Virgin Media announces exciting content deals: Disney, CSI

Newly formed Virgin Media has announced two major content deals today for its on-demand TV service, as it parades its offerings and takes on the likes of Sky and BT Vision.

First up, it has struck an agreement with Walt Disney’s Buena Vista International Television that give it the rights to show such US hits as Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, Day Break, and Alias. Also on offer will be Extreme Makeover UK, season 1 of Ghost Whisperer, and Night Stalker.

Second up, a deal with Alliance Atlantis to show the first four seasons of CSI, and the first two seasons of CSI: Miami. Season 5 of CSI and season 3 of CSI: Miami will be added later this year.

The deals probably weren’t too hard to swing given that Virgin own Living and Bravo TV channels, on which many of these shows have already been shown.

Terrestrial viewers will note that terrestrial broadcaster five have had the rights to show many of these programmes already, and they also offer on-demand downloads of hits such as CSI. It’s going to be very interesting to see which broadcasters and telecoms companies get which content. After all, a service is no good without great content.