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Changes to Sky Poker TV

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Comments

  • edited March 2015

    I for one cannot afford to upgrade to Sky Sports so Im assuming that only thing
    that will be free to watch is repeats of previous programmes/games on 861.
    What a shame oh well it seems always the same as soon as something gets
    really successful and enjoyed it goes.
    Thank you everyone for great shows and I will definitely miss you all.
    Good luck in the future
    Nannypat66

  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    I for one cannot afford to upgrade to Sky Sports so Im assuming that only thing that will be free to watch is repeats of previous programmes/games on 861. What a shame oh well it seems always the same as soon as something gets really successful and enjoyed it goes. Thank you everyone for great shows and I will definitely miss you all. Good luck in the future Nannypat66
    Posted by Nannypat66

    Hi Nannypat66

    Don't worry, as per the OP we expect to be on Challenge TV (freeview). There will also be content on skypoker.com, youtube, social media etc. All of these are free.

    Thanks
    Sky Poker
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Hi Maggiesdad We'll help Tommy out with that one. The legal changes effectively revolve around the comment in the OP where we said we'll be a separate company, part owned by Sky rather than wholly owned by Sky. Thanks Sky Poker
    Posted by Sky_Poker
    Thank you for your reply.

    So what is it about being a separate company that does not allow you to run the channel as is?
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Hi Tsarina, Pardon me, but I'm not sure what that means. Sky Poker is a small part of a huge Business, it won't be going anywhere just because the Poker TV channel is changing to a different format.  
    Posted by Tikay10

    quite true teeks, but Skybet loans are now regarded as "junk", whereas Sky is an investment grade company. I think it's important people understand that. Do you know if our cash balances are held in segregated accounts or part of working capital?

    London, 12 January 2015 -- Moody's Investors Service has today assigned a B2 corporate family rating (CFR) to Cyan Blue Holdco 2 Limited (Sky Bet, or the company) as well as a probability of default rating (PDR) of B2-PD. Concurrently, Moody's has assigned a B2 rating to the GBP340 million term loan B due 2022, to be issued by Cyan Blue Holdco 3 Limited, a subsidiary of Sky Bet, and a B2 rating to the GBP50 million revolving credit facility, to be issued by Cyan Blue Holdco 3 Limited and Cyan Bidco Limited, an indirect subsidiary of Sky Bet. The outlook on the ratings is stable.

    Proceeds from the debt issuance will be used to partially finance the acquisition of a controlling stake in Sky Bet by funds managed by CVC Capital Partners (CVC), and to pay transaction costs. CVC will acquire a circa 78% equity stake in Sky Bet from Sky Plc (Sky, Baa2, stable), with Sky retaining an interest in the company through a circa 21% equity interest, a vendor loan of GBP70 million and an earn-out of up to GBP50 million.
  • edited March 2015
    When I initially heard the news about 861 closing I did think it was the beginning of the end for Sky Poker. After having read Tikays comments and Ryan being especially positive about Sky Pokers future I'm a bit more hopeful. I joined Sky Poker after watching the channel like so many others and it will be interesting to see what opportunities are taken to promote the site in future
  • edited March 2015
    I am not hopeful at all. for me SKYPOKER was all about the channel/live shows  and SPTS. All are now gone. What we seem to be getting now is a fragmentation of the platform through varying social/media platforms.We all new where to get our poker fix and that was 865/861, now its going to be all over the place, Challenge,skysports4, youtube, etc etc. Such a shame, but well done to all for the past,was a great viewing experience.  
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : quite true teeks, but Skybet loans are now regarded as "junk", whereas Sky is an investment grade company. I think it's important people understand that. Do you know if our cash balances are held in segregated accounts or part of working capital? London, 12 January 2015 -- Moody's Investors Service has today assigned a B2 corporate family rating (CFR) to Cyan Blue Holdco 2 Limited (Sky Bet, or the company) as well as a probability of default rating (PDR) of B2-PD. Concurrently, Moody's has assigned a B2 rating to the GBP340 million term loan B due 2022, to be issued by Cyan Blue Holdco 3 Limited, a subsidiary of Sky Bet, and a B2 rating to the GBP50 million revolving credit facility, to be issued by Cyan Blue Holdco 3 Limited and Cyan Bidco Limited, an indirect subsidiary of Sky Bet. The outlook on the ratings is stable. Proceeds from the debt issuance will be used to partially finance the acquisition of a controlling stake in Sky Bet by funds managed by CVC Capital Partners (CVC), and to pay transaction costs. CVC will acquire a circa 78% equity stake in Sky Bet from Sky Plc (Sky, Baa2, stable), with Sky retaining an interest in the company through a circa 21% equity interest, a vendor loan of GBP70 million and an earn-out of up to GBP50 million.
    Posted by GELDY
    Hi Geldy

    A heavy and complex area. However, quoting a section of our T&Cs...


    'Funds exceeding the value of active customer balances are held in a specific bank account separated from the company’s other operating bank accounts to ensure that there are always sufficient funds available for customers to withdraw their balances, even in the highly unlikely event of the insolvency'

    Hope that helps.

    Thanks
    Sky Poker
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Hi Geldy A heavy and complex area. However, quoting a section of our T&Cs... 'Funds exceeding the value of active customer balances are held in a specific bank account separated from the company’s other operating bank accounts to ensure that there are always sufficient funds available for customers to withdraw their balances, even in the highly unlikely event of the insolvency' Hope that helps. Thanks Sky Poker
    Posted by Sky_Poker
    it does indeed, ty Sky_Poker
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : On the two points above, certainly. We're obviously actively discussing this but if you (or anyone else) has thoughts on this, do feel free to post them.
    Posted by Sky_Poker
    I have contributed to a few show threads on this.

    My favourites being

    Monkey Poker
    The Hitman and Hhyr

    I think there may even be some serious ones in those threads somewhere.

    Alhtough if Dave and Jon aren't available for Hitman and Hhyr then I am sure Tikay and Sky Kirsty would make it as the 2010's equivalent to Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan of the 90's - Touring the UK Casinos and reporting on live events.
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : I have contributed to a few show threads on this. My favourites being Monkey Poker The Hitman and Hhyr I think there may even be some serious ones in those threads somewhere. Alhtough if Dave and Jon aren't available for Hitman and Hhyr then I am sure Tikay and Sky Kirsty would make it as the 2010's equivalent to Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan of the 90's - Touring the UK Casinos and reporting on live events.
    Posted by Phantom66

    Must admit, we never expected the words 'Monkey Poker' to appear on this thread!
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Must admit, we never expected the words 'Monkey Poker' to appear on this thread!
    Posted by Sky_Poker
    You mean Rich Orford didn't pass that one on? Watch out he doesnt take it to another production company and cut us out of the action. I even wrote a screenplay.
  • edited March 2015
    Monkey Poker deserves commissioning asap :)

    Sad news, best wishes to all the presenters and crew... easily my most watched TV channel... and even gave me the chance to play poker on TV (although that episode will be long consigned to the cutting room floor!!)

    I suppose there is way more gambling revenue to be made from daily live roulette than poker, can't blame a gambling company for that.

    Look forward to seeing what the new (free) programming involves!
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Hi Geldy A heavy and complex area. However, quoting a section of our T&Cs... 'Funds exceeding the value of active customer balances are held in a specific bank account separated from the company’s other operating bank accounts to ensure that there are always sufficient funds available for customers to withdraw their balances, even in the highly unlikely event of the insolvency' Hope that helps. Thanks Sky Poker
    Posted by Sky_Poker

     Possibly one of the most important points of this whole thread. Last thing the industry needs is another Howard lederer situation
  • edited March 2015
    Last time I felt like this was when Johnny & Denise left The Big Breakfast! Breakfast TV was never the same again, and I still go to Youtube to watch all the clips. About 14 years later.

    The best of the five hour shows reminded me of that. The education was great - I certainly learned a lot - but the entertainment was priceless. I have enough stress & misery day to day and this provided a relief, so yeah I'm really going to miss it.

    All the best wishes to everyone involved, I hope things work out well for all.
    And penguin too if he's still hiding somewhere in the studios.

    Much love! Elliot


  • edited March 2015
    I will miss the current show format and the USP of the site was always being able to see your play on TV. Good luck to all those affected.
  • edited March 2015
    All on Sky-Poker,

    I have read through every single post on this thread, and agree with most of the people, that losing channel 861 is a disaster. Playing poker online is usually a one-person affair, sitting behind your PC and just playing. With the poker channel streaming while you're playing, it suddenly changes into a two way street, with hilarious comments from Anna (is she real??), Tikay (he is real!!), RyeRye (lovely man), MrAmbo (he IS funny), Stapes (Mr weirdo) and all the others I haven't mentioned.

    I have been itching to write a post (even though I don't write that many), to let everyone know, that the 5 hour live shows are top class. I certainly hope we don't lose the live shows, as if we do I certainly will be playing a lot less poker.

    As for where we go from here is a bit like driving in Japan: you can see all the signs, but have no idea where the trip ends up. For now, all we hear from SkyPoker is fairly vague intentions of what is going to happen next. I understand that with everything changing so fast, no final 'plan' can be shared, but surely the new company should be able to share their intentions in a bit more detail then 'Challenge TV, Sky Sports, no live stream, etc. etc. Looking forward to hearing some commitments, rather then plans/visions/ideas.

    To finish off, I sincerely want to thank everyone on the SkyPoker channel (including stingy producer Dan) for the many, many hour I have enjoyed watching - no participating in the shows.

    And finally, finally, I do appreciate this thread and the fact, that Tikay and others from SkyPoker take the time to answer, and discuss these matters with their customers.

    Thanks,
    Dirk
  • edited March 2015
    Just dropped in for a quick browse and found this thread unfortunately :(  As said by many before on the thread, Sky Poker TV's live shows attracted me to the game of Poker.  I stumbled upon the show by accident and I was hooked. The live shows were informative, entertaining and more importantly for me... funny!  It seems silly but you got a buzz when seeing your hand on TV, the buzz didn't last long when you made a mess of it :) 

    So many excellent presenters and analysts over the years (Tikay, the Lord, Lisa Marie, Sarah, Michelle, Ed Giddens, Trevor, D.P., Mark Banin, Carlo...and many more) . The interaction with the community and the show made it special.

    Things change and hopefully there is a bright future for Sky Poker TV.  Thank you for the laughs and entertainment.
    Ross
  • edited March 2015
    I've had many great times on the show in the past......my god, eight years! 

    The plan going forward with more preplanned content looks like a viable one to me, especially if a lot of that is on Sky Sports, Challenge and other much easier to find channels than one being very near to, ahem, those phone lady channels.


  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    I've had many great times on the show in the past......my god, eight years!  The plan going forward with more preplanned content looks like a viable one to me, especially if a lot of that is on Sky Sports, Challenge and other much easier to find channels than one being very near to, ahem, those phone lady channels.
    Posted by ButtonDonk
    Hmmmm, I imagine the bulk range of poker players fit into the 'male, 18-60' demographic. I'd suggest 861 was easily found for most!

    Especially if married and its past 10pm, as her indoors reads their book in bed upstairs ;)

    Was always good to have you on the show Mr Carter....assuming your alias is who I think it is?
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Hmmmm, I imagine the bulk range of poker players fit into the 'male, 18-60' demographic. I'd suggest 861 was easily found for most! Especially if married and its past 10pm, as her indoors reads their book in bed upstairs ;) Was always good to have you on the show Mr Carter....assuming your alias is who I think it is?
    Posted by hhyftrftdr
    Yep thats me. 

    Honestly though I do think it makes sense. As a marketer the best way to get new people to see your content is to put it somewhere where your target audience already are. You kinda have to 'find' Channel 861, whereas people are already on Challenge and Sky Sports. Obviously it would be awesome if 861 could be there too but I'm all for putting all your efforts into the thing that's working the most. 

    Barry
  • edited March 2015
    sticking 861 on to complement game play anytime day or night was key - the live show was an added bonus, being able to interact on twitter etc - guess there will still be elements of that subscription only.

    the recent promotions have certainly kept me interested in sky poker, although having most of the month off on a rival site at the minute just to play something different.  will be back I'm sure, but this does feel like a backward step, especially in light of these recent positive moves I mentioned.

    I sit on the fence and wait to be convinced... the reduction of the tv element however you look at it isn't a good thing. won't be having you tube on in the background when playing that's for sure!
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    Hi all We just wanted to let you know about changes coming soon to Sky Poker TV. Following the recent news that Sky Betting & Gaming is to become an independent company, we have been reviewing the Sky Poker channel. Although we will still be part owned by Sky and will still work closely with them, effectively we will be a separate company and that affects how we can run the channel commercially and legally. Here’s a quick summary of the changes: - The first thing to say is that we will be keeping Sky Poker TV going, but it will operate under a new model - In the very near future, we will cease to operate the 24/7 channel (ch.861 on Sky) and online live stream.  This will happen sooner than we anticipated, maybe even this week, but that can’t be avoided unfortunately - The shows on Sky Sports will continue on a Tuesday in a new format and we have exciting plans for them - We will be focusing more on producing pre-recorded TV content so expect to see more of this.  Including things like cash games, UKPCs, educuational content, interviews, features etc.  This will likely be shown on Sky Sports, Challenge TV, skypoker.com and social media, including youtube - We are also working on some new ideas which we will share at a later date It’s obviously a period of change for the channel, but Sky Poker TV is continuing. We have some exciting plans for it and the Sky Poker community will still be a big part of it. We have deliberately made this announcement here first. We’ll post more on here as and when we are able to but until then, thanks for your continued support. Thank you.  
    Posted by Sky_Poker
    my tuesdays,thursdays and sundays wont be the same again,shame

  • edited March 2015
    Greetings and salutations.
    Having got into poker through watching our favourite shows, i feel that taking the fun out of the poker will have a detrimental effect on those of us who use the show. To me, and probably others, the show brought 'fun' into what is, essentialy, a relatively mundame game when online. I always looked forward to my 'fun' fix when the show was on; hopefully the changes will allow some of the 'fun' to remain!!! I do feel a bit let down on the suddenness of the change, but hey new owners = new directives. I understand that skysports will bring poker to the view of more people, and as a business idea that is the main thing (just don't lose the fun and interactivity....please).

    Having been around for many years i have seen different formats and was always sceptical of them. I still remain sceptical but hope for the best.

    To ALL the staff and presenters, i can only say THANK YOU for all the hours of entertainment you have given me. I also hope that the future is bright for those we will no longer see.. you WILL be missed ;(

    Best wishes to everyone.

    Laurie
  • edited March 2015
    I repeat........

    Thank you for your reply.

    So what is it about being a separate company that does not allow you to run the channel as is?

    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Hi Maggiesdad We'll help Tommy out with that one. The legal changes effectively revolve around the comment in the OP where we said we'll be a separate company, part owned by Sky rather than wholly owned by Sky. Thanks Sky Poker
    Posted by Sky_Poker
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Yep thats me.  Honestly though I do think it makes sense. As a marketer the best way to get new people to see your content is to put it somewhere where your target audience already are. You kinda have to 'find' Channel 861, whereas people are already on Challenge and Sky Sports. Obviously it would be awesome if 861 could be there too but I'm all for putting all your efforts into the thing that's working the most.  Barry
    Posted by ButtonDonk
    Sounds good

    but the truth is Sky Sports has had plenty of shows in the past did they work?

    My personal opinion is No! Sky sports just doesn't give value for money any more.
    Apart from the high profile live football, cricket NFL & Rugby. Does Ten Pin bowling, Pool & Canadian show jumping etc
    float your boat?
    And would you want to pay the subscription just to watch a poker show?

    I'm guessing Challenge would be a repeat show? how many viewers would make a point of watching repeats of interactive shows?

    The dynamic of 861 was equivalent to a guilty pleasure.

    Anna Fowler and Orford were the mouth piece, eye candy & pulling power that made the shows great!
    Who didn't watch the shows without expecting/hoping Anna or Rich would say or do something outrageous or bizarre?

    The pouting, flirting and fashion choices. made the live shows Iconic and I'm only talking about Tikay!

    I'm sure the decision to end the channel was made with good intentions

    but sadly losing the TV
    (a big reason why so many stayed loyal to the site)

    the Sky Poker Tour and being able play with £ stirling were big attractions

    The SPT's went, the Tv's almost gone please don't change the currency to $ dollars.

    I really hope the site remains successful but at the back of my subconcious amidst the nightmares I see Daniel Negranu bursting out of a Sky Poker birthday cake with a creepy smile and a bill of sale
  • edited March 2015
    I feel like I have just been kicked in the stomach. RIP 861.
  • edited March 2015
    This is so sad. I got into poker through seeing 861. The live shows so entertaining I watched most of them since 2014. thanks to all involved it was great.
  • edited March 2015
    So So sad to hear I have inproved my game dramtiscly beacuse of sky poker tv I would just want to thank you to Every Member of the crew from Presnters to Camera Opperaters Thank you so much !! 
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    I repeat........ Thank you for your reply. So what is it about being a separate company that does not allow you to run the channel as is? In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV :
    Posted by Maggiesdad

    Hi Maggiesdad

    Because will no longer be part of Sky, things change. The goalposts have moved but we've adapted and are moving forward with new ideas and a new setup for Sky Poker.

    Thanks
    Sky Poker
  • edited March 2015
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV:
    In Response to Re: Changes to Sky Poker TV : Hi Maggiesdad Because will no longer be part of Sky, things change. The goalposts have moved but we've adapted and are moving forward with new ideas and a new setup for Sky Poker. Thanks Sky Poker
    Posted by Sky_Poker
    Clear as mud.....thank you
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