Bell Media and HBO announced today an unprecedented agreement in which Bell Media will become the exclusive Canadian home of all HBO programming on all subscription platforms into the next decade.
Under the comprehensive, long-term agreement, the first of its kind for HBO in Canada, Bell Media will have the ability to deliver current-season, past-season, and library HBO programming exclusively on its linear, on-demand, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms in English and French. The agreement also marks the first time HBO has granted exclusive subscription video on demand (SVOD) rights for first-run programming throughout Canada. As a result, Bell Media will have the flexibility to provide current HBO content such as Game of Thrones, Girls and Veep over-the-top in Canada on its platforms. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Bell Media and HBO enjoy a partnership of shared respect and admiration,” said Charles Schreger, President of Programming Sales at HBO, in a media release. “Together, we secured a deal that will allow both our businesses to continue to grow and evolve.”
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring all HBO programming to Canadians on whatever platform they choose,” said Mary Ann Turcke, President at Bell Media. “With this agreement, HBO’s incredible premium content will power subscriptions to Bell Media brands for many years to come.”
“This is an extensive deal that could only exist with a trusted partner like Bell Media,” said Glenn Whitehead, Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs at HBO. “The Canadian audience will have access to HBO programming in more ways than ever before.”
“We are privileged to strengthen our relationship with one of the world’s great television brands,” said Tracey Pearce, Senior Vice-President of Specialty and Pay at Bell Media. “HBO has been our extraordinary partner for many years, and we look forward to taking that partnership to a whole new level.”
Bell Media and HBO will further bolster their new partnership with a landmark programming and production arrangement. The two companies will co-develop original, Canadian drama, comedy, and factual productions for their platforms and for distribution around the world. Several projects have already been selected for development from production companies.
Photo: HBO Canada
