Discovery is to launch a new subscription on demand video service backed by the BBC’s factual programming library.
Discovery will have access to all of the BBC’s landmark natural history programmes in SVOD, including the Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Life collection of titles. A library of other factual shows will also be made available.
David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery, said: “As the two market leaders in landmark natural history and iconic factual programming, Tony and I look forward to working together again – our teams represent over 100 years of combined experience. Discovery will be taking that expertise and creating the definitive global streaming product for curious and passionate viewers of all generations who want the most trusted, family friendly storytelling in the world.
A jointly funded development team will work within BBC Studios to create new landmark factual content for Discovery.
The ten-year agreement is one of a series of announcements made between the BBC and Discovery that will also see the break-up of the UKTV business with Discovery taking ownership of the broadcaster’s factual channels and the BBC entertainment.
BBC Studios will make payments totalling £173 million to Discovery. This includes a balancing payment in relation to the channels acquisition and the assumption of £70 millon of debt, currently financed by Discovery.
“This is brilliant news for audiences here as it will enable the BBC to invest even more in factual programming for them,” said BBC director-general Tony Hall. “That’s also why BBC Studios taking control of the UKTV channels that best fit our programmes is good news. It means a secure future with long-term commercial returns. The UKTV team has done a fantastic job and I am delighted that will continue.”
Discovery takes full control of lifestyle channels Good Food, Home and Really, in line with its editorial strategy and further strengthening its global leadership position in factual entertainment. This will add to the broadcaster’s portfolio of 16 channels in the UK market including Discovery Channel, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Eurosport, Quest and Quest Red and the Quest OD video-on-demand service.
Following completion, expected later in the spring, James Gibbons, EVP, GM, UK/IRL/ANZ and Commercial Development, Discovery EMEA, will manage the lifestyle channels as part of Discovery’s UK portfolio.
BBC Studios acquires the remaining seven channels – Alibi, Dave, Drama, Eden, Gold, Yesterday and W – along with digital player UKTV Play, and the UKTV brand. The channels are seen as being those most closely aligned to the BBC, and represent 95% of BBC content on the UKTV platform.
Marcus Arthur, President, UK, Ireland and ANZ, BBC Studios Distribution, will also assume the role of CEO, UKTV.
