Universal Channel

COUNTRY: Greece

LAUNCH DATE: May 7, 2009

OWNERSHIP: NBC Universal Global Networks 

DISTRIBUTION: Universal Channel in Greece is distributed exclusively on conn-x TV, OTE’s IPTV platform.

DESCRIPTION: Offering viewers "a world of great entertainment" from one of Hollywood’s biggest studios. 

SENIOR MANAGEMENT:

President, Global Networks & Digital Initiatives: Roma Khanna

Senior VP, Commercial & Network Development: Greg Matson

VP, Commercial & Network Development, EMEA: Laurent Dumeau

Managing Director, EMEA: Francois Roux

Managing Director, CEE: Colin McLeod

PROGRAMMING STRATEGY: Universal Channel successfully launched in Latin America in 2004, climbing from number 15 to number 3 in the channel rankings in less than three years. The channel is now available in 18 countries around the world, including Russia, Poland and Romania. The launch in Greece is part of NBCU’s ongoing global channels expansion and central to the company’s objective, led by Roma Khanna, the president of global networks and digital initiatives, to grow to almost 100 channels internationally in 2010. 

"The launch of Universal Channel in Greece is a landmark step forward in fulfilling the comprehensive international growth program of NBC Universal Global Networks," says Khanna. "We are really pleased to deliver further on our growth plans by introducing one of our exciting channel brands to Greek viewers for the first time."

Focused on character-driven entertainment, Universal Channel’s program selection consists largely of U.S. series and blockbuster movies appealing across age groups. Approximately 80 percent of the programming schedule is acquired, with the remainder coming from SCI FI original productions, Bravo (NBCU owned), Universal Pictures and NBC-owned Carnival.

It competes with the likes of Fox Life, Nova Cinema 1, 2 and 3, Star and Mega TV for the coveted 18-to-45 demographic. "The channel’s competitive advantage is the range of world-famous TV series which will be seen for the first time on Greek TV," says Colin McLeod, the managing director for Central and Eastern Europe. "This includes the fast-paced real-life entertainment series Flipping Out, the adrenaline-charged Flashpoint and the wickedly funny Nurse Jackie. Also showing are the critically acclaimed NBC series 30 Rock, the cult series The Office, the hit comedy series My Name is Earl and Emmy Award-winning Malcolm in the Middle."

Sunday nights feature content from NBC Universal’s SCI FI channel, showcasing the best of science fiction, fantasy and paranormal programming. Universal Channel also features a host of Hollywood movies such Master and Commander, Notting Hill and Garfield The Movie.

WHAT’S NEW: The launch night premiered the blockbuster The Day after Tomorrow, starring Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal; Sanctuary, premiering for the first time in Greece; Law & Order, one of the most successful prime-time TV brands; and the U.S. smash hit series Eureka. "Universal Channel’s launch programming lineup share a record-breaking 200 award nominations in total," says McLeod. 

The channel plans to continue on with its strategy of airing a selection of award-winning series and blockbuster movies from distributors such as Universal Studios, 20th Century Fox Film Corporation and CBS Paramount.

WEBSITE: www.universalchannel.gr