UKTV in Expanded Deal with Virgin Media

LONDON: UKTV is set to double the number of its programs available to Virgin Media’s customers in the U.K., delivering access to more than 10,000 hours of catch-up and box-set programming.

Beginning later this year, the deal gives Virgin Media access to more UKTV shows than any other pay operator in the U.K. or Ireland. The content covers originals and U.S. and U.K. acquisitions. Plus, the updated UKTV Play app will be made available on Virgin Media’s TiVo platform, delivering catch-up and box-set titles from the free-TV networks Dave, Drama, Yesterday and Really. UKTV is also making more shows available from its pay-exclusive channels Gold, W, Alibi, Good Food and Eden, and more original box-sets.

Simon Michaelides, UKTV’s chief commercial officer, said, “Virgin Media is one of our most valued customers and we’re delighted to have partnered with them to expand and enhance our pay-TV offer in this way. Virgin Media subscribers now have unique access to the most comprehensive on-demand offer from UKTV anywhere in the market. This step-change in the volume of on-demand content is part of our long-term commitment to growth in pay TV and we look forward to expanding on this in the future.”

David Bouchier, chief digital entertainment officer at Virgin Media, said, “Throughout this year we’ve been expanding the fantastic range of on-demand programming, which lets our customers watch what they want, when they want. We’re delighted to be building on our leadership by giving our customers more UKTV shows than are available on any other platform. With the arrival of the UKTV Play app and the doubling of catch-up content our customers can access more of the entertainment they love in the way they want.”