Skai TV is a Greek free-to-air

television network A television broadcaster or television network is a telecommunications network for the distribution of television show, television content, where a central operation provides programming to many television stations, pay television providers or ...

based in

Piraeus Piraeus ( ; ; , Ancient: , Katharevousa: ) is a port city within the Athens urban area ("Greater Athens"), in the Attica region of Greece. It is located southwest of Athens city centre along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf in the Ath ...

, operating under 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. 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.

History

Skai TV first launched on September 21, 1993, focusing on news and sports. In 1999, the network was sold and rebranded as Alpha 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 the NOVA 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.

Criticism

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. 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.

Technology

Skai TV transitioned early to digital broadcasting, implementing the SONAPS network broadcast system by

Sony is a Japanese multinational conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at Sony City in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The Sony Group encompasses various businesses, including Sony Corporation (electronics), Sony Semiconductor Solutions (i ...

and replacing tape-based workflows. It also uses Harmonic Spectrum servers in its operations. The station was among the first in Greece to adopt a 16:9 broadcast format.

Programming

Skai TV airs a mix of foreign and local content, including news, documentaries, and entertainment. The network has agreements with international broadcasters such as National Geographic,

Discovery Channel Discovery Channel, known as The Discovery Channel from 1985 to 1995, and often referred to as simply Discovery, is an American cable channel that is best known for its ongoing reality television shows and promotion of pseudoscience. It init ...

, and

BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...

. It also airs a Greek-dubbed BBC World News segment after its own news broadcast. Skai TV has obtained rights to broadcast the 2024-25 French

Ligue 1 Ligue 1 (; ), officially known as Ligue 1 McDonald's France, McDonald's for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in France and the highest level of the French football league system. Administered by the Ligue de ...

in Greece.

Skai HD

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.

Skai International

In 2013, Skai TV expanded its reach into

North America North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere, Northern and Western Hemisphere, Western hemispheres. North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South Ameri ...

through agreements with local broadcasters. It partnered with New 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.

Logos

File:Skai TV (logo, 1993-98).png, 1993–1998 File:Skai tv logo.png, 2006–2009 File:Skai Tv logo.svg, 2009–2018 File:Λογότυπο ΣΚΑΪ 2018.png, 2018–present

External links

Official Site
{{DEFAULTSORT:Skai TV Skai Group Television networks in Greece Television channels in Greece Greek-language television stations Television channels and stations established in 2006 2006 establishments in Greece Mass media in Athens