Discovery Networks UK & Ireland has appointed Sky Media as the exclusive sales partner for Discovery’s portfolio of 11 factual and entertainment TV channels in the UK and Ireland, in a new long-term deal.

The advertising sales deal extends the relationship between Discovery and Sky Media which started 15 years ago in 2002. Under the new agreement, Sky Media handles the advertising sales for Discovery’s factual and entertainment brands including Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet and Quest reaching 22 million viewers every month.

The multi-year partnership begins with immediate effect and includes responsibility for managing the sale of Discovery’s full advertising inventory, including sponsorship and video on demand.

Susanna Dinnage, EVP and MD of Discovery Networks UK and Ireland, says, “We are delighted to have agreed a new commercial deal with Sky for Discovery’s factual and entertainment channel portfolio in the UK and Ireland. Sky Media impressed us with their innovation and ambition. They are investing in exciting new technology such as addressable advertising that will have a positive impact on the media landscape and we are confident this new commercial partnership will create new opportunities and value for our business over the coming years.”

John Litster, managing director of Sky Media, says, “We are delighted that Discovery have chosen to renew this partnership and see it as a validation of the success that we’ve achieved together over the last 15 years. Discovery’s channel portfolio and content offering are a compelling advertising opportunity for brands across the spectrum. This is an exciting time in the television advertising marketplace and this deal clearly demonstrates that Sky Media is the partner of choice for leading channel brands. Technology innovations such as our Sky AdSmart targeting platform are changing the way that TV campaigns are planned and developed. Discovery has recognised this market leadership by choosing Sky Media as their advertising partner.”