A+E Networks’ HISTORY Channel Expands Footprint in Sweden

A+E Networks is launching a fully local HISTORY service in Sweden next month, and for the first time, Viasat customers will also be able to view the channel through an agreement with MTG Sweden.

HISTORY will launch with a locally tailored schedule on November 15. The channel will become available to all customers who subscribe to Silver and Gold packages from MTG’s Viasat, as well as to stream through Viaplay. A+E will be launching local advertising and sponsorship sales with MTG Sweden from January 2018. HISTORY will include the Swedish TV premiere of the U.S. drama series Texas Rising, as well as new seasons of other original HISTORY productions such as Hunting Hitler and The Curse of Oak Island. Swedish viewers will also be able to enjoy first-run episodes of top-rating global series, including Alone, Forged in Fire and Pawn Stars. HISTORY first launched in the Nordics in 1997 and now reaches more than 2.8 million households in the region.

Adrian Pilkington, the senior VP of commercial strategy and general manager of the Nordics, Benelux, Middle East and Africa at A+E Networks UK, said, “We are delighted to be fully localizing HISTORY in Sweden, demonstrating our increasing commitment to the region. MTG’s experience and strong market position make them the perfect partner to handle advertising sales for the channel, paving the way for new opportunities in both our businesses.”

Sahar Kupersmidt, the senior VP for Viasat at MTG Sweden, commented, “Viasat is committed to offering our customers the best entertainment through a mix of movies, sport, series and factual programming. It’s always a pleasure to make our portfolio even stronger, and with the launch of HISTORY our customers with the Gold and Silver packages will get access to a new Swedish, high-quality factual channel.”