Discovery+ expands European reach with Vodafone deal

Chasing Ocean Giants

US-based factual giant Discovery has struck a far-reaching deal that will see its newly launched streamer made available via mobile operator Vodafone across 12 counties in Europe.

The agreement will see Vodafone TV customers in the UK, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland and Iceland gaining access to Discovery’s channels including Eurosport and the newly launched SVOD, Discovery+.

The unscripted-focused service first launched in the UK in November ahead of a rollout to more than 25 key markets including the Nordics, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain in 2021 and 2022.

It launches in the increasingly crowded US market today with more than 2,500 current and library shows from Discovery’s portfolio of networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

The streamer will also offer exclusive streaming access to BBC Studios’ natural history shows following the deal struck last year, with shows such as The Mating Game, Planet Earth and Blue Planet available, plus content from digital-first brand The Dodo.

A new content partnership will also see Discovery+ offer non-fiction content from A+E Networks-owned networks including A&E, The History Channel and Lifetime, with series such as The First 48, Bring It, Dance Moms and Ice Road Truckers.

In addition to the pushing of Discovery+, the factual giant’s linear channels will continue to be available to Vodafone customers on TV in Germany, Italy, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland and Iceland.

David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery. said: “Vodafone’s vast and deep consumer relationships will provide a powerful engine for Discovery+ as together we bring the definitive destination for real-life entertainment to consumers across Europe.

“Our hybrid agreement with Vodafone advances our broader strategy of expanding our linear distribution relationships to bring our popular content to consumers across more platforms and devices.”

Ahmed Essam, chief commercial operations and strategy officer at Vodafone Group, said: “Discovery will be a key part of our Entertainment offer, providing a rich choice of content that will enhance Vodafone’s provision of a superior customer experience across its high-quality TV and flexible streaming services.”