RTL Preps New Crime Network for the Netherlands

AMSTERDAM: On September 1, RTL Nederland will launch RTL Crime, delivering local and international crime series, among them Prison Break, Bones and CSI.

The channel will be available as part of the bouquet offered by Ziggo, and carriage discussions are under way with UPC and other Dutch cable operators. The launch follows the success of RTL Nederland’s first specialty channel, RTL Lounge.

The grid will be programmed thematically; for example, one night for true crime, one for U.S. crime series, one for European crime series and one for local productions.

"RTL Crime will give all fans of crime stories an alibi," said Nicolas Eglau, the director of RTL Ventures. "Following the successful launch of RTL Lounge, we are expanding our range of digital broadcasts by starting up a new channel that fits perfectly into our existing family. We are launching RTL Crime not just as an entertainment channel, but as a new brand for all crime story fans."