Canis celebrates 75th Sky EPG transaction

Canis Medis has celebrated its 75th transaction of channel slots on Sky's electronic programme guide (EPG).

Over the past decade, Canis has helped new channels to reach UK audiences, as well as assisting established broadcasters to launch multichannel offerings.

Research has indicated that the number of new channels being launched on Sky dropped 70% last year as independent broadcasters struggled to establish themselves on the platform.

Most channel slots on Sky's EPG are now obtained through transfers, company acquisitions, liquidations or channel number swaps with other broadcasters.

In 2009, Canis Media brokered the sale of nine EPG slots previously owned by collapsed Irish sports broadcaster, Setanta UK.

More recently, the company handled Sony's acquisition of the EPG slot previously held by Film24, enabling the launch of new channel Sony Entertainment Television next month.

This month, Canis secured a slot on Sky's EPG for the launch of Christian channel Praise TV, which is available now at channel 598 in the 'religion' section.

Ed Hall, chief executive of Canis Media, said: "I am extremely proud of the Canis team in helping another new channel reach new audiences in the UK. The popularity of the Sky platform and its EPG is a testament to the plurality of multi-channel viewing in the UK.

"We look forward to helping channels new and old to increase their distribution and improve their ratings."

Last November, former Red Bee Media compliance manager Helena Brewer joined Canis Media to head up the company's broadcast services division.