FIC Sets Up Hub in Estonia

TALLINN: FOX International Channels (FIC) Estonia OÜ is a new operation from FIC headquartered in Tallinn to service the Baltic region.

The new local company is responsible for all operational and programming activities for FIC’s existing Baltic channels, including Fox Life, Fox Crime and National Geographic Channels. Karoli Hindriks was hired by FIC in December 2010 as the regional manager for the Baltic states. Hindriks will be a key player at FOX International Channels Estonia OÜ, and will report to Ase Ytreland, the managing director of FOX International Channels for Nordic and Baltic regions.

Hindriks said: “In January 2011 Fox Life, Fox Crime and National Geographic Channel reached almost 700,000 households in Estonia alone, and held close to 5-percent audience share in the female 18-49 target. We look at these numbers and realize there is significant appetite in the region for well programmed and locally marketed television. We’re already a significant provider of this type of quality content and believe that through increased local presence, we can satisfy our audiences even further.”

Ytreland added: “At FIC, we believe that managing a local operation is critical in understanding our local viewers and partners. Throughout the world, it is a strategy that has ensured we are able to deliver the best possible products and service in every region. It is therefore a natural step for us to open a local FIC office in Tallinn, allowing our local staff to continue to build a solid foundation for further growth in the region. We are very grateful to the Baltic viewers who are loyal to our channels, and the good co-operation we have with our esteemed distributors and ad sales partners. We are looking forward to further growth in this market.”