Sky to double arts content with new channels
- Published: 19 August 2008 09:19
- Author: Rob Shepherd
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- Last Updated: 19 August 2008 09:19
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BSkyB will double its coverage of the arts with an additional two bespoke Sky Arts channels.
The channels will reflect both contemporary and classical programming and will air alongside the existing Sky Arts HD Channel.
From October, Sky Arts 1 will feature contemporary shows, such as live rock concerts, while Sky Arts 2 will showcase opera and other classical art content.
Contributors include Madness frontman Suggs, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, and art critic Brian Sewell.
Sky Arts HD will broadcast content from both Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts 2.
Sky entertainment managing director Sophie Turner Laing said: "This is further evidence of our commitment to invest in the content that people love and demonstrates how pay TV can meet viewers' individual needs."
Art Rocks
Meanwhile, Sky Arts will reveal the hidden artistic talents of some of music's most prolific icons with a new five-part HD series called Art Rocks.
Narrated by Jerry Hall, the series provides a rare insight into how some of music's most successful showmen have found relief from the industry in the world of art, fusing their boisterous musical talents in the silence of an image.
The series kicks off on 18 October with Iggy Pop and will be followed by episodes on Moby, George Clinton, Graham Nash, George Clinton and Dave Stewart.
The five-part series was made by Hart Davies TV and is a Sky Arts co-production with Gallery HD In New York. It was commissioned for Sky Arts by John Cassy.
