Dutch Launch for SCI FI & 13th Street

LONDON: NBC Universal Global Networks has secured carriage on Ziggo in the Netherlands for its SCI FI and 13th Street channels, adding 1.2 million subscribers to the stations’ Dutch reach.

SCI FI, which has been airing in the Netherlands since May 2007, airs a mix of science-fiction, fantasy and paranormal-phenomena films and series. These include Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Enterprise, Battlestar Galactica, Torchwood and Dark Angel. SCI FI will be available in the Extended Basic Tier (Film & Entertainment Pack) as of May 1.

Crime and thriller channel 13th Street airs series such as Monk, House and Law & Order, alongside British detective programs, including the Emmy Award-winning series Vincent. In addition, the channel will air serial killer thriller Dexter along with Brotherhood, starring Jason Isaacs. 13th Street will be part of the Basic Digital Pack.

Roma Khanna, the president of global networks, said, “We are delighted to partner with Ziggo in the Netherlands, which is a key territory for us as we connect local audiences with our diverse portfolio of strong global brands. We look forward to bringing viewers our top rated programming with these world class channels.”

“Teaming up with NBC Universal is essential for the further growth of our digital TV and Interactive TV services,” added Marcel Nijhoff, the CCO of Ziggo. “Our customers want the high quality content NBC Universal delivers and science fiction and crime fans have been anxiously waiting for us to make SCI FI and 13th Street available.”