Here we answer your questions
Below are some of the questions the Bigger Picture team are most frequently asked. If you have another question, then please email us at responsibility@bskyb.com and we will endeavour to respond to you within four working days. For other ways to contact us, please see The Team page.
Q: Is reducing its impact on the environment important for Sky?
A: Yes - one in three homes has Sky and this gives us the unique opportunity to inspire people to take small steps to reduce their impacts on the environment, which together add up to make a big difference. For example, we have launched auto standby which switches inactive boxes to standby saving our customers money, and reducing impacts on the environment.
But we feel we must play our part too: in May 2006 we became the world’s first CarbonNeutral® media company and we are continuing to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by making improvements to our buildings and how we travel. We’re also trying to use resources as efficiently as possible - by reducing waste, increasing recycling and buying from sustainable sources. Find out more about what Sky are doing in our Environment section
Q: Do you recycle set-top boxes and satellite dishes?
A: Yes - We offer free ‘take-back’ or postage, for waste Sky electrical products. Old Sky electrical and electronic equipment shouldn’t be thrown away with the rest of your rubbish - it should be collected separately and sent for specialist treatment and recycling. Find out how you can recycle your old Sky equipment on our Sky Products Recycling page.
Q: How do you make sure that your set-top boxes and other products are produced ethically?
A: We have developed Responsible Sourcing Principles which sets out our expectations for suppliers in relation to their management of social and environmental issues. We will ask our supply partners to confirm whether they are able to support and comply with these standards, or if there are any areas where they are not confident that they can immediately confirm compliance. If this is the case, we will work with them to ensure that they can improve their standards as quickly as possible. We may carry out spot-checks of our suppliers to ensure that they are meeting our standards. More information on our Responsible Sourcing Programme can be found on our On the Ground pages
Q: How do you decide which charities to support?
A: Sky has a three year charity partnership with Global Action Plan, and a number of other key partnerships across our focus areas of Responsibility, Environment, Sport and Arts. We receive a large number of requests for support from other charities and community organisations, and unfortunately we cannot support them all. To ensure our contribution have maximum impact we focus our support to the areas of Responsibility , Environment, Sport, and Arts.
Q: Who are Sky’s major shareholders?
A: Sky is listed on the London and New York Stock Exchanges. As of 30th July 2009, News Corporation (through their indirect wholly owned subsidiary News UK Nominees Limited) was our largest shareholder, with a 39.14% share in the business. News Corporation is a global media company founded by Rupert Murdoch, who is now its Chief Executive and Chairman. Additionally, 5.02% of shares were owned by Capital Research and Management Company, 3.12% by Brandes Investment Partners L.P., 3.10% by The Capital Group Companies Inc, and 3.03% by Legal & General Group plc. No other shareholder is known to us to own more than 3% (directly and indirectly) of our ordinary shares. Further details on our shareholders can be found in our Annual Report.
Q: How is Sky regulated?
A: Sky must comply with the laws of the UK & Ireland, where it operates. Sky’s satellite television, broadband and telephony services are regulated by Ofcom (The Office of Communication). The programming on Sky’s channels must conform with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code which sets out how television and radio broadcasters must act (see the On Air section for more information.)
Q: How much of Sky’s revenue is derived from adult content and gambling?
A: Less than 1% of our revenue is derived from gambling and adult content.
Q: How do you engage with government and other public bodies?
A: Sky is committed to engaging with the UK and Europe’s democratic decision making process. Politicians and officials make public policy decisions that affect our vital interests all the time. Our public affairs operation exists to ensure that we are able to provide information on Sky’s business, ensure our perspective is heard by decision makers and to keep these audiences up to speed with product innovation and development. We recognise that to help preserve and advance public trust and confidence in our democratic institutions and the public policy advocacy process, we have a strong obligation to act in the highest ethical manner in our dealings with all public bodies.