UKTV has struck a new agreement with Samsung that will make its free linear channels available to internet-only Samsung TV households in the UK for the first time, while continuing to promote the broadcaster’s U streaming service on the manufacturer’s connected TV platform.
The deal forms part of UKTV’s wider connected TV strategy as it looks to maintain prominence for its services as audiences continue to shift from traditional linear television to IP-delivered viewing.
Under the agreement, UKTV will retain a dedicated rail for U content on the Samsung home screen. Later in 2026, Samsung TV users in the UK will also be able to access UKTV’s free-to-air linear channels over broadband, without requiring an aerial or other broadcast connection.
The channels — U&DRAMA, U&Dave, U&YESTERDAY, U&W and U&eden — will be made available to Samsung TV viewers through a deep link from Samsung’s Universal Guide into the U app.
UKTV said the agreement covers millions of Samsung TV sets in the UK. Additional prominence features within Samsung’s Live tab and Universal Guide are also intended to keep UKTV’s linear and on-demand content visible to IP-only households.
The Samsung deal sits alongside UKTV’s continued investment in its free streaming app U, the launch of its linear channels on Freely, its recently announced distribution agreement with Channel 4 streaming, and existing long-term pay TV carriage arrangements with Sky and Virgin Media.
Jonathan Newman, General Manager, Commercial, UKTV and BBC Studios UK/Ireland, said the new deal builds on the companies’ existing relationship. “It will make the U app even more accessible to Samsung’s customers and ensure UKTV’s rich mix of content remains highly visible across VOD and linear,” he said.
Dan Harvie, VP of Home Entertainment and Appliances at Samsung UK and Ireland, said UKTV remained an important part of Samsung’s entertainment offering. “As the world’s number one TV brand for 20 consecutive years, Samsung is committed to delivering innovation that enhances every aspect of the viewing experience. This collaboration reaffirms our dedication to providing our customers with the ultimate entertainment ecosystem, including the rich content offerings of UKTV to the likes of Samsung TV Plus and our built-in broadcast app access,” he said.
UKTV said the agreement is one of several areas of collaboration with Samsung, spanning connected TV, FAST channels and advertising.
The U app is available on Samsung TV models dating back to 2016, though some features, including the dedicated rail and Universal Guide deep links, may follow different user journeys on older devices. The dedicated UKTV rail is available on Samsung TV models from 2021 onwards.
