A+E’s Blaze Set for SKY in Italy

ROME: A+E Networks Italy has scored a deal with SKY Italia for carriage of the HD factual-entertainment channel Blaze.

Blaze will debut in Italy on March 22, coming on the heels of the brand’s U.K. debut in 2016. The network will broadcast factual-entertainment content produced by A+E Networks, ranging from reality shows to docuseries. Titles on the launch slate include Alaska Off Road Warriors, Leepu & Pitbull, Ax Men, Power & Ice, Mountain Men and The Wahlburgers.

“We are proud to continue the growth of Blaze with the launch in Italy with Sky,” said Dean Possenniskie, the general manager for EMEA at A+E Networks. “By offering uniquely innovative, original, and quality content, Blaze will be the place for those viewers looking for remarkable, extraordinary characters and stories. The new channel strengthens the position of A+E Networks Italy, where the Company is already present with History and Crime+Investigation channels, both broadcast on Sky.”

“The launch of Blaze enriches and implements A+E Networks Italy offer on Sky Italia,” said Sherin Salvetti, the general manager of A+E Networks Italy. “In a few years, our company has become a strong player in the Italian tv market, working closely with Sky Italia, taking advantage from the great A+E Networks content portfolio and developing local compelling stories for the Italian audience. History has reinforced the history genre with a wide range of historical shows, while Crime+Investigation is the home of the investigation on real crime stories. Now Blaze will be the house of factual entertainment in Italy.”

Luca Revelli, the senior director for partner channels and digital at Sky Italia, added: “We are very excited to announce the launch of Blaze, a new channel that won us over right from the start and that strengthens our partnership with A+E Networks, publisher of History and Crime+Investigation, two channels very different for genre and reference topics, and yet always a guarantee of quality programs. We are confident that Blaze will immediately capture that audience, particularly men, ready to be fascinated by America’s most unexpected stories, the America of ordinary people with extraordinary lives.”