Denmark’s TV2 is to close TV2 Film after nine years in favour of a new sports channel launching in early 2015.
The broadcaster says it is losing out against the large film catalogues on offer from movie on demand services and that a switch to sports is a natural evolution.
“TV2’s main channel will of course still be the framework for the major, mass events. Our new sports channel will be an additional offer for the truly dedicated and a gathering place for fans interested in a broad range of rights. TV2 will have a larger field to play on, we can leverage our rights much better, and with the new channel we can give more time and space for some of the sports,” said CEO, Merete Eldrup.
Agreement has already been reached with distributors Canal Digital, Stofa, Waoo and Boxer.
The sports channel will capitalise on existing rights, such as the popular Danish league handball finals, plus rugby, football, Olympics, Danish ice hockey and cycling.
Further details are to be released in the autumn.
