Disney Plus to Add Channel 4 Channel, On-Demand Content in UK, Ireland

Key Points:

• The Walt Disney Co. and U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 have agreed on a landmark partnership to bring Channel 4’s main broadcast channel and on-demand content to Disney+ in the U.K. and Ireland starting in early 2027, including simultaneous release of multiple Channel 4 shows on Disney+.
• This collaboration marks Disney+’s most ambitious local content deal in the EMEA region, expanding its offering with Channel 4’s distinctive public service programming, and aims to reach younger audiences and increase local content on the platform.
• Channel 4’s CEO Priya Dogra emphasized that the partnership complements Channel 4’s existing services by expanding audience reach without affecting its owned and operated channels or streaming services.
• Disney executives highlighted the strategic importance of local broadcaster partnerships in Europe, noting strong subscriber growth in the region driven by local originals and collaborations with free-to-air broadcasters.
• Financial terms were not disclosed, but both parties expressed openness to expanding the partnership in the future, potentially including more Disney content on Channel 4’s platforms.