Netflix reportedly talking to ITV and Warner Bros for UK rights

Video streaming service Netflix is in advanced talks with UK broadcaster ITV with a view to making its library content available on its soon-to-launch UK and Ireland service, according to a UK press report. The report on the Guardian website also said that Netflix has also held discussions with Channel 4 and with Warner Bros.


A Netflix deal with ITV would give it access to the broadcaster’s library content, where it owns the rights. ITV’s distribution arm, ITV Studios, has a deep catalogue although it is not clear what shows would be included in any deal with the US company.

Yesterday Netflix announced it had inked an exclusive content deal for UK rights to MGM feature films in the first pay TV window and it has already agreed a programming deal with Lionsgate. If it inked a Warner Bros deal, it could mean taking the SVOD rights from BSkyB, the UK pay TV provider that currently holds them.
The UK and Ireland service will launch in early 2012.

Separately, Netflix in the US has added the Barnes & Noble retail chain’s Nook Tablet to the list of devices that can access its service.

New Nook Tablets will ship with Netflix pre-installed. The device will be able to stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix on its seven-inch touchscreen via Wi-Fi. Nook Tablet users who aren’t already Netflix members can sign up for a free 30 day trial.