Disney has recently announced a licensing agreement with BBC Studios-owned broadcaster UKTV, allowing a selection of its original series to be featured on UKTV networks. Notable shows included in this deal are the Anne Frank drama 'A Small Light' and all seven seasons of 'Sons of Anarchy.'
'A Small Light' is scheduled to premiere on UKTV's free-to-air network Drama in May, while the complete series of 'Brothers and Sisters' will be available on UKTV Play this spring, followed by 'Sons of Anarchy' in the summer. Additionally, UKTV's crime channel Alibi will showcase 'Alaska Daily' and 'The Company You Keep' this summer, with sister network Dave set to air the Mike Tyson-inspired biopic 'Mike' later in the year.
The negotiation of this deal was facilitated by Disney's senior sales manager for content distribution and UKTV and BBC Studios' global senior acquisitions manager and global head of acquisitions. This move reflects Disney's evolving stance on content licensing since the launch of Disney+ four years ago, adapting to the changing media landscape.
In a strategic shift, Disney recently struck a deal with U.K. broadcaster-owned streamer ITVX for shows like 'Extraordinary' and 'Under the Banner of Heaven,' with 'Extraordinary' also receiving a linear transmission on ITV. All programs from these agreements will remain accessible on Disney's streaming platform Disney+ in the U.K.
Disney's CEO has indicated a reevaluation of the streaming business, citing underwhelming financial returns compared to traditional distribution models. This shift aligns with a broader industry trend, as some streaming services are diversifying revenue streams beyond subscriber-based models.
As the industry undergoes recalibration, the launch of Warner Discovery's streamer Max in the U.K. remains uncertain, potentially impacting their existing licensing partnership with Comcast-owned media network Sky.
