FOX Plans Dutch Launch

AMSTERDAM: FOX is to launch as a fully localized 24-hour network in the Netherlands on August 19.

The network will be available to all digital TV subscribers of Ziggo. This is the latest FOX International Channels’ (FIC) launch in the market, which already has 24Kitchen, FOXlife and the suite of National Geographic branded channels. FIC will operate the network in partnership with Eredivisie Media & Marketing (EMM). Also, the premium channels FOX Sports Eredivisie and FOX Sports will be operated through this partnership.

The channel will be airing such series as The Walking Dead, Da Vinci’s Demons, The Bridge, Low Winter Sun and Ripper Street. The animation lineup sees The Simpsons move to FOX to anchor a daily animation block. There will also be daily broadcasts of sports news and live magazine shows, including a weekly Monday night highlights series led by Toine van Peperstraten and Jan van Halst.

"The launch of FOX is a significant milestone for FIC’s operation in the Netherlands,” said Jesus Perezagua, the president of FIC for Europe and Africa. “FIC has a 15 year heritage in the market, established first by our National Geographic channels business, and grown recently through significant local investments in partnerships resulting in brands as FOX Sports Eredivisie and 24Kitchen. We are delighted to be introducing FOX to the Dutch audience. The brand is not only the cornerstone of our entertainment portfolio globally, but more importantly embodies a 78-year legacy of creative excellence and compelling entertainment, which we’re confident our new Dutch fans will relish. I am grateful to all our partners at EMM, and all the hard work that has gone into getting us here. We look forward to our shared success.”