Disney+ Signs Content Distribution Deal With Rai Italia

Disney+ has recently sealed a deal with Rai Italia, an Italian media giant, to bring local content to their European subscribers. This move is part of Disney+’s new strategy of licensing content rather than creating it from scratch, with similar agreements already in place with media companies in Spain, Germany, the UK, and Nordic countries.

Fans of Italian programming like “Belve,” “The Floor — Ne rimarrà solo uno,” and “Braccialetti rossi” can now enjoy these shows on Disney+ the day after they premiere on Rai TV. Karl Holmes, GM of Disney+ EMEA, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that Rai’s long history of storytelling will enhance Disney+’s global presence.

With around 1.3 million Italian subscribers as of September, Disney+ is the fifth-largest streaming service in Italy, behind Netflix, which boasts over 6 million subscribers. Holmes emphasized the collaboration’s significance, highlighting over 40 years of Disney and Rai working together in Italy.

In Holmes’ words, this deal is not just about expanding content but also about connecting audiences with favorite stories. By partnering with free-to-air broadcasters like Rai, Disney+ aims to enrich the viewing experience for subscribers while offering more local entertainment options.