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 December 2006
06 December 2006
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 'Sky and Google Alliance' released on
06 December 2006
Sky and Google unveil broadband alliance
First global deployment of Google's suite of world-class search, communications
and video tools
LONDON, UK, and MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, December 6 2006 - British Sky
Broadcasting (Sky), the UK's leading entertainment company, and Google today
announced plans to work together in bringing ground-breaking web-based services
to Sky's community of broadband internet customers. The wide-ranging set of
multi-year agreements sees two of the world's leading innovators in technology
and entertainment join forces to create a compelling and customised experience
for Sky Broadband customers.
Sky will be Google's first partner globally to deploy Google's suite of search,
advertising, communications and video services, all of which will be tailored
and branded for Sky's fast-growing broadband platform. Sky aims to ensure that
its broadband customers enjoy the best possible online user experience with
customised access to the full benefits of Google's evolving suite of innovative
products for PC, TV and mobile.
Sky and Google will collaborate in three key areas:
Video
Sky will launch a multi-platform User Generated Video (UGV) portal powered by
the first global deployment of Google's syndicated video content tools. The site
will allow users to edit, upload and share their own video content, including
the facility to upload and download from a mobile phone. The UGV portal will
form part of a content-rich experience for Sky Broadband customers that will
enhance the appeal of Sky's broadband services, build community and promote Sky
content to online audiences.
Communications
Sky Broadband customers will enjoy access to a comprehensive online
communications platform. This will include a fully customised version of
Google's email product, 'Google Mail', which will use the popular '@sky.com'
email address. Powered by Google with a user interface and functionality
customised to Sky's unique specifications, the platform will also offer access
to key communications applications that attract and deepen relationships with
internet users, such as contacts, calendar and instant messaging. In addition,
Sky will explore opportunities to provide further services such as Google's VoIP
(voice over internet protocol) telephony services, enhanced storage and future
product developments.
Search and advertising
Google will provide its industry leading search tools and targeted search
advertising across Sky's portfolio of online sites. The two companies will also
explore future forms of web, TV and mobile advertising. Revenue generated by
click-throughs on sponsored links will be shared between Sky and Google,
increasing Sky's exposure to the fastest growing segment of the UK's advertising
market.
James Murdoch, Sky's Chief Executive, said:
"These agreements will bring Sky customers a valuable set of services from the
world's leading search company, including cutting edge tools for video sharing
and communications. Google has pioneered many of the web's most loved and used
features, so I'm delighted that Sky Broadband customers will be the very first
online community to enjoy such unrivalled range and quality as well as a
commitment to further innovation.
In a short time, Sky has emerged as an effective challenger by offering
high-quality broadband that offers greater value than traditional cable and
telcos. Sky is on track to build a large and successful broadband business and
is increasingly well positioned to participate in the rapid growth of online
search and advertising."
Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google, said:
"Google is committed to giving people the power to explore, create and
communicate. Today's alliance with Sky brings together two of the most
innovative media and technology companies for the benefit of users. We will be
delivering exciting new services for Sky Broadband customers all over the UK.
We're delighted to team up with Sky in one of the world's most dynamic markets
and we look forward to working together in the years to come."
Financial terms of the agreements have not been disclosed.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
About Sky Broadband
Sky announced the launch of its broadband internet service, Sky Broadband, on 18
July 2006 and began activating customers' lines in mid August. In just over 100
days, around one million customers had registered their interest in Sky
Broadband, making it one of the most successful UK product launches in recent
years.
Sky Broadband customers enjoy wireless internet access and a full security
package with a choice of quality products offering speeds of up to 16 Mb. On
average, Sky Broadband customers are enjoying savings of more than GBP10 a month
compared with their previous broadband supplier and are connecting at speeds on
average three times faster.
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the
world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students
Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major
global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all
sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for
users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the
Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.
Further information about Sky:
Press:
Matthew Anderson Tel: 020 7705 3267
Robert Fraser Tel: 020 7705 3036
E-mail: corporate.communications@bskyb.com
Analysts/Investors:
Andrew Griffith Tel: 020 7705 3118
Robert Kingston Tel: 020 7705 3726
E-mail: investor-relations@bskyb.com
Further information about Google:
Press:
DJ Collins Tel: 020 7184 3247
Email: djcollins@google.com
Analysts/Investors:
Maria Shim Tel: +1 650 253 7663
Email: marias@google.com
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: 06 December 2006 By: /s/ Dave Gormley
Dave Gormley
Company Secretary