The Food Network will launch in the UK on November as part of a joint venture deal between Scripps Networks Interactive and Chello Zone.
The channel will launch with a mix of US and UK acquired content, including appearances from home-grown celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver in the UK premiere of Iron Chef America and Nigella Lawson in Nigella Express.
Danny Boome will also feature on the channel in his very own show, Rescue Chef. Originally from Cambridgeshire, former ice hockey star and ex-model Danny made a name for himself at the St Martins Lane Hotel in London, before making it big in America.
Chello Zone, the international broadcaster arm of Chellomedia, has responsibility for Food Network’s operations in the UK and its subsequent roll out across EMEA territories next year. However, under the terms of the deal, Scripps Network International retains a controlling interest in the joint venture. (See Broadband TV News passim)
“This is the first of what we hope will be many ventures to expand the global footprint of Scripps Networks Interactive,” said Greg Moyer, president of the company’s international development subsidiary, Scripps Networks International, in a statement.
Food Network is also rolling out in Asia. Measat Satellite Systems signed an HD channel capacity deal to distribute the Food Network HD channel accross the Asia-Pacific region. The operator will distribute Food Network and Lifestyle, owned and operated by Scripps Networks Interactive, via the Measat-3a satellite.
