Animal Planet Available Across Baltic Region

LONDON: Discovery Networks EMEA continues the rollout for Animal Planet, with a new launch on Viasat’s digital satellite TV platforms in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Targeting adults 25 to 54, with a female skew, Animal Planet’s programming focuses on the animal kingdom across a broad range of entertainment genres, from the natural world to domestic pets. At its launch on Viasat platform, the channel will be available in two languages, Russian and English.

This month, Animal Planet presents Africa Month, a lineup of premieres that will take viewers on a safari through Africa. Programming includes Wild Dog Island, which follows two researchers who have a passion to save one of the least known animals in the world, the African wild dog; Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins, a special feature film that tells the real life-story of Flower, leader of the Whiskers family of meerkats; and There’s a Rhino in My House, a film that spotlights a couple who has taken in an orphaned baby rhino.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Viasat to bring Animal Planet to the Baltics," said Caleb Weinstein, the acting general manager of emerging markets for Discovery Networks EMEA. "As one of the world’s leading entertainment channels we believe Animal Planet will complement Viasat’s existing portfolio offering, and give viewers in the Baltics more programming variety and choice."

"After our recent investments in a premium sports channel, Viasat Sport Baltic, and localized movie channels, TV1000 Premium and TV1000 Action, we are delighted to also strengthen our documentary offering," commented Ulrik Bengtsson, the CEO for pay-TV emerging markets at the Modern Times Group. "Viasat Broadcasting is the largest business area within MTG. Animal Planet has been the number one missing channel from our customers and should be a very welcomed addition."