Foxtel & NBCU Ink New Multiyear Content Pact

Foxtel has entered into a new multiyear agreement with NBCUniversal Global Distribution & International (NBCU), covering movies, drama, comedy, entertainment, reality and news for the group’s broadcast, on-demand and streaming platforms.

The pact includes premier Australian subscription rights for movies from Universal Pictures and an expanded range of titles from the studio’s library of blockbusters and classics.

Foxtel will continue to reimagine its channel offering with NBCU’s Universal TV, E! and CNBC. Universal TV will join Foxtel’s new FOX Crime channel in providing a lineup of crime and procedural drama, including multiple series in the Law & Order and Chicago franchises.

The new deal will also see NBCU continue as a major provider of scripted content for Foxtel’s expanded lineup of FOX-branded channels and on-demand platforms. This includes complete seasons of some of the most popular sitcoms for FOX Funny and FOX Hits, including The Office, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. The deal brings Foxtel first-run rights to Chicago P.D., which will premiere on FOX One on November 15.

As part of the extended partnership, NBCU will provide thousands of additional hours of on-demand content, including movies and both Bravo’s reality series and scripted box sets, initially available through the New Foxtel Experience on iQ3s and iQ4s and through Foxtel NOW. These will be joined by season five of locally commissioned hit reality series The Real Housewives of Melbourne.

Foxtel’s chief commercial officer, Amanda Laing, said: “Foxtel and NBCU have a long and shared history of bringing iconic and ground-breaking entertainment to Australian audiences.

“We are incredibly pleased to extend that partnership with this new cornerstone agreement covering movies, scripted content and NBCU channels in a new agreement that reflects Foxtel’s commitment to building strong partnerships with the best content creators in the world.”

“This broad, multiyear deal continues to deliver Foxtel subscribers NBCU’s amazing range of top-quality films and series, along with our compelling channel brands,” commented Chris Taylor, managing director of distribution and networks for ANZ at NBCUniversal. “We look forward to an ongoing collaboration with Foxtel as we continue our long-standing, successful partnership.”

Laing added: “Our new deal with NBCU is another step to ensure Foxtel is future fit to deliver on our promise to provide customers with the best of TV and on-demand all in one place, at the best value.”