Liberty Global & Discovery Extend Long-Term Distribution Pact

LONDON: Liberty Global and Discovery Communications have renewed their long-term distribution partnership, inking a new multiplatform deal that spans 12 markets across Europe.

The pact covers Discovery’s full portfolio of networks, including flagships Discovery Channel, TLC, ID and Eurosport, which will be delivered to Liberty Global customers across its 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland and the U.K. The deal also includes digital rights.

JB Perrette, the president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, said: “Discovery is the leader in premium and provocative real-world entertainment through our loved brands that engage and entertain passionate communities across the globe. From world-class sporting events like the Olympic Games, Grand Slam Tennis and important local sports to globally popular shows like Gold Rush, Cake Boss and Shark Week, this new deal strengthens our great partnership with Liberty Global and provides their customers with more premium content from Discovery’s networks and brands, across more screens than ever before.”

Bruce Mann, the managing director of programming at Liberty Global, added: “This long-term renewal provides Liberty Global with guaranteed access to Discovery’s broad stable of world-famous brands. With greatly expanded distribution rights, we are well positioned to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations and evolving viewing habits. Meanwhile, the combination of our ever more innovative TV platforms with Discovery’s significant investment in content—including the Olympic Games—provide a framework for further creative opportunities that will drive even more value from the deal.”