ITV confirms deal with MGM to bring James Bond back to free-to-air television

MI6 broke the news last week, but ITV and MGM have now issued a press release confirming that Bond movies will be back on ITV for UK television broadcasts:

Press Release
ITV and MGM International Television Distribution Inc. (MGM), a subsidiary of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., announced today an exclusive, multi-year agreement to bring the legendary James Bond film catalogue, including the latest instalment, SKYFALL, to viewers in the UK.

All 23 films in the franchise will be available for free on ITV, the UK’s most watched commercial channel. The multi-year deal marks a return of the Bond catalogue to ITV, where the films can been seen across ITV, ITV2, and ITV4.

ITV will also have the free-to-air premiere of the blockbuster SKYFALL, which is slated to air on the channel in 2014. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is the most successful Bond film of all time, grossing over $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

ITV’s Director Digital Channels and Acquisitions, Angela Jain said, "SKYFALL is the highest grossing film of all time at the UK Box Office and proves not only the enduring popularity of the Bond franchise but also its iconic status. I am delighted we have the entire Bond library of films on Britain's biggest commercial channel, a fantastic treat for all viewers."

“MGM is thrilled to partner again with ITV to bring James Bond home to UK audiences,“ said Chris Ottinger, President, International Television Distribution & Acquisitions, MGM. “The Bond franchise is a jewel in the MGM library and we are delighted to share the films with the viewers across the United Kingdom.”

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