UKTV gets BT Vision distribution

British thematic broadcaster UKTV has struck a video-on-demand deal with BT Vision, marking the first time that the company’s content will be available via an IPTV service.

The three-year deal will see UKTV launch three of its pay channels – Watch, Gold and Alibi – as linear channels on BT Vision’s service. It will also launch a raft of its programming via subscription and transactional video-on-demand. Series including Good Food’s James Martin’s Mediterranean and Choccywoccydoodah, Home’s Extreme Makeover, Really’s Bridezillas and Tool Academy and Eden’s Life on Fire will be made available on the service later this year.

Good Food, Eden and Home have been earmarked to launch as linear channels on the service after UKTV’s initial launch.

“I’m delighted that BT Vision subscribers will soon benefit from the launch of our branded channels, meaning great UKTV programming is available anytime and on demand,” said UKTV CEO Darren Childs.