Sky signs deal with Disney to launch dedicated pay TV channel

UK pay TV platform BSkyB and Hollywood Studio Disney are launching a pay TV channel Sky Movies Disney.

The new channel will have new and classic Disney and Pixar movies and marks the first time Disney has ever been involved in a co-branded linear movie channel.

Sky has a longstanding output deal with Disney and the new channel will launch as part of a wider agreement between the pay TV platform and the studio. As well as securing Disney and Pixar, the deal also covers further carriage of Disney’s channels on Sky.

In the US, Disney has inked a programming deal with Netflix that gives the streaming site Disney and Pixar features in the first pay TV window. The UK deal between Sky and Disney secures first pay window rights for the pay platform. It also covers first window rights to Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios features, which Disney distribute.

The content on the channel will also be available on Sky’s mobile and on-demand services.
Sky Movies Disney will roll out on March 28.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s chief executive, said:“The launch of Sky Movies Disney is great news for our customers and builds on the strong relationship that Sky and Disney have enjoyed for more than 20 years. We’re delighted that an entertainment company of Disney’s international stature has chosen to work with Sky on its first co-branded linear movie channel. This is a world-first collaboration.”

Ian Lewis, director of Sky Movies, added: “Sky Movies Disney will be the home of new and classic Disney and Disney/Pixar movies and will offer all new titles at least a year before other TV channels or subscription services.”