Discovery Networks International has announced that TLC International will be available in the Netherlands on July 4 with full distribution across analogue and digital TV platforms reaching 7 million homes. The 100% coverage is achieved by channel sharing with Animal Planet, which is available across all platforms in the country.
TLC will have a complete Dutch language version and will be available every day from 6pm. Programming will include Sarah Palin’s Alaska, Kell on Earth, Offspring, Mad About the House, and Who do you think you are.
This announcement marks the one-year anniversary of the global launch of TLC International, the company’s new flagship entertainment and lifestyle network, which is now available in eight European and 25 Asian markets to more than 50 million households outside the US. TLC is on track to reach 75 markets and 100 million households in 2011. In the US, TLC reaches over 99 million homes and currently ranks as one of the top 10 networks for women.
“The launch of TLC in the Netherlands continues the strong momentum from the 33 markets we’ve launched to date. TLC’s early ratings success is encouraging and we remain focused on continuing to grow TLC into a truly global female-driven brand and a strong complement to our flagship Discovery Channel,” said Mark Hollinger, president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, in a statement.
The international version of TLC made its global debut in March 2010 in Norway. DNI’s female-targeted channel in Italy, Real Time, also has grown rapidly leveraging TLC content since its launch on DTT in September 2010.
Production recently began on six new exciting series spearheaded by DNI’s newly created international production and development unit. These programmes cover an array of popular programming genres, from weddings and parenting, to inspiring stories of personal transformation. The first of these homegrown shows, Don’t Tell the Bride, premiered in Norway earlier this month.
“Our programming strategy will continue to focus TLC’s international production and development unit on developing strong local content to drive ratings alongside the top programming from TLC in the United States” said Luis Silberwasser, EVP and chief content officer, DNI.
