Sky Deutschland is pulling out of commissioning scripted originals from 2024.
Staff were told of the plan by Sky Deutschland CEI Devesh Raj in a memo, which was published in full by US trade publication Variety.
Variety reported that Sky Deutschland’s scripted originals team will eventually be disbanded. Shows that are already in production, such as post-apocalypse drama Helgoland 513 and Das Boot season 4, will finish filming. Any projects in development will be put into turnaround.
Sky Deutschland is responsible for critically acclaimed dramas such as Babylon Berlin and political thriller Munich Games.
Sky Deutschland operations span Germany, Austria and Switzerland, also known as the DACH countries.
Last year, it emerged that Sky Deutschland’s parent company Comcast was considering a sale for the German business, valuing it at around €1 billion.
Sky Deutschland has been hit by competition from streaming giants, including Netflix, Amazon and Apple, in Germany. In his memo to staff, Raj cited rising costs as a contributing factor for the decision to halt scripted production.
Raj wrote: “Since we pushed into this space, the entertainment industry, content landscape and viewer behaviour have rapidly evolved – as has Sky’s business. Also, during this time, the cost of producing scripted content has continued to rise, in part driven by the emergence of myriad new streaming providers, making it harder for drama series to cut through.”
Raj added: “As we continue to focus on building a sustainable business in DACH, we have to make tough choices on where to spend our investment to ensure we provide value to the business, and our customers. That’s why today we have taken the decision to halt the production of new scripted Sky Originals from 2024 onwards. We are committed to completing projects currently in production. “
Stephen Nuttall unveiled as new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board
Stephen Nuttall has been appointed as the new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board. Made up of representatives from each of the six partner organisations which own IBC (IABM, IEEE, IET, RTS, SCTE and SMPTE), the IBC Partnership Board provides the governance and strategic oversight of IBC.
Saleha Williams appointed CEO of IABM
Saleha Williams has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IABM.
Comcast sets leadership team for ‘SpinCo’ cable unit
US media and telco giant Comcast has unveiled the leadership team for SpinCo as it prepares to spin off its cable television portfolio later in the year.
Labour exploring ‘alternative funding options’ to BBC licence fee
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly considering scrapping the BBC licence fee at the end of the Corporation's current charter in December 2027.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie to head Creative Cities Convention speakers
BBC Director-General Tim Davie has been lined up as one of the key speakers at this year’s Creative Cities Convention, being held from May 7–8 in Bradford as part of its UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
