BBC Studios and Discovery have announced the completion of the UKTV transaction announced on 1st April.
Following Ofcom’s decision to not conduct a formal assessment of the deal, Discovery formally takes over control of Really, Home and Good Food, while BBC Studios takes Alibi, Dave, Drama, Eden, Gold, W and Yesterday, as well as the digital service UKTV Play.
Marcus Arthur, UK and Ireland president at BBC Studios and new CEO of UKTV, said: “UKTV has always been an important part of the BBC Group, creating value for licence fee payers and British programme makers. UKTV’s award-winning brands, innovative commissions and premium acquisitions have delivered large and loyal audiences who love great TV. As a wholly-owned part of BBC Studios we will support its future content ambitions, building on its history of success over many years.”
James Gibbons, UK and ANZ EVP general manager at Discovery, added: “Today marks an exciting milestone for Discovery, as we welcome UKTV’s lifestyle channels to our substantial UK portfolio. We are committed to deepening our position with viewers as the leader in real life entertainment by building great brands that power people’s passions and deliver value to our partners.”
Discovery and BBC Studios also signed a ten-year content partnership deal making Discovery the exclusive global SVoD home of BBC natural history programmes, including Planet Earth, Blue Planet, Life and Dynasties.
