MIPCOM 2012 – Cannes. Scripps Networks International has announced new carriage agreements for Food Network, Fine Living Network, Food Network Asia and Travel Channel International.
The multiple deals include channel launches with distributors in seven new countries and expansions through new cable and broadband system partnerships in seven countries.
Breaking new ground, Food Network has debuted in Latvia, Georgia, Romania and Serbia. The lifestyle channel can now be found on Latvia cable provider, IZZI, in Georgia on cable provider Super TV, in Romania on Intersat, and in Serbia on Targo Telekom.
In Cyprus, Food Network has strengthened its presence in the country through an expansion agreement with PrimeTel, a managed IPTV service. The operator launched Food Network in HD in June 2011 and has now added a SD version to its basic tier offering.
“With our ambitious international objectives, we have been very pleased with the steady growth of our channel brands,” said Jim Samples, president of Scripps Networks Interactive’s international division.
“We look forward to continuing our distribution momentum as we expand to new markets.”
Fine Living Network has launched for the first time in the Russian Federation through Arkhangelsk Television Company (ATK). Additionally, the channel has gained increased distribution in the Ukraine through a new carriage agreement with Divan.TV, in the Czech Republic with IPTV provider SELF servis, in Romania through Pan Electro and in Georgia with Super TV.
“These new carriage deals are fuelled by the growing demand for our unique lifestyle brands and renowned programming from audiences and content distributors alike,” added Jon Sichel, managing director of Scripps Networks Interactive EMEA. “We are deeply committed to offering audiences worldwide with the highest caliber of lifestyle entertainment available through our Food Network and Fine Living channels and are thrilled to begin working with our new distribution partners to continue their international success over the coming year.”
Food Network Asia celebrated its sixth launch in the Asian market with a premiere in Mongolia on the country’s first IPTV operator, Univision. Mongolia joins the lifestyle channel’s growing roster of Asian territories that includes Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan.
The channel’s growing popularity in Malaysia and Taiwan has led to increased carriage in both countries. Astro, Malaysia’s leading multimedia broadcaster and a key pay TV operator in Southeast Asia, has strengthened Food Network Asia’s profile on its Beyond HD service with expansion to a full 24/7 channel. In Taiwan where it is already carried by DishHD, Food Network Asia will launch on the country’s largest cable system, CNS, October 10, 2012.
Launched in July 2010 and assembled in Asia, Food Network Asia is a 24/7 English-language channel that includes a mix of popular Food Network series.
Travel Channel International has launched its HD service in Turkey and Turkish-speaking Northern Cyprus on D-Smart. The channel will be available as a fully localised feed in Turkey in early 2013.
Travel Channel International transmits 24 hours a day in 21 languages to 130 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
