London, 8 September 2015: Leading international broadcaster AMC Networks International – Zone and M7 Group, one of the fastest growing cross-regional pay TV providers in Europe, today announced the launch of Outdoor Channel in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belgium and the Netherlands on 15 September, 2015.
The deal marks the debut of a new, second Outdoor Channel feed which will initially be offered in the “Familie” package via CanalDigitaal in the Netherlands, in the “Basic” tier of TVVlaanderen in Belgium, and Skylink’s “Kombi” package in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The channel will be available on ASTRA 23,5 degrees East.
Mike Moriarty, Managing Director, AMC Networks International – Zone, Central Europe and DMC, says of the deal: “This expansion of Outdoor Channel in the region reflects the growing popularity of the channel and our dedication to reaching more audiences across EMEA. Partnering with M7 allows us to bring the great outdoors into the homes of even more fans of outdoor pursuits so they can experience spectacular adventures through the eyes of our world-renowned experts, passionate enthusiasts and celebrities.”
Bill Wijdeveld, VP Business Development, M7 Group, comments: “We are very pleased with the further extension of our long-standing business cooperation with AMC Networks International and welcome Outdoor Channel on board of our satellite platform. While the addition of Outdoor Channel is great news for our Benelux and CEE satellite TV subscribers, M7 Platform Services is pleased to provide AMC Networks International with the possibility to use the same satellite signal for the secure third party channel delivery within Europe, including encryption, 24/7 quality monitoring and help desk support.”
Upon launch, Outdoor Channel’s new feed will air a carefully-curated selection of programming from the Outdoor Channel library including Bottom Feeders – a fascinating reality series following the fortunes of commercial fishermen on the Mississippi, Offroad Overhaul – where deserving drivers get their 4 x 4 vehicle transformed into the ultimate off-road ride and The Gunfather – which features the larger-than-life New Yorkers of the Tumoinaro family and their rural Montana gun shop. Further premieres include Elite Tactical Unit, Buccaneer & Bones and Rapid Fire.
Outdoor Channel draws from TV’s largest outdoor programming library to showcase stunning original HD content dedicated to outdoor lifestyles including fishing, off-road driving, shooting and wilderness adventure, making it the number one destination for outdoor pursuits TV.
Reaching nearly 40 million households in the United States, Outdoor Channel is now available as two separate customised feeds to an increasing number of viewers across the EMEA region.
Outdoor Channel HD (EMEA)
Outdoor Channel is the world’s leader in Outdoor TV, launched to the EMEA market in August 2010, as a partnership with leading international broadcaster AMC Networks International – Zone.
Drawing from TV’s largest outdoor programming library, the channel showcases a stunning line-up of original, true HD content dedicated to traditional outdoor activities, from fishing to hunting, and off-road driving to wilderness adventure.
Hit shows on the channel include Major League Fishing, featuring the world’s best anglers in competition, fascinating behind the scenes reality with the conservation officers of Wardens and spectacular shooting in Shooting USA’s Impossible Shots.
The entertaining series capture the excitement of the great outdoors, for the active or armchair enthusiast alike, and promotes responsible conduct.
The programming deal between AMC Networks International – Zone and Outdoor Channel was secured as part of a joint venture in conjunction with U.S./Irish-based consultants ARA Amigos Ireland Ltd, headed by Andrew Brilliant, Amory Schwartz and Rich Lefler. The joint venture will be responsible for developing the channel internationally in EMEA.
AMC Networks International – Zone is a business unit of AMC Networks International which delivers entertaining and acclaimed programming to more than 140 countries and territories, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
About M7 Group
M7 Group SA, based in Luxembourg, is one of Europe’s fastest growing operators of satellite and IP-based TV platforms: Canal Digitaal and Online.nl in the Netherlands, TV Vlaanderen in Flanders and TéléSAT in French speaking Belgium, AustriaSat/HD Austria in Austria, Skylink for the Czech and Slovak market and AustriaSat Hungary for the Hungarian market. Through its subsidiary M7 Deutschland, M7 Group owns German pay-tv platforms KabelKiosk and meinFernsehen. All brands offer tailor made packages for clients adapted to the local culture and language in these countries. Today, M7 Group SA provides more than 3 million viewers with hundreds of satellite and IP-based radio and television services in digital and HD quality. Since 2011, M7 Group SA also provides broadband and telephony services to its customers in the Netherlands and Belgium. M7 Platform Services provides broadcasters with end-to-end distribution solutions for DTH, cable and IPTV reception. Through its subsidiary Stream Group, M7 Group delivers enhanced interactive video, OTT and multiscreen services in Europe and Asia through its Solocoo platform. For further information, please visit www.m7group.eu.
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