Food Network, Fine Living Expand Hungarian Presence

LONDON: Scripps Networks Interactive has scored a carriage pact with Invitel Telecommunications in Hungary for the channels Food Network and Fine Living.

Both Food Network and Fine Living will join Invitel’s lineup as of January 1. Food Network will launch in the Extended Basic Tier, reaching 100,000 subscribers. Fine Living will be part of the newly launched Pepita and Mixer packages. Both channels will be available with Hungarian voice-over to subscribers. Food Network will be broadcast in both SD and HD, and Fine Living in SD.

Scripps also renewed its contract with Invitel for Travel Channel, which is part of the Extended Basic Tier in SD and HD.

Phillip Luff, the managing director for the U.K. and EMEA at Scripps Networks Interactive, said, “Scripps Networks Interactive is committed to investing in our global expansion, and the opportunity to now offer all three channels to Invitel subscribers furthers that business strategy. Our channels are now carried by three of the main networks in Hungary and, as always, we’ll build a robust programming portfolio that reflects the diverse interests of our audiences in this important market.”

“Our strategy is to offer our customers the most diverse range of genres possible on Invitel,” said Mihály Müller, the head of content at Invitel. “I am delighted that, following the success of Travel Channel on Invitel, Food Network and Fine Living will now be part of the selection.”