 | |
| Formerly | NBC Universal Global Networks (2005–2009) Universal Networks International (2009–2015) |
|---|---|
| Company type | Division |
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | January 5, 2005; 21 years ago (2005-01-05)[1] |
| Headquarters | |
| Parent | NBCUniversal(Comcast) |
| Website | nbcuniversal |
NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer, formerlyNBC Universal Global Networks,Universal Networks International andNBCUniversal International Networks, is the international networks division ofNBCUniversal, a subsidiary ofComcast.[2]
When NBCUniversal was formed in 2004, it owned many entertainment television channels in Europe and Latin America. These were mostly a few international versions of the Sci Fi Channel, three action and suspense series channels in Europe, the ItalianStudio Universal channel and the Latin American version of the USA Network.
In 2007, NBC Universal acquiredSparrowhawk Media Group, which at the time was a Britishprivate equity-backed media company managing a collection ofdigital televisiontelevision channels, and integrated it into NBC Universal Global Networks.[3][4] The purchase more than doubled the number of international channels in NBC Universal's portfolio. Sparrowhawk's crown jewel was an international network of drama channels available on most continents under the Hallmark Channel brand, butDiva TV,Movies 24 andKidsCo channels were also available.
Altogether, the division broadcast about 70 different channels by 2009. On 5 October 2009, it was announced that the venture would be renamed Universal Networks International and focus its attention on five channel brands, all with "Universal" in their name:[5]
The overhaul started in late 2009 and progressed during 2010. Most of the international Sci Fi channels were rebranded asSyfy.[6] The Hallmark Channel brand was also phased out in most markets during 2010. Typically, it was replaced by the Universal Channel brand in markets where that brand was not available before. In many markets where Universal Channel was already present, Hallmark Channel was replaced by Diva Universal with one each replaced by Studio Universal or 13th Street Universal.
Following theacquisition of NBC Universal by Comcast NBCUniversal and Comcast in 2011, the following channels are also operated and distributed by NBCUniversal:
TheDreamWorks Channel was placed under the NBCU International executive vice president, lifestyle and kids, Duccio Donati in August 2017. This paired the channel with E! international channels and NBCU lifestyle channel content.[7][8] On 1 January 2018, NBCUniversal International Networks took over HBO Asia's role withDreamWorks Channel in Southeast Asia.[9]
Following NBCU parent company, Comcast acquisition ofSky Group in 2018, NBCUniversal International Networks took over the sales, marketing and distribution rights toSky News outside UK and Ireland fromFox Networks Group, which was later dissolved in 2021.
In December 2016,SFR got an exclusivity agreement with NBCUniversal for channels and films (on Altice Studio)
Former:
Former:
Former:
Former:
Former:
Former:
On the January 26, 2009, Sci Fi became the first of the NBC Universal Global Network channels to begin broadcasting in High Definition within the UK. It will provide a simulcast of the Sci Fi Channel exclusively on Sky+HD channel 214 and will air UK HD premieres such as Eli Stone and Flash Gordon.
NBCUniversal International introducedHayu in March 2016 in theUnited Kingdom. The subscriptionvideo on demand service offersreality programs such asKeeping Up with the Kardashians andThe Real Housewives.[10]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
