Sky is to live stream exclusive video of the build-up to Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight title fight and coverage of the junior doctors’ strike via Facebook, following a series of successful trials.
The broadcaster is planning to take advantage of Facebook Live, the social network’s live video streaming service after 100,000 people viewed Michael Atherton’s exclusive interview with Freddie Flintoff and Kumar Sangakkara at the T20 Cricket World Cup. A similar number of viewers watched Mark Stone’s live report on the migrant crisis in Calais via the service, which launched last summer.
In a blog post, digital director Lucien Bowater said the initial results had been “impressive”.
“The platform works for us because it allows our news and sports teams to connect with the audience in a slightly different way – offering a different perspective, one that might not otherwise be possible in such a fast moving environment,” he added.
Bowater said it offered an opportunity to take viewers behind the scenes on major events.
Sky’s push into Facebook Live follows it work with the social networking giant on Instant Articles.
The mobile-specific feature allows users to access Sky content from within Facebook rather than forcing them to leave the app.
“At Sky, our goal has remained the same: to be at the forefront of innovation, finding new and exciting ways to deliver great content to customers,” said Bowater.
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