Paramount Channel Set for Russia, Hungary

LONDON: Following on launches in Spain and France, Paramount Channel is making its way to Russia and Hungary this month.

In Russia, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has secured carriage for the service with Rostelecom, which operates the country's largest cable TV network. The deal is for a Russian-language version of Paramount Channel to be available to Interactive TV subscribers as part of the Movie and Maximum packages. Paramount Channel HD will also be available to Rostelecom viewers.

In Hungary, a distribution agreement has been signed with affiliate partners Tarr Kft., P R Telekom, Invitel and Magyar Telekom to launch a localized feed of the channel.

Paramount Channel launched in Spain in 2012 and in France in 2013. The channel offers a selection of films from the Paramount Pictures library. In Hungary, the lineup will be expanded to include contemporary classics from other American film studios and some of the best in European movies from the last few decades.

David Lynn, the managing director of VIMN UK, Australia and Central and Eastern Europe, commented: “We’re delighted that Russia and Hungary will be amongst the first markets globally to introduce the Paramount Channel brand and its world class lineup of films to pay-TV audiences. We’re confident it will be a strong and complementary addition to our channel portfolio and will help us continue to grow our share of key audiences in these important European markets.”