Sky1 controller defends recent HBO deal

Sky1 controller Stuart Murphy has defended the channel's recent HBO deal.

Last month, Sky secured the rights to HBO's new series as well as some of its archived programming.

Speaking at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, Murphy refused to confirm whether the deal was worth the £150m which has been reported.

"We never talk about how much things cost, so I can't confirm that it cost that," he said.

"We don't have Sex And The City. Sky is not just about sport and movies - Sky Arts has shown we can totally break through with arts, Sky News is a fantastically spirited news service, and Sky1 has to be up there too. Elsewhere on our platform, we need to have quality content."

He continued: "When you look at the HBO archives, we're going to treat it with respect. It's in HD, with Dolby surround sound... We're not going to bugger around with it in the schedules. I'm not going to make any apologies about the HBO deal."

Murphy also dismissed claims that the deal will mean he can avoid investing in original UK programming.

"Bulls**t," he said. "Part of the reason I was hired because I've got a past of commissioning."

> Click here for our blog from Stuart Murphy's session at the TV Festival