Viaplay Expands to Russia

STOCKHOLM: Modern Times Group (MTG) has grown the reach of its Viaplay online pay-TV service to include Russia, delivering content from the group’s thematic documentary channels Viasat History, Viasat Explorer and Viasat Nature, as well as from the TV1000-branded movie network.

This latest launch adds to a footprint that already includes Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The Russian version will feature titles such as Spider-Man 1-3, The Da Vinci Code, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Men in Black II and 50 First Dates, as well as Russian movies such as PiraMMMida, The Ghost and Terra Nova.

Hans-Holger Albrecht, the president and CEO of MTG, commented: “The launch of Viaplay in Russia represents an important milestone both for our Emerging Markets operations and for MTG as a leading international broadcasting Group. More than 50 million Russians, or over 40 percent of the population, already use the internet, and TV content is one of the most important sources of both online and offline entertainment.

“MTG has a leading position as a European online on-demand pay-TV operator, and we are excited to bring our experience and technology to Russia, in order to provide Russian viewers with a great online experience. We are already present in the Russian pay-TV market through the Raduga satellite TV platform, and Viaplay will enable more Russians than ever to access our content when and where they want.”