Disney & BSkyB Pact for Pay-TV Channel

LONDON: The Walt Disney Company and BSkyB have come together to form a new TV channel that will show Disney movies in the U.K. and Ireland.

Dubbed Sky Movies Disney, the network will go on air March 28. The channel will be broadcasting first-run films such as Brave, Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings and Wreck-It Ralph, which are typically given a six-month window from their theatrical release. Older Disney movies, including A Bug’s Life, Cars and Finding Nemo, are also going to be featured. In addition to the linear broadcasts, the programming will be available on demand for smartphones and computers.

The pact between the two companies also gives Sky the first subscription pay-TV movie rights to other titles distributed by Disney.

Ian Lewis, the director of Sky Movies, said: "Sky Movies Disney will be the home of new and classic Disney and Disney/Pixar movies and will offer all new titles at least a year before other TV channels or subscription services. The combination of Disney’s fantastic movies and Sky’s award-winning innovation means that customers will have the chance to enjoy the very best of Disney on their own terms, whether that’s watching on demand, on the move or in 3D."