 On September 20, 2016, A&E Networks UK launched Blaze, a new free-to-air channel carrying programming aimed towards adult males.In May 2017, the company extended its distribution deal with Sky for the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Austria market (A+E Networks U.K., A+E Networks Germany, A+E Networks Italy) channels.In October 2019, Twentieth Television executive Steve MacDonald was hired as president of its global content licensing and international division.