New Launches for AETN Channels

NEW YORK/MUNICH: HISTORY and HISTORY HD, along with The Biography Channel (BIO), will debut on Sky in Germany and Austria on July 4.

HISTORY HD, which is making its debut in German-speaking Europe, offers a separate schedule from the SD service. The channel, languaged in German, will feature shows such as Cities of the Underworld, Ax Men, Dogfights and Ice Road Truckers. HISTORY features a host of original unscripted series and event-driven specials, while BIO focuses on real people and their lives. 

“We are very pleased to team with Sky to launch HISTORY HD in Germany, a critically important television market,” said Sean Cohan, the senior VP of international for AETN. “This is an exciting milestone as we continue to grow and invest in our German joint venture. Our loyal viewers and partners have been very receptive to the channels and services thus far and we expect HISTORY HD will captivate as well.”

Mark Williams, the CEO of Sky Germany (formerly Premiere), commented, “The documentary offering of Sky is the greatest of its kind in Germany and Austria—both in standard and high definition. Our subscribers will love The Biography Channel, HISTORY and HISTORY HD.”

“Through Sky, HD is poised to make a true impact in Germany, and we are convinced that HISTORY HD, with its breadth of top-quality HD programming, will help Sky reach its subscriber goals," added Dr. Andreas Weinek, the managing director of HISTORY Germany.  "This is a time of transition in the German TV market, and Sky’s newly announced services will surely appeal to viewers by simplifying this historically complex market.”