UKTV Takes C4 Content Package

LONDON: In its first major content deal with Channel 4, UKTV has acquired 187 hours of programming from the broadcaster, encompassing entertainment, comedy and drama.

The slate will premiere across four of UKTV’s ten thematic channels: G.O.L.D., Dave, Watch and Yesterday, beginning August 1. G.O.L.D., will broadcast the majority of the comedy output, including Green Wing, Jo Brand: Through the Cakehole, Comic Strip, Vic Reeves: Big Night Out and Nevermind the Horrocks. Titles such as Black Books, Star Stories and Smack the Pony will be showcased on Dave. Watch will premiere two specials: 10 Stupidest Things to Escape From and 50 Greatest Magic Tricks. And all 17 drama titles within this deal, including Hamburg Cell, The Camomile Lawn and The Government Inspector, will premiere on Yesterday.

UKTV’s executive director of commercial, Keith Porritt, said of the deal: “These arrangements open up a new content stream that complements the many popular titles we acquire from the BBC and our own growing stable of high profile commissions, plus it augments the non-linear opportunities opening up to our new-look multiplatform channel brands.”

Mike Morris, the managing director of Channel 4 Rights, added: “We are delighted to have concluded this deal with UKTV which is a perfect example of Channel 4 maximizing rights exploitation to the equal benefit of the channel and the independent production community.”