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 August 2003
8 August 2003
BRITISH SKY BROADCASTING GROUP PLC
(Name of Registrant)
Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 5OD 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 Welcomes FAPL Decision released on
8 August 2003
NEWS RELEASE
8 AUGUST 2003
Sky welcomes FA Premier League decision on football rights
Sky welcomed today's announcement by the FA Premier League that it has decided
to award the UK TV rights to live Premiership matches to Sky for three seasons
from 2004.
The award of the rights (made in four separate packages of live matches)
represents an increase in the number of live matches available to viewers and
means that Sky will offer 138 live games per season from 2004, compared with 106
live games per season under the current arrangements between Sky and the Premier
League. Continued take-up of digital television means that Sky's pay-TV
channels are now received in more than 10 million UK households.
Speaking after the Premier League announced its decision, Tony Ball, BSkyB Chief
Executive, said:
"Sky is delighted to be continuing its relationship with the Premier League for
a further three seasons. The new arrangements are good news for Premiership
clubs and good news for viewers, who can look forward to many more matches on
Sky than ever before."
The FA Premier League announced that the rights had been awarded at a price for
the four packages in aggregate of GBP1,024 million.
Notes to editors:
Premiership coverage available under previous broadcast rights agreements:
2001-04 3-year 66 live matches on Sky Sports
40 live pay-per-view matches
(offered separately by Telewest, NTL and BSkyB)
Highlights on ITV
1997-01 4-year 60 live matches on Sky Sports
Highlights on BBC
1992-97 5-year 60 live matches on Sky Sports
Highlights on BBC
Enquiries:
Press:
Julian Eccles Tel: 020 7705 3267
Chris Haynes Tel: 020 7705 3905
Robert Fraser Tel: 020 7705 3036
Analysts/Investors:
Neil Chugani Tel: 020 7705 3837
Andrew Griffith Tel: 020 7705 3118
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: 8 August 2003 By: /s/ Dave Gormley
Dave Gormley
Company Secretary