History Channel moves into Central Europe

MIP NEWS: The History Channel is making its Central European debut with a roll-out in Poland and Hungary.

The channel, which is being launched through The History Channel UK, a joint venture between A&E Television Networks (AETN) and BSkyB, will be available in both Polish and Hungarian.

The channel will be made available in both countries as a standard and high-definition service.

Chello Zone, a division of European cable group Chellomedia, serves as distribution representative for The History Channel to pay-TV platforms in Poland and Hungary, as well as the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Ian McDonough, commercial director of The History Channel UK, said: “Our partners in Poland and Hungary are amongst the best operators in the region and we are confident that the channels will be valuable assets to their portfolios.”

Further launches in the region are expected in the coming months.

The History Channel features programming that spans a variety of topics, including ancient history, contemporary history, military history and conflict, as well as technology and transport.

Original series to air on the channel are Ice Road Truckers, The Universe, Cities of the Underworld, and Battle 360, with specials such as Lost Pyramid, Clash of the Cavemen and Warrior Empire: The Mughals, also due to make an appearance.