TLC to Get Global Rollout

BRUSSELS/SILVER SPRING: Discovery Communications is launching the female-skewing lifestyle channel TLC globally, starting in Norway on March 4.

The international version debuts in Norway on the Canal Digital, GET and Lyse platforms. To support the launch, LA Ink star Kat Von D will headline a special VIP event in Oslo with key industry clients, partners and members of the media. She will lead the countdown to the network’s premiere of LA Ink.

The plan is for the international TLC channel to be available in more than 75 markets, reaching more than 100 million households, by spring 2011. In addition to the lifestyle programming already available on TLC in the U.S., the international female channel will provide high-quality factual entertainment programming from across Discovery’s portfolio of channels including Investigation Discovery, Planet Green and Animal Planet. The international channels will also feature newly commissioned programming of regional interest.

Mark Hollinger, the president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, commented: "TLC has become one of the strongest television networks in the United States, demonstrating creative leadership across a wide range of lifestyle categories." Added Hollinger, "With the extension of this female-driven franchise across the world, we are creating a powerful complement to Discovery Channel in our global brand portfolio that will provide our distribution and advertising partners with an unmatched offering of quality content for female and family audiences."