BT has announced a “long-term” deal with UKTV, whose portfolio of channels includes W, Alibi, Gold and Eden, which will bring an “enhanced” selection of HD on demand shows to BT TV customers.
The deal also secures the presence of UKTV’s pay channels on the BT TV service and will see even more content from them available in HD to watch via BT’s set top boxes and mobile apps.
Today’s deal, which was hailed by UKTV as building on their “strong relationship” with BT, contrasts sharply with this Summer’s falling out between the broadcaster and Virgin Media.
A dispute over how much the cable firm was willing to pay for UKTV’s channels saw the entire portfolio removed from the platform for three weeks, prompting an angry backlash from subscribers.
Tony Singh, Content and Business Development Director for BT’s Consumer division, said: “Our continued UKTV partnership allows us to keep giving our customers a brilliant range of entertainment, comedy, drama, and lifestyle channels.
“Our customers love those channels and can, uniquely to BT TV, combine them with services like Netflix, Amazon and NOW TV to give them the flexibility to view a wide range of fantastic content.”
Simon Michaelides, Chief Commercial Officer, UKTV, added: “We’re very pleased to be building on our already strong relationship with BT.
“UKTV channels play a significant role for BT TV customers, so it’s great to be able to extend our VoD services and give them more of the shows that they love, as well as an exciting and expanding portfolio of original new shows and exclusive acquisitions.”