Discovery buys UK indie Betty


Discovery Communications has acquired UK independent producer Betty.

The factual and factual entertainment channel operator has worked with the UK indie previously, ordering two seasons of a US version of Freaky Eaters. The food and diet series aired on Discovery’s female-skewed TLC channel.

Discovery said that following the acquisition, Betty will develop shows for its channels and Discovery will look formats in the producer’s library with a view to making them for its channels.

No purchase price was disclosed, but it is known that Betty booked revenue of £7.5 million (€8.7 million) last year and a £750,000 pre-tax profit last year.

Lee Bartlett, Discovery’s executive vice-president of global production management, business and legal affairs said: “This is a global deal, and Discovery looks forward to providing the infrastructure and resources of our global platform of 142 networks in 210 countries to enable Betty to extend their content to our channels in the US and around the world.