Discovery Buys Indie Producer Betty

LONDON: Discovery Communications has acquired the British independent production house Betty, behind shows such as Dirty Sexy Things and Freaky Eaters.

Betty will develop and produce new ideas and formats for the broad scope of Discovery’s portfolio of factual and lifestyle channels. Discovery will also have the option to acquire formats from Betty that have previously been produced from the company’s programming library. Betty will continue to operate independently from its London headquarters. The current staff remains in place.

Discovery said the acquisition is the first of "several key initiatives" the company is taking, including expanding its focus on programming for TLC and growing the creative output of its U.K.-based international operation.

Liz Warner, the CEO of Betty, said, “Creativity and idea generation are the drivers of our business. We are thrilled to do this deal with Discovery which gives us the freedom to be a thriving U.K. producer and gives Discovery the benefit of our increasing number of formats and series for their international business. It is genuinely exciting to be working with such a successful corporation and to tap into their infrastructure.”

Lee Bartlett, the executive VP of global production management, business and legal affairs for Discovery, added, “We are committed to working with the best creatives in the business, and no question that Betty stands apart. This is a global deal, and Discovery looks forward to providing the infrastructure and resources of our global platform of 142 networks in 210 countries to enable Betty to extend their content to our channels in the U.S. and around the world. We are looking forward to Betty infusing our ever-expanding creative pipeline with award-winning storytelling that will be seen on TLC and Discovery’s channels around the world.”