Discovery Communications Deutschland has applied for broadcast licenses for 19 international TV channels at Bavarian media authority BLM.
The channels – targeting Scandinavia – are currently operated with licences issued by UK-based media authority Ofcom, a BLM spokeswoman confirmed to Broadband TV News. With the move Discovery, like many other affected broadcasters, reacts to the uncertainties associated with the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit).
In detail, Discovery has applied for licences for the following channels, according to the BLM spokeswoman:
Channel 4 HD (Denmark)
Channel 5 (Denmark)
6’eren (Denmark)
Canal 9 (Denmark)
Eurosport 2 (Denmark)
Discovery Channel HD (Denmark)
TLC (Denmark)
Channel 5 (Sweden)
Channel 9 (Sweden)
Channel 11 (Sweden)
Discovery Channel (Sweden)
TLC HD (Sweden)
MAX (Norway)
Fem (Norway)
Vox (Norway)
Eurosport Norge (Norway)
Discovery Channel HD (Norway)
TLC (Norway)
Discovery Channel (Finland)
BLM wants to decide about the applications at the next assembly of its media council on February 14, 2019 in Munich.
Discovery’s move to license the Scandinavian channels in Germany follows to decision to establish a European operational headquarter for its pay-TV channels in the Netherlands.
Following Turner Broadcasting System and NBC Universal, Discovery is the third international broadcaster to submit licence applications at BLM for channels currently holding Ofcom licences. The Bavarian media authority granted the permissions in mid-December 2018. Discovery, Turner and NBC Universal have their German headquarters in Munich, which is why BLM is responsible.
Meanwhile, sports streaming platform DAZN applied for German licences for its services currently offered with an Ofcom licence at Berlin-based media authority MABB.
