UK's Channel 4 shows to launch on Disney+ next year

What happened

Channel 4 signed a deal with The Walt Disney Company to bring its shows to Disney+ in Britain and Ireland early next year, including drama "Maya" and hundreds of hours of on-demand content in a branded section.

Confirmed

Global impact / market context

The deal gives Channel 4 another way to reach viewers as its traditional TV audiences shrink, which means its programmes can earn wider exposure without extra spending, while Disney+ gains British content and subscribers.

Analyst inference

Channel 4 is cutting about 340 jobs, more than a quarter of its workforce, because of weak advertising and falling linear TV viewing. The Disney+ deal and reported BBC talks show broadcasters seeking partnerships to share costs.

Analyst inference

What to watch

1. Channel 4 said last month it would cut about 340 jobs, representing more than a quarter of its workforce, as it battles a tough advertising market and declining audiences for its linear channels. Confirmed
2. Channel 4 has held preliminary talks with the BBC about a tie-up of some operations, two sources told Reuters, a possible partnership investors may weigh alongside the Disney+ deal. Proposed
3. Watch whether the Disney+ arrangement lifts Channel 4's advertising revenue or cuts costs, since those gains would affect its ability to fund programmes and protect jobs. Analyst inference

Evidence

• Original source link unavailable