Playboy Plus has decided to outsource its primary European broadcast functions to US-based Encompass.
The move comes as a surprise, as the adult entertainment broadcaster has recently upgraded its own facility in Hayes, near Heathrow airport.
Instead, Playboy TV Europe is now partnering with Encompass and utilising the company’s Los Angeles based origination facilities, which “will allow Playboy Plus to obtain strategic worldwide distribution benefits from a global partnership,” according to a press release. The transition will happen later this year.
Playboy TV Europe will remain at its current base and the unit “will continue to spearhead growth in Europe. New VOD services and channels are planned for later this year.”
“This allows us to focus on our core strengths,” says Jeremy Yates, managing director, Playboy TV Europe. “All our focus can now be on managing our TV channels in Europe and maintaining our lead position in the market. We will be able to further improve our channels and VOD and fully leverage our libraries which allow us to offer the best erotic content and highest performing adult content We have also taken the opportunity to consolidate a few of our networks on Sky, where customers now receive greatly added value from a Playboy Plus delivered TV Everywhere experience.”
As a result, Playboy is now putting its recently renovated Network Operations Centre up for sale with The EPG Shop taking care of bidding process.
