It may be a bank holiday weekend, with the usual promise of inclement weather, but Chello Zone is bringing Outdoor Channel to Europe, the Middle East & Africa.
Already airing in the Middle East on the Orbit Showtime Network, Chello Zone will launch a dedicated HD feed of Outdoor Channel across the EMEA region. A standard definition version of the channel will also be available.
Chello Zone, whose other brands include Zone Reality, Zone Romantica, Fantasy, Extreme Sports Channel and preschool channel JimJam, will also be able to tap into Outdoor Channel’s extensive library of HD content.
“Outdoor Channel’s compelling and unique content resonates with outdoor enthusiasts around the world,” said Randy Brown, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales & Marketing at Outdoor Channel. “This distribution agreement for EMEA adds to our existing agreement with Multi Channels Asia as we move forward with plans to launch a dedicated network serving Asia, Australia and New Zealand in October.”
Chello Zone’s Chief Executive Officer Dermot Shortt, said: “We are delighted to have secured the exclusive rights to launch Outdoor Channel in HD throughout EMEA. Outdoor pursuits have become increasingly popular around the world and with its thrilling mix of content, we are confident it is a channel that will appeal to the whole family.”
The programming deal between Chello Zone and Outdoor Channel was secured as part of a joint venture in conjunction with US/Irish-based consultants ARA Amigos Ireland Ltd, headed by Andrew Brilliant, Amory Schwartz and Rich Lefler. The joint venture will be responsible for developing the channel internationally in EMEA.
