Sky replaces Prime with the launch of Sky Open

Scheduled for a 6am debut on Wednesday, August 23rd, Sky Open is set to take the place of Prime in the channel lineup.

This new channel will feature an array of programming, including locally-produced content from Sky Originals NZ, news broadcasts, exclusive coverage of Sky Sport events, documentaries, and entertainment segments – all available to viewers without any subscription requirements.

Lauren Quaintance, Sky’s Chief Media and Data Officer, says: “Our new free-to-air channel, Sky Open, enables Sky to create a bold and distinctive channel identity, connected to our family of Sky platforms and channels. This new look encourages existing and new audiences to open themselves up to a world of sport and entertainment, both local and international. Sky Open is a key part of Sky’s strategy to deliver superb content to New Zealanders in ways that work for them.”

Sky Open replaces Prime and can be accessed on Sky channel 4 and Freeview channel 15, with Prime+1 changing to Sky Open+1 on Sky channel 514.  

Viewers who prefer to stream or watch on demand will be able to watch Sky Open live and catch up with programmes on demand via Sky Go, for free.  

The launch of Sky Open will also see a change for our longstanding news show Prime News. From Wednesday 23 August, viewers can keep up to date with all the latest stories from Eric Young on News First, at 5.30pm. 

This month also sees two locally produced Sky Originals NZ productions premiere: season two of the Matthew Ridge-hosted architecture series Designing Dreamsand an exciting new travel docuseries Lost In France, providing a perfect lead-in to this year’s much-anticipated Rugby World Cup. 

Sky Open will be the home of Sky’s free-to-air coverage for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in September and October, broadcasting 12 games from the tournament as well as regular highlight shows. The free matches include the Opening Match (All Blacks v France) live and the Final live.  The full list of live and delayed matches is noted below. We look forward to sharing this exciting tournament with Kiwis right across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Later in the year, Sky Open viewers can also look forward to renowned investigative journalist Bryan Bruce’s latest documentary The Food Crisis and the second season of Pax Assadi’s award-winning comedy Raised By Refugees. Taking to the high seas again will be the second season of HBO’s New Zealand-filmed pirate comedy Our Flag Means Death.

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