Sky Channel Company Profile

Australia's Complete Racing Network

Using its vast resources, SKY is the world's leading multi-venue racing broadcaster, telecasting more than 5000 race meetings each year to millions of viewers around the globe.

Sky Channel pioneered satellite television in Australia. It transmits via satellite and cable to more than 5,000 outlets across Australia , and in more than a dozen countries around the world.

Sky provides up to 15 hours daily live thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing. In addition, Sky telecasts in-depth form analysis, review, magazine and general sports programming.

The Sky Channel story began with the launch of Australia's first domestic satellite in 1985. This stimulated enormous interest in the possibilities for satellite narrowcasting and a number of companies were formed to exploit the new technology.

There was rationalisation within two years, and all operations merged into one entity, SKY.

In 1998 the newly privatised Tab Limited acquired Sky Channel for $260 million and in 2004 TABCORP secured Sky Channel as part of its takeover of Tab Limited.

In September 1998 Sky Channel launched its home subscription channel Sky Racing on the Foxtel, Optus Vision and Austar platforms, reaching approximately 1.5 million home viewers. Sky Racing was a primary driver of new pay television subscriptions in its initial years of operation.

Radio station 2KY, a Sydney broadcasting institution since 1925, was added to the Sky Channel stable in 2001, cementing the companies position as the provider of the world's most comprehensive television and radio coverage of racing.

There is no question that the Australian racing industry would not be as strong as it is today without the presence of Sky. Today Sky Channel telecasts about 125 race meetings live each week, adding up to more than 50,000 races a year. Take into account that Sky may be receiving simultaneous transmission from up to 20 racetracks and it is quite a logistical achievement seven days a week.

Because of the commitment to Australian racing (thoroughbred, harness racing and greyhounds) Sky now is responsible for scheduling all Australian race meetings. While television sport is not a new concept, the scale on which Sky operates is far superior to any other.

Sky's commitment to racing in Australia also is highlighted by the millions of dollars in rights fees SKY will pay this year. This is complemented by the significant sponsorships with thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing bodies.

Sky Channel continues to develop its coverage to support its key industry partners - race clubs and TAB's. Extensive market research is undertaken to keep track of customer needs and market trends.

In recent times SKY also has covered major race meetings from overseas, and it is quite possible that Sky one day will provide 24-hour coverage of live racing from around the globe.

Sky's International service delivers substantial profits to Australian racing. The global coverage reaches about 350 wagering outlets and millions of home viewers in North America and the Caribbean, 500,000 homes and TAB outlets in New Zealand and sites in Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, The Philippines, the Middle East etc.

Into the future, the picture only will be clearer. Sky Channel is continuing to pioneer new technology, upgrading its studio facilities to become fully digital and is actively pursuing opportunities with new technology such as interactive television.

Australia's Complete Racing Network