FIC Buys Finnish Free-to-Air Channel

HELSINKI: FOX International Channels (FIC) has expanded its presence in the Nordic region with the acquisition of the Finnish free-to-air channel Suomi TV.

Suomi TV will offer fiction and nonfiction series, including titles from National Geographic such as Mega Factories, Shark Men, Inside, Banged Up Abroad and Jurassic CSI. These series will complement the existing Suomi TV content and additional new programming will be introduced in the months ahead. The channel was first launched in December 2009 and features entertainment, talk shows, series, daily news and more.

“Suomi TV represents a new step in our strategy of expanding with dedicated local resources and talent,” said Jesús Perezagua, the president of FOX International Channels Europe. “Entering the Finnish market with the strong distribution of Suomi TV provides a unique opportunity to make our high quality factual and entertainment programming available to the Finnish viewer. It’s an exciting move that strengthens our presence in the Nordic region.”

“We are delighted to start 2012 by making Suomi TV part of the FIC Nordic family,” added Ase Ytreland, the managing director of FOX International Channels for Nordic & Baltic Regions. “This is a important step for FIC in the Nordic region and makes FIC’s commitment to our market clear. Our investment in Suomi TV will deliver a great channel for Finnish viewers. A channel that will reflect local Finnish interests and culture. Step by step, we will introduce more high quality content and increase broadcasting hours, so come experience Suomi TV, you will love what you see!”

“We are so pleased that Suomi TV will be able to regain its vitality and local relevance with FIC’s involvement in the channel,” commented Miikka Muurinen, the chief operating officer at Suomi TV. “ They have tremendous TV experience and a proven track record that we now can benefit from. We are all very excited about this opportunity.”