Sky One nips Ch. 4 for '24'
Fox shops skein after talks with pubcaster collapse
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The BBC screened seasons one and two of " 24" to great acclaim, but talks broke down for the third.
Local sources claimed Sky had paid $17 million, more than three times what British webs usually pay for U.S. fare, for the 24-part third season, but Sky suggested this figure was off beam.
Fox put "24," a critical success for BBC2 not matched by high ratings, on the market two weeks ago after talks with the pubcaster collapsed.
The BBC said it was not willing to meet Fox's price, but the studio was unhappy that "24" would be seen "in the clear" across Europe because of the corporation's desire to show it on its unencrypted digital satellite.
It is understood that Sky has bought both the pay and terrestrial rights to "24" and plans to sell the latter, probably to Five, which has a high success rate with American drama.
Sky helmer Dawn Airey has made no secret of her desire to boost Sky One's ratings by being quicker off the mark in buying Hollywood series.
