DLT Entertainment Acquires Juniper Productions, Led by BBC Chairman Samir Shah

DLT Entertainment has acquired Juniper Productions, the independent producer managed by BBC Chairman Samir Shah. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but the London-based DLT revealed that the acquisition represents a major expansion of its portfolio in the factual programming sector. Juniper will maintain its operational base in London.

Juniper, also known as Juniper TV, is known for producing shows like Politics London and Politics South East for the BBC, as well as The Political Slot for Channel 4. These programs have already been commissioned to continue until 2025. DLT noted that political programming has become essential viewing for UK audiences, especially following recent elections, as these shows help viewers understand local and regional governance.

Samir Shah has been at the helm of Juniper since 1998 after purchasing it from Michael Wills, who transitioned to a political career. After being appointed BBC Chairman to succeed Richard Sharp, Shah had to step down from Juniper. Reports in February suggested that Shah was either seeking a buyer or considering winding up the business.

DLT Entertainment, founded in 1963, is headquartered in London and New York. The company owns stakes in various creative ventures and London’s Shaftesbury Theatre. In recent years, DLT has invested in talent organizations such as Gag Reflex and The Soho Agency, Mark Watson’s Impatient Productions, and voiceover firm Bedford Square Voices.

“We are thrilled to welcome Juniper Productions into the DLT Entertainment family,” stated Donald Taffner Jr., President of DLT Entertainment. “Samir has built an exceptional company with a remarkable reputation for delivering high-quality content. We have a wonderful benchmark on which to build this legacy and continue producing extraordinary programming that reflects the strengths and values of both DLT and Juniper. We look forward to continuing production of Politics London and Politics South East next year with the same production team, ensuring a seamless transition.”

Shah and Belkis Bheghani, Juniper company director, expressed that Taffner Jr. has a “terrific vision for the future of Juniper” and that they are “sure Juniper will thrive and prosper under his guidance.” They emphasized that DLT’s commitment to Juniper’s core values of impartiality, creativity, and accountability was critical in their decision. “We have no doubt that Juniper will continue to deliver journalism of the highest order,” they added in a statement.

Jerry Thomas, Series Editor for Politics London, commented, “The acquisition by DLT Entertainment opens up new opportunities for us to expand our reach and enhance the quality of our programming. We are eager to work alongside DLT to continue delivering top-tier political coverage to our audiences.”

Source: source names