Ericsson Signs broadcast service deal with Channel 5

Ericsson Communications technology and services provider yesterday, disclosed that it has signed an exclusive multi-year broadcast and media services deal with leading UK broadcaster, Channel 5, owned by Viacom.

The new deal spans Channel 5’s portfolio of terrestrial and digital channels in the UK.

The deal, which was won following a competitive tender process, included playout, media management, metadata, access services and business continuity services.

With the new development, Ericsson is expected to provide these services for Channel 5’s entire portfolio of terrestrial and digital channels as well as for its catch up offerings, including Channel 5+1 and Channel 5+24.

Ericsson following the new deal also delivers media management services for the broadcaster’s Demand 5 video-on-demand platform. Accordingly,, all services will commence in May 2016.


Speaking on the new deal, Paul Dunthorne, Chief Operating Officer at Channel 5, said: “Ericsson showed a clear understanding of our complex playout requirements, including the extra demands of  live and fast-turnaround shows, such as Big Brother, which are a crucial part of our schedule. And they promise to offer us the robust and flexible support we need as we continue to roll out our highly popular Demand 5 player, which is already available across more than 25 different video-on-demand platforms in the UK. We look forward to working with them over the coming years.”