Scripps Networks Interactive has confirmed that its Polish broadcaster TVN will add the lifestyle channels HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel to its network line-up in January 2017.
As previously reported by Broadband TV News, HGTV will take over the slot now held by TVN Meteo Active. Furthermore, the launch will mark the channel’s debut in Europe.
Speaking in a fireside chat at PIKE 2016 and asked what will come next for Scripps in Poland, Jim Samples, president, international, Scripps Networks Interactive, and also CEO of TVN since July this year, said that it would use its Warsaw base to look for new opportunities in the region. However, Poland is and will remain its priority.
When it comes to digital strategy, Samples said the most important thing for the group should be to have maximum flexibility, as it is difficult to know what will happen. What is certain, though, is that content will remain important.
Samples also raised the possibility of developing AVOD in partnership with distributors.
Commenting on Netflix’s prospects in Poland, he said that the service was hampered by not having local content. It is also dealing with piracy issues.
TVN Player, on the other hand, has enjoyed double-digit growth each year and already has 2.5 million registered users.
When asked if Scripps had experienced any political interference in Poland, Samples said that the company had been welcomed as investors. Its investment was over the long term, during which it would expect to see the country go through many political cycles.
