Food Network Set for EMEA Rollout

CANNES: Scripps Networks Interactive unveiled its international channel expansion plans at MIPCOM today, announcing a deal with Chello Zone to bring the Food Network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a launch on Sky in the U.K. slated for November.

The new Food Network channel will be programmed and versioned for specific countries, with plans to acquire a commission in individual markets. Greg Moyer, the president of Scripps Networks International, notes that the British launch is planned for November 9, with other territories in EMEA rolling out in the first quarter of 2010. In the U.K., Food Network will be taking on UKTV’s Good Food channel, as well as the host of food-related content on terrestrials like Channel 4.

"This is the first of what we hope will be many ventures to expand the global footprint of Scripps Networks Interactive," said Moyer. "Food Network is an obvious and logical choice for international distribution given its universal appeal and tremendous brand power. Our objective is to aggregate an engaged and growing audience of passionate ‘foodies’ across the globe."

Moyer says plans are under way to deliver both SD and HD feeds in 2010. In the U.K. on Sky, Scripps will also deliver a Food Network+1 service. Through the Chello Zone JV, Moyer has set a target of expanding Food Network to 15 million homes in EMEA within the next six months.

Scripps Networks Interactive will have controlling interest in the joint venture, while Chello Zone, which is based in London, will be responsible for Food Network’s operations across EMEA. Moyer says that the Asian strategy for Scripps, beginning with Food Network and then moving on to FLN—which will be an "omnibus" brand globally delivering a range of lifestyle programming—will be articulated at CASBAA next month.

"Scripps Networks has a vast library of lifestyle programming that is respected the world over, particularly the entertaining, high-quality food content that continues to climb in popularity and break ratings records in its native U.S.," said Dermot Shortt, the CEO for Chello Zone. "I’m certain that Chello Zone’s broadcast partners and viewers across Europe, Africa and the Middle East will be delighted to experience first-hand the engaging shows and the entertaining personalities who make Food Network the huge success that it is."