Liberty Global and Discovery Communications have renewed their distribution agreement for Discovery’s full portfolio of networks, including Discovery Channel, TLC, ID and Eurosport.
The new carriage deal covers Liberty Global platforms across its 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland and the UK.
The deal also includes digital rights, through Liberty Global’s broadband companies, which include UPC, Virgin Media, Ziggo, Telenet and Unitymedia.
“Discovery is the leader in premium and provocative real-world entertainment through our loved brands that engage and entertain passionate communities across the globe. From world-class sporting events like the Olympic Games, Grand Slam Tennis, and important local sports to globally popular shows like GOLD RUSH, CAKE BOSS, and SHARK WEEK, this new deal strengthens our great partnership with Liberty Global and provides their customers with more premium content from Discovery’s networks and brands, across more screens than ever before,” said JB Perrette, president and CEO, Discovery Networks International.
“This long-term renewal provides Liberty Global with guaranteed access to Discovery’s broad stable of world-famous brands. With greatly expanded distribution rights, we are well positioned to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations and evolving viewing habits,” said Bruce Mann, managing director, programming, Liberty Global.
“Meanwhile, the combination of our ever more innovative TV platforms with Discovery’s significant investment in content – including the Olympic Games – provide a framework for further creative opportunities that will drive even more value from the deal.”