MGM Channel Grows European Reach

LOS ANGELES: Slovenia is the newest territory to launch a local version of The MGM Channel, with carriage on UPC, the country’s largest cable operator.

Starting with a launch in late 2004 of a 100-percent owned Russian-language service on the DTH platform NTV Plus, MGM branded channels have launched throughout the region, with locally versioned channels now reaching across Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania, as well as an HD version of the MGM Channel in Poland through a partnership with ITI.

Further supporting MGM’s Central and Eastern European endeavors, Phil Mordecai has been appointed general manager of The MGM Channel Central and Eastern Europe (MGM CEE), owned 50/50 by MGM Networks and LGI Ventures (an investment business of Liberty Global). Effective next month, he will operate out of MGM CEE’s headquarters in Munich. Mordecai previously served as director of affiliate sales for Chello Zone Central and Eastern Europe, and has led MGM CEE’s distribution efforts in the region as its distribution agent.

"MGM Networks continues to grow rapidly and expand the footprint of its many channels worldwide," said Bruce Tuchman, the president of MGM Networks. "We are extremely pleased to welcome Phil on board to lead our Central and Eastern European joint venture, and we are also excited to see our progress outside of the region and around the world match the great accomplishments that our CEE business has achieved."

Mordecai commented: "I am thrilled to be taking on this great new responsibility and incredible opportunity. Having worked closely with The MGM Channel over the last few years as Director of Affiliate Sales at Chello Zone, I have been leading MGM CEE’s distribution efforts in Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia. I have developed a great passion for the brand, the incomparable MGM film library and the tremendous opportunities for growth in the region across all platforms, including exploring HD and other new digital technologies emerging across the markets."

Commenting on the appointment, Chris Smith, the managing director of LGI Ventures, added: "We have been very impressed by Phil’s contribution to MGM CEE’s development during his time at Chello Zone, and are delighted that he has agreed to come on board."