A+E Networks has signed an extended distribution deal with Liberty Global for carriage of its channels on networks across Europe.
The agreement also allowed the launch of two new HD simulcast channels on Virgin in the UK. The deal covers A+E Networks’ UK channels on Liberty Global platforms in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The channels Lifetime and H2 will be also now be available in HD in both the UK and Ireland for the first time.
Under the terms of the deal, all current A+E Networks UK channels remain on their existing Liberty Global platforms, which reach a total of over 15.5 million subscribers. Newly-agreed terms include broader distribution for History, which has been added to all basic packages in the Netherlands, Hungary and Romania, adding almost three million additional subscribers. Earlier this year, Ziggo in the Netherlands placed History in an extended tier.
“As a key European partner, we are pleased that Liberty Global is committed to expanding the reach of our channel portfolio across Europe,” commented Dean Possenniskie, managing director, EMEA, A+E Networks.
“This new deal reflects the quality of our channels and content and our ability to find mutual value in providing new ways for viewers to access our high quality programming.”
The new deal also includes new non-linear rights, giving Liberty Global customers greater access to A+E Networks channels and content across all platforms and connected devices.
“As the leading cable TV operator in Europe we’re able to help networks such as A+E distribute their channels across multiple markets through a single partnership,” added Jeroen Bergman, managing director, programming, Liberty Global.
“We’re pleased that we’ve been able to develop our relationship with A+E Networks to give millions of our customers even more great content and, just as importantly, to deliver it to them on their own terms – whether that’s through the main TV or on their tablet or smartphone.”
