 | |
| Country | Greece |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Greece |
| Headquarters | Piraeus,Greece |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | Greek |
| Picture format | 1080iHDTV (downscaled to16:9576i for theSDTV feed) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Skai Group |
| Sister channels | Sigma TV |
| History | |
| Launched | 21 September 1993 1 April 2006 (relaunch) |
| Replaced | Seven TV (1989–2006) |
| Replaced by | Alpha TV (1999–present) |
| Links | |
| Website | SKAI TV |
| Availability | |
| Terrestrial | |
| Digea | All over Greece at local frequencies |
| Streaming media | |
| Skai TV Online | Watch live |
Skai TV is a Greek free-to-air television network based in Piraeus, operating under the Skai Group. It has been broadcasting since 2006 and is available via digital terrestrial transmission, as well as subscription-based services such as Nova and Cosmote TV. The network is a member of Digea, a consortium overseeing digital terrestrial broadcasting in Greece.
Skai TV is a Greek free-to-airtelevision network based inPiraeus, operating underSkai Group. It has been broadcasting since 2006 and is available viadigital terrestrial transmission, as well as subscription-based services such as Nova and Cosmote TV.
Initially, Skai TV dubbed foreign-language content into Greek but later shifted to using subtitles for most foreign programs. This was a departure from common practice in Greek television, where subtitles are generally reserved for specific types of programming.
Skai TV first launched on September 21, 1993, focusing on news and sports. In 1999, the network was sold and rebranded asAlpha TV, shifting towards general entertainment. In 2006, the original Skai TV brand was reintroduced after the acquisition of Seven TV, a struggling broadcaster. The revived Skai TV emphasized news and foreign programming.
The network expanded to theNOVA Greece digital platform in 2007 and introduced a high-definition feed in 2016. Skai TV was among the broadcasters awarded a national television license in Greece, with its owner,Giannis Alafouzos, securing the license for €43.6 million.
Skai TV has been criticized for its news coverage, with accusations of bias and alignment with specific political and corporate interests. Some critics argue that its reporting supports a pro-EU, liberal stance, while others have pointed to perceived favoritism toward certain political figures and policies.[1]
In 2008, the network’s handling of a hostage crisis drew scrutiny, with claims that its coverage contributed to escalating tensions. Statements by journalists associated with the network have also sparked debate over its editorial stance.[2]
Skai TV transitioned early to digital broadcasting, implementing theSONAPS network broadcast system bySony and replacing tape-based workflows. It also usesHarmonic Spectrum servers in its operations. The station was among the first in Greece to adopt a 16:9 broadcast format.
Skai TV airs a mix of foreign and local content, including news, documentaries, and entertainment. The network has agreements with international broadcasters such asNational Geographic,Discovery Channel, andBBC. It also airs a Greek-dubbedBBC World News segment after its own news broadcast.
Skai TV has obtained rights to broadcast the 2024-25 FrenchLigue 1 in Greece.
Skai TV broadcasts high-definition broadcasting via Cosmote TV and online platforms. Plans for an HD channel on digital terrestrial television were announced in 2014 but were delayed until February 2016.
In 2013, Skai TV expanded its reach intoNorth America through agreements with local broadcasters. It partnered withNew Greek TV for distribution in the United States and launched in Canada through the Ethnic Channels Group on Bell Fibe TV. However, as of 2016, Skai TV programming is no longer available in North America.
.png)
| Public |
|
|---|---|
| Private Networks | |
| International free-to-air | |
| Cable channels | |
| DVB-T providers | |
| DVB-S providers | |
| OTT |
|
| Defunct providers | |
| International satellite | |
| Defunct channels | |
| Lists | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
