Liberty Global plc (“Liberty Global”), the world’s largest international cable TV and broadband company, today revealed a multi-year partnership with Netflix Inc. (“Netflix”) which will lead to Netflix’s content being made available to Liberty Global video customers across more than 30 countries around the world. The launch of the Netflix service on Liberty Global’s advanced digital television platforms will bring critically acclaimed original Netflix series and wide range of movies and kids’ programming to Liberty Global’s video subscribers across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The partnership follows the successful UK launch of Netflix on Virgin Media in 2013. It is the latest example of Liberty Global’s commitment to its customers to bring them the very best in entertainment, all conveniently available on their TV, tablet or mobile phone. Liberty Global’s digital TV platforms, like Horizon, bring together the world of broadcast, on demand and online content in a fully integrated and multi-device user experience.
The agreement with Netflix complements Liberty Global’s investment in content through acquisitions, partnerships and original commissions alongside the $2.5 billion spent each year on licensed content for its video platforms.
Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, said, “We are committed to bringing the best content to our customers, and are thrilled to expand our partnership with Netflix. This deal will provide even more freedom to our subscribers – allowing them to access a goldmine of amazing TV and films at the click of a button, fully integrated into their usual TV viewing set-up.”
Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO, said, “This partnership builds on our strong relationship with Virgin Media in the UK, allowing millions of our mutual customers around the world to easily access the broadest range of TV shows and movies without having to search for that other remote control. Combining the Netflix app – and all the great content it provides – into the familiar, easy-to-use cable box makes both more appealing.”
The Netherlands will be the first new Liberty Global territory to launch Netflix on the Horizon box as part of this partnership. The rollout will advance to other countries as technological upgrades across all of Liberty Global’s operations continue through 2017.
When the Netflix app launches on Liberty Global’s advanced digital platforms, existing Netflix members will be able to log-in and easily search and browse through Netflix’s line-up on the main TV screen, eliminating the need to have a separate device and to switch between TV inputs and remote controls. New customers to Netflix can simply sign up via the app right on the TV and begin to immediately enjoy this easy and convenient user experience.
The launch of the new Netflix app expands Liberty Global’s deep and rich collection of On Demand entertainment, with up to 6,000 hours of movies, TV series and documentaries ready to watch via services such as MyPrime and Play enhanced through popular innovations like catch-up and Replay TV which provide immediate access to the best shows from the most popular broadcast and cable channels.
