UKTV channels multi-year deal with Virgin TV

Virgin Media O2 & UKTV renew long-standing partnership…

Virgin Media O2 and UKTV have renewed their long-standing partnership in the UK with a multi-year deal securing carriage for UKTV’s highly popular pay channels, U&GOLD and U&alibi, streaming service U, and UKTV’s free-to-air channels.

As part of the deal, streaming service U will become available to almost all homes with Virgin TV later this year.

Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director, UKTV:

“This deal marks the next chapter in UKTV’s valuable longstanding partnership with Virgin Media O2. We are delighted to be expanding our offer for customers, complementing the brilliant channels and programming for which we are renowned with access to our U streaming app and growing suite of FAST channels.” 

The new agreement ensures that Virgin Media TV customers can continue to enjoy UKTV’s premium pay channel brands, U&GOLD and U&alibi, giving them access to a range of popular programmes including dramas Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Scarlet, Hudson & Rex and The Red King, and comedy and entertainment such as Only Fools And Horses, Dad’s Army, The Vicar of Dibley, Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out, upcoming series Neil and Martin’s Bon Voyage, and much more.

The deal will also see UKTV’s streaming service U launch on Virgin TV V6 boxes this summer, expanding the footprint of the U service to 95% of Virgin Media TV homes, and become the primary platform for Virgin TV customers to enjoy UKTV’s free-to-air on demand content. Currently, U is available to Virgin Media customers with a Stream or Virgin TV 360 box only.

UKTV’s free-to-air channels U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY and U&eden, will continue to be available for Virgin Media TV customers to enjoy for the duration of the deal.

This deal is the most recent development in the evolution of Virgin Media O2 and UKTV’s highly successful partnership which has also recently seen UKTV’s FAST channels, U&LAUGHS, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes and U&The Past, offering curated access to some of UKTV’s most loved shows, launch on Virgin Media platforms.

David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer, Virgin Media O2:

“Providing our customers with access to the latest and greatest TV content sits at the heart of Virgin TV. From the launch of new FAST channels to offering access to apps and streaming platforms, we’re committed to curating the very best entertainment lineup for our customers to enjoy. This deal demonstrates the evolution of our fantastic partnership with UKTV and brings brilliant updates for our customers.”