<P> Sky Arts (originally launched as Artsworld) is an art - oriented television channel offering 24 hours a day of programmes dedicated to highbrow arts, including theatrical performances, movies, documentaries and music (such as opera performances and classical and jazz sessions). The channel is available via Sky, Virgin Media, and TalkTalk TV, included in most basic subscription packs, but started life as a premium service requiring an additional payment on top of the monthly Sky subscription . Sky Arts HD is also available on Sky, Virgin Media . </P> <P> In its early days, it was owned and managed by a public partnership (Artsworld Channels) including Sir Jeremy Isaacs . However, the channel suffered severe financial difficulty . In July 2002, it even staged its own farewell party, only to find emergency funding that very evening . In 2003, with a skeleton staff, it was facing closure . At this point, Sky stepped in, taking an initial 50% stake . </P> <P> Sky subsequently bought out the remaining shareholders (including Isaacs) and in June 2005 took full control, reducing the staff further, and dropping the channel's premium subscription fee shortly afterwards . 60 hours of classic music along with seven full - length operas were broadcast each month to help bring in potential new subscribers . John Cassy, the channel manager of Artsworld, said: "It is great news for the arts that a dedicated cultural channel will be available to millions of households ." </P> <P> On 1 March 2007, Artsworld became Sky Arts and Artsworld HD became Sky Arts HD . This resulted in all of BSkyB's wholly owned channels carrying the Sky name (until Pick TV was launched and Virgin Media Television - which included Challenge - was acquired). </P>

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