Ad Sales Open for Universal Channel, SCI FI in Russia

LONDON: NBC Universal Global Networks is to launch advertising sales on Universal Channel and SCI FI Channel in Russia, as both celebrate their first anniversary there this month.

The two channels are already available in Russia on NTV Plus, Akado, Orion, Multiregion and Corbina, among others. Universal Channel offers viewers “a world of great entertainment,” while SCI FI is positioned as a place “where imagination lives.” Universal Channel and SCI FI feature programming from distributors such as Universal, CBS Paramount, MGM and BBC.

Colin McLeod, the managing director for Central Eastern Europe at NBC Universal Global Networks, said: “The winning combination of world-class movies and series on these channels has really resonated with viewers and we are now pleased to offer these significant brand platforms to advertisers, for the first time in Russia. The launch of advertising sales on Universal Channel and SCI FI provides a significant opportunity for Russian brands to avail an outstanding on air environment, supported by solid brand heritage, to effectively target the urban Russian professional with spending power.”

Nina Kovalenko, the head of direct sales for Gazprom Media, added: “We have been working with NBCU Global Networks since October 2007. We are really happy to have such a professional team as a partner and excited to extend our collaboration to advertising sales for Universal Channel and SCI FI. We are sure these brands will add value to the Gazprom Media’s thematic channels portfolio and attract advertising clients who would appreciate the content, the quality and the audience the channels provide.”