Discovery has become the latest international broadcast group to move European operations to the Netherlands following Britain’s decision to pull out of the EU.

Discovery has had a Dutch base since 1989 but has now applied for EU licences for its paid channel portfolio through the Netherlands. ‘This decision ensures continuity of our services for the view across Europe,’ the company said in a statement.

‘This change means a number of new roles will be created in Amsterdam and a number of roles will move from London to Amsterdam.’

Until now international broadcasters have favoured London as a base for pan-European operations because they can use UK licences to provide services across the EU region, but that will end after Brexit.

The BBC is also said to be in talks with Dutch and Irish broadcast authorities to obtain licenses which would allow it to continue broadcasting across the EU.

In September, British online sports channel DAZN said it is opening a new development centre in Amsterdam as part of its plan to become the ‘Netflix of sports’ and protect its operations from the impact of Brexit.

Viacom International has also obtained a Dutch licence for its channels aimed at France and Denmark.