’s an exciting new market. We are impressed with the quality and impartiality of the news coverage. Sky News has bureaus in many locations around the world.”
She said both Riverhead Investments and Sky News believe the partnership is an attractive one.
John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: “This is a terrific opportunity to bring our award-winning news service and outstanding original journalism to a new audience.
“We are currently available in 127 countries and under this agreement with Riverhead, we will deliver Sky News to the important Canadian and Caribbean markets.”
Ms Petley-Jones said she expects to announce broadcast arrangements with carriers in some of the targeted territories within the next few months.
