Chellomedia Acquires Three New Channels

LONDON, October 1: Liberty Global’s Chellomedia has acquired
three new channels for its Budapest-based, Central European operation, Chello
Central Europe: TV Paprika, TV Deko and Filmmuzeum.

TV Paprika, TV Deko and Filmmuzeum have been acquired from
their respective local founders under separate transactions, bringing Chello
Central Europe’s channel portfolio to a total of seven in the region. The
portfolio already includes the children’s channel Minimax, the sports channels
Sport1 and 2, and a joint venture channel with MGM. The new additions will be
managed and run by Chello Central Europe’s operational base in Budapest, which
already houses Minimax and Sport1 and 2.

The new channels illustrate Chellomedia’s continued focus on
thematic television in the key areas of lifestyle, movies and entertainment. TV
Paprika is a cooking channel distributed throughout the region, and TV Deko is
a “DIY” and lifestyle channel; both channels produce and commission a high
proportion of their programming locally. Filmmuzeum is a film and drama channel
focusing on Hungarian nostalgia.

Mike Moriarty, the managing director of Chello Central
Europe’s operations, said, “We are delighted with the latest acquisitions; it
is the fourth transaction for us in the region in the last 12 months and is
testament to our interest and confidence in thematic television in the region.
We have great plans for the new channels, which are already well-loved brands
by their respective audiences. We will be looking to extend distribution deals
beyond the existing footprint of Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia while
continuing to further develop both programming and reach.”