Disney+ Expands European Content Partnership with RAI in Italy
Disney+ has struck a new content deal with RAI in Italy, following a recent agreement with RTVE in Spain. This marks the second collaboration within a week that will bring RAI's content to Disney+ immediately after its linear broadcast. Shows like Belve and The Floor – Ne rimarrà solo uno will be available for streaming on Disney+ in Italy the day after airing on RAI 2. Additionally, Disney+ will offer a collection of popular RAI titles like Braccialetti rossi and L'amica geniale, as well as the docu-reality series Il Collegio.
This partnership is part of Disney's strategy to collaborate with European free-to-air broadcasters, including ITV in the U.K., ARD and ZDF in Germany, SIC in Portugal, and Atresmedia in Spain. Disney sees these agreements as mutually beneficial, allowing Disney+ to enhance its global content with local programming while helping broadcasters reach younger audiences through the streaming platform.
Karl Holmes, general manager of Disney+ EMEA, expressed excitement about the collaboration with RAI, highlighting the deep connection and high-quality storytelling heritage of RAI. This initiative aligns with Disney's approach to working with free-to-air broadcasters across Europe, providing Disney+ customers with a broader selection of iconic local shows and enhancing the viewing experience for all audiences.