German platform operator M7 Deutschland is adding free-TV channels RTLplus, VOXup and Toggo plus to its BasisHD package.
The distribution agreement with Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland was renewed and expanded and now includes all free-TV channels offered by the Cologne-based broadcaster. The three new channels can be received in addition to the existing line-up of RTL channels on the M7 platform.
The multi-year contract also includes interactive functions ‘restart’ and ‘cloud recording’, which allow viewers to reset the currently running programme to the beginning and to record programmes and watch them at the time of their choice.
The multiscreen function brings the TV content to smartphones and tablets at home. M7 will make the new channels available to its distribution partners in the next few days.
“We are pleased about the long-term extension of our distribution contract with Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, with whom we have a long-standing partnership. M7 thus offers a full rights package of the largest commercial TV broadcasters in Germany, who rely on the proven and wide-reaching cooperation with M7,” said Marco Hellberg, managing director of Eviso Germany, the M7 business partner in Germany.
Andre Prahl, head of programme distribution of the Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, added: “We are aiming to make our entire channel portfolio available on all relevant platforms. The renewed and extended agreement with M7 is an important step in this direction. At the same time, the expansion of our HD distribution is an important pillar of our distribution strategy. We are therefore very pleased that M7 customers now have the opportunity to receive additional channels in the BasisHD package in high definition quality.”
M7 Deutschland recently also renewed and extended its distribution agreement with ProSiebenSat.1, enabling the platform operator to add four new channels to its line-up for cable and IPTV network operators.