Virgin Media O2 and UKTV have solidified their long-term relationship with a new multi-year agreement. This deal secures the carriage of UKTV's popular pay channels, U&GOLD and U&alibi, alongside its streaming service, U, and free-to-air channels. The agreement ensures continued access for Virgin Media TV customers to a wide variety of programming.
Virgin Media TV subscribers will continue enjoying premium channels featuring shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Scarlet, Hudson & Rex, The Red King, Only Fools And Horses, Dad’s Army, The Vicar of Dibley, and Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out, as well as upcoming series like Neil and Martin’s Bon Voyage.
A key element of this renewed partnership is the launch of UKTV's streaming service, U, on Virgin TV V6 boxes this summer. This expansion will bring U to 95% of Virgin Media TV homes, making it the primary platform for accessing UKTV's free-to-air on-demand content. Currently, U is only available to Virgin Media customers with a Stream or Virgin TV 360 box. UKTV's free-to-air channels, including U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, and U&eden, will remain available to Virgin Media TV customers.
David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer, Virgin Media O2, stated: “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.”
Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director, UKTV, commented: “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.”
It is worth noting that UKTV's FAST channels – U&LAUGHS, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes, and U&The Past – are already accessible on the Virgin Media platform.