Channel 5, A+E Networks UK Agree My5 Distribution Deal – TVWise

In what is being hailed as a “first” for a British commercial PSB, Channel 5 has agreed a distribution deal with A+E Networks UK which will see content from A+E’s FTA channel Blaze made available on My5.
Blaze content will appear on My5 – the on-demand service that houses the most popular programming from across the Channel 5 portfolio – from today. The line-up is led by scripted dramas Vikings and Texas Rising, and also includes Forged in Fire, Pawn Stars and Storage Wars.
This deal comes after My5, which originally started merely as a catch up service, made a foray into exclusive content in the past year or so. They started down that path with the Heroes: Reborn prequel series Dark Matters in 2016 and recently announced that they had struck a deal with Dynamic Television for Hulu drama East Los High, which is set to launch on My5 as an exclusive box set later this month.
“This exciting next phase in the evolution of My5 builds on our recent successes in offering exclusive box set content for the platform”, said James Tatam, Channel 5’s Vice-President of Commercial, Operations and Strategic Services. “We’re excited to partner with A+E Networks UK; their high quality programming from around the world broadens the appeal of My5 and we look forward to announcing further content deals in the future.”
While Heather Jones, General Manager, A+E Networks UK, added: “It is exciting to be working in partnership with Channel 5, to enable Blaze to reach an even wider audience through the My5 digital platform. Since its UK launch last year, Blaze is proving to be a great addition to the A+E Networks portfolio and today’s announcement is another key development in our ambitions for the brand.”