UKTV Strengthens Partnership with Samsung to Deliver on Connected TV Strategy

New agreement provides easy access to UKTV’s U app on Samsung TVs and makes UKTV’s free linear channels available to internet-only audiences

UKTV has agreed a new partnership deal with Samsung that makes UKTV’s free linear channels available to internet-only Samsung TV viewers in the UK for the first time, and continues to ensure U content is easily accessible to Samsung TV customers. The agreement is a key part of UKTV’s Connected TV strategy, helping the broadcaster maintain visibility as audiences shift from traditional linear viewing to digital platforms.

The deal secures a dedicated rail on the Samsung home screen for U content. It also means Samsung TV owners in the UK will be able to access UKTV’s free linear channels on Samsung TVs via the internet without the need for other connections like an aerial for the first time. Later this year U&DRAMA, U&Dave, U&YESTERDAY, U&W and U&eden will all be delivered to Samsung TV viewers via a deep link from Samsung’s Universal Guide into the U app.

Coverage spans millions of Samsung TVs^[1], with additional features within Samsung’s ‘Live’ tab of the user interface and Universal Guide to ensure UKTV’s channels and on demand content remain front and centre for IP-only audiences.

Together with ongoing investment in UKTV’s free streaming app U, the launch of UKTV’s linear channels on Freely, the recently announced deal to carry the U service on Channel 4 streaming, and UKTV’s long-term pay TV partnerships with Sky and Virgin Media, this deal ensures UKTV’s content will remain easy to find, keeping engagement strong as viewing habits evolve.

Jonathan Newman, General Manager, Commercial, UKTV and BBC Studios UK/Ireland, said: “This new deal builds on our already fruitful and wide-ranging partnership with Samsung. It will make the U app even more accessible to Samsung’s customers and ensure UKTV’s rich mix of content remains highly visible across VOD and linear.”

Dan Harvie, VP of Home Entertainment and Appliances at Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “UKTV is a key part of the vast range of entertainment that is included within a Samsung TV. We are always aiming to help our customers enjoy the very best possible entertainment experience and with UKTV we are delivering access to a whole host of different broadcast content.

“As the world’s number one TV brand for 20 consecutive years, Samsung is committed to delivering innovation that enhances every aspect of the viewing experience. This collaboration reaffirms our dedication to providing our customers with the ultimate entertainment ecosystem, including the rich content offerings of UKTV alongside the likes of Samsung TV Plus and our built-in broadcast app access.”

This deal is one of several ways UKTV partners with Samsung, including collaborations on Connected TV, FAST channels and advertising to drive reach and engagement across its portfolio.

[1]The U app is available on all Samsung TV models from 2016 although some features such as the dedicated rail and deeplinks from the Universal Guide may be accessible through different user journeys on older models.The dedicated UKTV rail has been available on all Samsung TV models from 2021 onwards