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.
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, commented: 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, said: 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.
In 2024, UKTV saw views to its free streaming service U grow by over a third (34%) resulting in the service doubling direct to consumer viewing in just two years. 2024 also saw U's active users increase by 21% and content on the service bolstered from 7000 hours to over 9000 hours. Drama has been a key driver of growth for U with shows such as Whitstable Pearl, The Marlow Murder Club, The Chelsea Detective, Sister Boniface Mysteries and Darby & Joan responsible for the five highest rating episodes on the service.
Virgin Media O2 has also seen success following the introduction of FAST channels on its TV platform, with viewers now reaching half a million every month across its FAST portfolio, which includes access to some of UKTV's most loved shows.
-END-
For more information please contact:
Yvette Dore, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&eden, U&GOLD and U&alibi - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV's content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.
UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. The broadcaster is part of BBC Studios, the UKs most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the worlds leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.
corporate.uktv.co.uk | press.uktv.co.uk | @uktvpress
About Virgin Media O2
Virgin Media O2 launched on 1 June 2021, combining the UK's largest and most reliable mobile network with a fully gigabit broadband network.
The company has more than 45 million UK connections across its award-winning broadband, mobile, TV and home phone services. Its fixed network covers more than half of the country (18.3m premises serviceable) alongside a mobile network that covers 99% of the nation's population. The company is on track to bring 5G to all populated areas by end 2030 and already offers 5G outdoor coverage to more 75% of the UK population.
Virgin Media O2 is upgrading its fixed network to full fibre to the premises with completion in 2028. Its shareholders and investment firm InfraVia Capital Partners, through a joint venture called nexfibre, are investing approximately £4.5bn to build fibre to 5 million homes and businesses not currently served by Virgin Media O2's network by 2026, with the opportunity to expand to an additional 2 million homes. As a wholesale customer of this network, Virgin Media O2's total footprint will reach around 80% of the UK once build and upgrade work is completed.
The company is committed to using the power of connectivity to make itsbetter for people and the planet, taking action to close the digital divide and building an inclusive, resilient, and low carbon eco
Most recent headlines
19/03/2025
We're thrilled to invite you to follow us on Instagram, where we'll be posting exclusive content, behind-the-scenes peeks, special promotions, and so mu...
18/03/2025
Seamlessly Bridge SDI and IP with On-Ramp from Utah Scientific Transitioning to IP doesn't have to be a daunting, expensive overhaul. Utah Scientific is pro...
18/03/2025
Looking for inspiration this Women's History Month? Discover the stories of trailblazing women with audiobooks on Spotify. Our Women's History Month aud...
18/03/2025
From morning commutes to late-night listening sessions, Spotify is the essential daily companion for millions of listeners globally. Podcasts, in particular, ha...
18/03/2025
During February, audiences in Mexico slightly increased their streaming usage by 0.6 points compared to the previous month, accounting for 22.3% of TV viewing.
...
18/03/2025
February is the time of winter holidays, during which Poles often organize trips, which was reflected in less time spent in front of TV screens: on average 5 mi...
18/03/2025
Sunday, Feb. 9 becomes the second most-watched day of TV in Gauge history with o...
18/03/2025
NEW YORK The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has elected Kristin Cantrell, Owner/CEO, Seven Mountains Media and CapCity Communications, Kate Riley, Pr...
18/03/2025
NEW YORK NBCU's streaming service Peacock continues to ramp up its sports offering with the launch of in-market streaming of four NBC Sports Regional Networ...
18/03/2025
WASHINGTON Federal Communications Commission commissioner Geoffrey Starks has issued a statement saying he plans to resign from the regulatory agency this spri...
18/03/2025
Miri Technologies to Make NAB Show Debut with X510 Dual-Cellular Bonding Router
Brie Clayton March 18, 2025
0 Comments
Innovative, purpose-built hardw...
18/03/2025
Blackmagic Design Powers League of Legends and Valiant Grand Finals
Brie Clayton March 18, 2025
0 Comments
Mira! Broadcast enhances esports storytelli...
18/03/2025
Grass Valley Unveils New Solutions for End-to-End Media Production at NAB Show 2...
18/03/2025
Appear Launches the X5: Redefining Scalable Live Production at NAB Show 2025
Brie Clayton March 18, 2025
0 Comments
At NAB Show 2025 , Appear, the glo...
18/03/2025
Peakto 2.3: Keep All Your Photos and Videos Stored Locally-Yet Accessible Everyw...
18/03/2025
According to the company, the AtomTwos colour reproduction, global shutter and wide colour gamut make it simple to match to box cameras in major productions
By...
18/03/2025
Meghna Londhe, deputy head, customer delivery at Magnifi, tells TVBEurope how a fascination of the unknown led to a career in media technology
By Matthew Corri...
18/03/2025
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced that Dalet Flex, Dalet Pyramid and Dalet AmberFin are available i...
18/03/2025
Telestream, a global leader in media workflow technologies, introduced key innovations and additions to its flagship Vantage platform. The breadth and depth of ...
18/03/2025
Pebble, the leading automation, content management and integrated channel specialist, has completed the development and implementation of the playout functional...
18/03/2025
Synamedia, a leading provider of video software solutions, today announced the launch of Quortex Switch, a next-generation SaaS-based multi-CDN management tool ...
18/03/2025
In a significant step towards planning first commercial service across the European continent, the 5G Broadcast Strategic Task Force (5BSTF) comprising Media ...
18/03/2025
At NAB 2025 (#W2601), LTN will unveil live sports, channel distribution, and real-time content versioning technologies designed to drive revenue for sports leag...
18/03/2025
Mo-Sys Engineering, a leader in virtual production (VP), tracking and broadcast robotics, will be exhibiting at NAB Show demonstrating its latest innovations fo...
18/03/2025
MwareTV, a leading cloud-based multi-tenant platform provider, is bringing its new Lightning 3.0 integration to the broadcast market for the first time at NAB20...
18/03/2025
Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC), a Nikon company, is set to showcase its latest advancements in robotic camera technology and virtual production integration ...
18/03/2025
At NAB Show 2025 (Las Vegas, April 5 9, Booth: W2042), Appear, the global leader in live production technology, is unveiling the X5, a powerful and cost-efficie...
18/03/2025
New HVS-Q12 Represents a Quantum Leap in Switcher Design
In keeping with the company's theme Connecting the present, building the future, FOR-A will intr...
18/03/2025
Peres Academy, a pioneer in advanced learning techniques, has chosen a DHD SX2 audio mixer as the centrepiece of a new audio and video media production facility...
18/03/2025
Dream Chip Technologies, a world leader in miniature and point-of-view cameras, is launching its latest innovation, the AtomTwo camera, at NAB2025 (booth N1807,...
18/03/2025
LONDON and NEW YORK The sports streaming and entertainment platform DAZN has announced a global deal with LIV Golf that will give it free-to-view rights in more...
18/03/2025
CYPRESS, Calif. FOR-A will in introduce its top-of-the-line HANABI Series switcher for broadcast control rooms and live event production during the 2025 NAB Sho...
18/03/2025
manifold technologies GmbH, provider of service-oriented software solutions for Tier 1 live productions, has revealed plans to introduce several features to its...
18/03/2025
Shotoku Broadcast Systems to Bring Best of All Worlds Solutions to NAB with Intr...
18/03/2025
Mediaproxy Unveils Groundbreaking Solutions at NAB Show 2025
Brie Clayton March 17, 2025
0 Comments
New innovative tools offer cost-cutting options fo...
18/03/2025
SGO launches AI-powered deinterlacing, ACES 2.0 and Topaz Labs integration in Mi...
18/03/2025
18 Mar 2025
VEON Moves Forward with Kyivstar's Landmark Nasdaq Listing; Sig...
18/03/2025
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 chann...
18/03/2025
New original music from composer/keyboardist Gerald Peter! Resonant Oscillation features Ivory 3 American Concert D in a full range of expressive capabilities,...
18/03/2025
When Worlds Collide: Virtual Production Meets AI Leaders from Metaphysic.ai, Twelve Labs, the Entertainment Technology Center, and American Cinematographer Maga...
18/03/2025
Virtualized Hardware: Where Are We At? And Where Are We Headed? Leaders from CBC/Radio-Canada, Diversified, Evertz, and NVIDIA discuss By SVG Staff
Tuesday,...
18/03/2025
MLB Tokyo Series 2025: MLB Network Assists FOX Sports, Marquee Sports Network Wi...
18/03/2025
NBC Sports Adds Bay Area, Boston, Philly RSNs as In-Market Streaming Add-ons in ...
18/03/2025
SVG All-Stars: Pete Toma, Freelance Director The award-winning baseball director has shifted to golf By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital
Tuesday, March 18,...
18/03/2025
EMV 2025: Rohde & Schwarz presents new antenna for EMI measurements in frequency...
18/03/2025
Major European Broadcast Operators signal to mobile OEMs 5G Broadcast commercial...
18/03/2025
When we talk about cloud-based production, we often focus on technology, scalabi...
18/03/2025
Listen to him talk about his first experiences with music, his love of musical expression, and his use of different microphones to capture the distinct sounds h...
18/03/2025
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced that Dalet Flex, Dalet Pyramid and Dalet AmberFin are available i...
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.
