FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of June 2004
09 June 2004
BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC
(Name of Registrant)
Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 5QD England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes No X
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): Not Applicable
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
EXHIBIT NO.1 Press release of British Sky Broadcasting Group plc
announcing 'New Initiatives' released on
09 June 2004
9 June 2004
BSkyB announces Free-To-Air and High Definition Television initiatives
British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) today announced plans to drive sustained demand
for digital satellite television through separate initiatives that will address
the premium pay-TV and free-to-air (FTA) audiences. Speaking at an investor
conference in London, James Murdoch, Chief Executive of BSkyB, said that the
Company would introduce a new FTA satellite proposition later this year and had
begun developing a premium package of services in the High Definition Television
(HDTV) format for launch in 2006.
Free-To-Air Satellite
Later this year, BSkyB will introduce a FTA satellite proposition offering
access to almost 200 television and radio channels and interactive services
which are available without a monthly subscription fee. Consumers will be able
to purchase a package of reception equipment (including a Sky digibox, minidish
and initial viewing card) direct from BSkyB for a one-off cost of GBP150.00
including standard professional installation.
There is no obligation to subscribe to a pay-TV service and FTA satellite
viewers pay no monthly fee. However, the FTA satellite proposition offers an
easy upgrade path for viewers who choose subsequently to add a pay-TV service to
their viewing options. There is no requirement for additional equipment and
viewing cards can be enabled remotely for the reception of pay-TV services.
It is anticipated that the new FTA satellite proposition will support the
Government's proposed switchover to digital-only broadcasting by providing an
additional subscription-free option for viewers not currently attracted to
pay-TV. In particular, FTA satellite will provide an accessible and attractive
means of 'going digital' for the 27 per cent(1) of UK households which are
currently unable to receive the full range of digital terrestrial television
services and for the additional number of households which require an aerial
upgrade in order to receive digital terrestrial services.
The extensive line-up of channels available to FTA digital satellite viewers
includes the BBC's portfolio of digital television and radio services and
digital versions of the five analogue terrestrial television channels, including
all national and regional variants of BBC One and BBC Two. Access to the
encrypted signals of ITV1, Channel 4 and five will be available as a result of
the provision of a digital satellite viewing card, which will also enable
automatic reception of the relevant variant of regionalised FTA channels.
All FTA satellite viewers enjoy access to Sky's comprehensive electronic
programme guide (EPG) featuring seven-day listings of forthcoming programmes on
all channels. In addition to a wide choice of FTA television and radio channels,
interactive services such as Sky Active, BBCi, ITVi and Channel 4's Big Brother
Interactive are available to digital satellite viewers without any monthly
subscription fee. All Sky digiboxes contain an integrated modem and therefore
are capable of accessing online services including e-mail, SMS text messaging
and public service information from Directgov.
High Definition Television
In a separate initiative, BSkyB will again demonstrate its commitment to lead
innovation in digital television with the development of a premium package of
channels in the High Definition Television (HDTV) format. Following the
successful launch by BSkyB of the UK's first digital television service, first
interactive television service and first integrated Digital Video Recorder Sky+,
the proposed introduction of HDTV to the digital satellite platform in 2006 will
ensure that Sky customers continue to benefit from the most advanced television
services available.
HDTV, delivering substantially superior picture quality than standard-definition
television, is the preferred format for a growing number of US television
productions in genres including sport, drama, entertainment and news. Its
introduction to the UK is expected to strengthen further the differentiation
between digital satellite and other television platforms and to appeal to the
increasing number of consumers who seek to enhance their in-home audiovisual
experience with equipment such as wide-screen televisions, plasma screens and
home cinema systems.
The premium service will launch in 2006 with both a set of dedicated HD channels
and access to selected events produced in HD format. Further details of BSkyB's
proposed technology and programming offering in HDTV will be announced in due
course. In addition to the package of channels to be offered by Sky, other
broadcasters on the digital satellite platform will also be able to take
advantage of its HDTV capabilities to provide an enhanced experience to their
viewers.
James Murdoch, Chief Executive of BSkyB, commented:
"These initiatives are another step in giving consumers a choice from Sky that
suits their needs at the top and lower ends of the scale. They will help drive
even greater take-up of digital TV services and enable Sky to enjoy a close
relationship with even more customers."
- ends -
A PDF file of the BSkyB presentation to today's conference is available on the
company's website at www.sky.com/corporate.
Further information:
Press:
Julian Eccles Tel: 020 7705 3267
Robert Fraser Tel: 020 7705 3036
E-mail: corporate.communications@bskyb.com
Analysts/Investors:
Neil Chugani Tel: 020 7705 3837
Andrew Griffith Tel: 020 7705 3118
E-mail: investor-relations@bskyb.com
Notes for Editors
1) About BSkyB
BSkyB is the operator of the leading multichannel television platform in the UK
and Ireland. More than 18 million viewers in 7.3 million households enjoy an
unprecedented choice of movies, news, entertainment and sports channels and
interactive services on Sky digital, the UK and Ireland's first and most popular
digital television platform. BSkyB's channels are available in a further 6.6
million cable and digital terrestrial households. For more information, visit
www.sky.com/corporate.
2) Free-to-air services available in the UK
Digital Satellite TV Digital Terrestrial TV
(Source: www.freeview.co.uk)
Television channels 115* 26**
Radio channels 81 21**
Interactive services 13*** 3***
* In addition, digital satellite viewers can access all regional and national
variations of BBC1 and BBC2.
** Alternative regional services may be available in some areas.
*** Includes only 24/7 interactive services.
------------------------
(1) Source: Ofcom, Driving Digital Switchover, 5 April 2004.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC
Date: 09 June 2004 By: /s/ Dave Gormley
Dave Gormley
Company Secretary