London, 11 November 2013:  Multi-award winning media company, UKTV, today announces its first licensing deal.  The network’s popular entertainment channel, Dave, which is the UK’s number one non-Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) channel, will lead the move into licensing, following its recent partnership with Evolution Europe & Rizon Studios Creative. The channel attracts over 26 million viewers per month and is available to Pay and Free TV viewers, as well as via YouView and VoD platforms. Now UKTV is extending the Dave brand off-screen to provide loyal viewers with merchandise and events that extol the characteristics of their favourite television channel.
When Dave launched as TV’s ‘home of witter banter’ in 2007, it was an instant hit with viewers, becoming the tenth largest television channel in the UK within just one month. The channel’s popularity continues to grow; this year it is enjoying a significant boost in its share of viewers year-on year (up 22%).
The move into licensing forms part of UKTV’s ongoing strategy to expand on the awareness of the network’s key brands. Bespoke national-representative research[1] for Dave recently revealed that when asked which non-PSB channel people would choose to keep out of all the free channels, Dave came out top.
The unique creative and licensing agreement will capitalise on the existing public consciousness and success of UKTV’s brands. Evolution Europe & Rizon Studios Creative will review the full stable of IP within UKTV and create a comprehensive strategy to take the multi-channel network brand and content to market. Rizon will devise and deliver materials and style guides, while Evolution Europe will present the collateral to potential licensees and DTR partners.
Colin Thomas, Strategy Manager, UKTV said “As UKTV continues to invest in original content and our portfolio of IP grows, we are looking to expand the network’s successful channel and programming brands outside of traditional revenue streams, with merchandise being the next logical step commercially. This opens the door to new and exciting opportunities – beginning with the hugely popular Dave, a brand that resonates clearly with consumers.”
General Manager, Dave, Steve North said “Dave has become a household name with witty and irreverent shows that really resonate with viewers. I am looking forward to offering our audience fun and original products that capture the feel of their favourite channel and reflect Dave’s brand values.”
Managing Director of Rizon, Dave Collins, who brokered the deal said “Rizon Studios is delighted to be working with UKTV.  In our discussions with the company it has become clear that our shared vision, creative passion and drive for innovation will forge a strong, successful and creative partnership. Rizon is delighted to be helping UKTV take this step in to the world of licensing.”
The announcement comes after UKTV revealed it is on course to invest a record £110 million in original content in 2013 across its network of 10 channels. Dave has recently commissioned a whole raft of brand new series including Crackanory, Ross Noble Freewheeling, Dave Gorman’s Modern Life is Goodish and Spending Dave’s Money. The channel’s continuing success has contributed to UKTV’s overall SOCI (share of commercial impact) figure, which hit an all-time high of 9.17% of the total market in August and the network recently reported record-breaking year-end revenue of £262m.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Lara Feinstein, Corporate Communications Coordinator
Tel: 0207 299 6107 / Email: lara.feinstein@uktv.co.uk
For enquiries regarding Evolution Europe and Rizon Studios please contact Kirsty Barr or Emma Burgham at miPR – Tel: 07876 440648 or firstname.lastname@mi-pr.co.uk
About UKTV
UKTV is the multi-award winning media company that reaches 42 million viewers per month.  UKTV’s ten imaginative channel brands – Watch, Dave, Gold, Alibi, Eden, Yesterday, Drama, Really, Home and Good Food – include the number one channel in the Factual genre, the number one channel in the Lifestyle genre (pay and free) and the most famous channel and programmes in the Entertainment genre.
UKTV has a truly innovative model, curating brand-defining commissions, high-profile acquisitions and the very best of BBC and Channel 4 content, and embracing technology to deliver inspired channels to audiences through Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT Vision, You View, TalkTalk on YouView, plus direct On Demand digital services. The network distributes its highly valued programmes to 200 territories around the world.
Now celebrating its 21st year at the forefront of digital television, UKTV – an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) – is proud to be the only British broadcaster to be recognised by Best Companies.

 
press.uktv.co.uk / @UKTV_Press / corporate.uktv.co.uk
 
 
About Dave
 
Sky channel 111, Virgin TV channel 128, Freeview 12
 
Satirical and edgy, Dave is the home of witty banter.  Featuring the best in contemporary entertainment including Suits, QI, Red Dwarf X, Mock the Week and Have I Got News For You. Dave also showcases popular original series, such as Ross Noble: Freewheeling, Dave Gorman Modern Life is Goodish, Dara O’Briain’s School of Hard Sums, Alexander Armstrong’s Big Ask and Jo Brand’s Big Splash, all laden with the biggest names in British comedy.
 
www.joindave.co.uk / @joindave
 
 
About Rizon Studios Creative and Evolution Europe
 
Rizon Studios Creative and Evolution Europe are a full service licensing, brand management, product development and creative agency that form part of the AIM listed Litebulb Group. With offices in London and LA, the company offers a personal and partnership approach to its clients, identifying and monetising all forms of intellectual property. Globally, Evolution Europe represents the Miramax portfolio and internet phenomenon Dumb Ways To Die and Henri Le Worm.  Locally, Evolution Europe represents gaming app Subway Surfers and broadcaster UKTV.