Warner Bros. Discovery doubles down on linear in Japan with J:COM pact

Discovery’s Gold Rush

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is expanding its linear networks in Japan after expanding a partnership with local telco J:COM.

The multi-year deal, which began 1 August, means there will now be seven WBD-owned networks available in Japan, up from two previously.

The expanded portfolio brings together Discovery, Animal Planet, Mondo, Tabi, Cartoon Network, Movie+ and LalaTV to the country, with the agreement also including “a significant uplift in titles” from WBD’s library, according to the US studio.

Discovery and Animal Planet are also introducing thematically relevant movies within schedules, while J:COM will oversee distribution of the seven channel portfolio to third party cable and DTH operators in Japan.

James Gibbons, president & MD of Western Pacific at WBD, said the agreement “leverages the deep expertise of both companies to build an even stronger offering for Japanese consumers.”

He added: “Beyond the joint venture expansion, the deal also provides additional opportunities for further collaboration between the two businesses, including content for SVOD platforms and local co-production.”

The move comes against a broader trend of linear channel closures around the world as viewing shifts to streaming, with rivals such as Disney shuttering channels across APAC in 2021.