Fans of UKTV’s Dave channel will soon to be able to buy tie-in merchandise after the broadcaster signed a licensing deal with Evolution Europe & Rizon Studios Creative.
The free to air channel, available on Freeview, YouView, Sky and Virgin Media, has seen audiences grow by 22% in the past year.
UKTV hopes to cash-in on the channel’s soaring popularity by offering a range of merchandise and events “that extol the characteristics of their favourite television channel.”
The deal with Evolution & Rizon Studios will see the firms review the potential of IP exploitation within the UKTV channels, starting with Dave.
Rizon will devise and deliver materials and style guides, while Evolution Europe will present the collateral to potential licensees and other partners.
Colin Thomas, Strategy Manager, UKTV said “As UKTV continues to invest in original content and our portfolio of IP grows, we are looking to expand the network’s successful channel and programming brands outside of traditional revenue streams, with merchandise being the next logical step commercially.
“This opens the door to new and exciting opportunities – beginning with the hugely popular Dave, a brand that resonates clearly with consumers.”