Viasat to Launch Finnish Sports Channel

STOCKHOLM: Modern Times Group (MTG) has entered into a partnership with the Sanoma Group to launch a localized premium sports channel in Finland on its Viasat satellite TV platform.

Nelonen Sport Pro, set for launch in February 2010, will feature content from both Viasat and Sanoma-owned Nelonen Media, including the Finnish SM Liiga, NHL and KHL international ice hockey league; football from UEFA Champions League, English FA Cup and the French Ligue 1; Moto GP, ATP Master Series tennis; as well as Euroleague basketball and coverage of major international golf tournaments. Wholly owned by Sanoma Entertainment, the channel will also be available in Viasat pay-TV packages on cable networks in Finland from launch.

Hans-Holger Albrecht, the president and CEO of MTG, commented: "The strategic cooperation with Sanoma is in line with our commitment to provide the very best in local and international sports content to subscribers. The new localized channel will complement our existing Nordic sports offering in Finland, and we are delighted to be able to further enhance the range and depth of sports coverage provided for Finnish viewers."