AMC Networks International – Central Europe (AMCNI-CE) has acquired the Film+ channel in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, taking over the channel from IKO Media Group.
Film+ has significant distribution, being carried by providers such as UPC, FreeSat, Digi TV, SkyLink, Slovak Telekom and O2 as well as many smaller providers. The channel has a broad viewing audience and has a strong viewership share, the company reports, especially in the 45-54 age group. Film+ broadcasts seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
“Our main goal with this acquisition is to strengthen our channel portfolio in these two vibrant markets,” commented Mike Moriarty, managing director of AMCNI-CE. “We recently launched the film and series channel AMC in the CE region, including the Czech and Slovak territories, with premium content such as the AMC-produced series Halt and Catch Fire and The Divide. Through adding Film+, with its award-winning international and local content, we will be offering a strong, multi-channel film portfolio to our distribution partners.”
With Film+, AMCNI-CE’s film channel portfolio in the Czech Republic will exceed a monthly average reach of 900,000, with further growth expected in 2015.
“With this improved film portfolio, we will be able to address local market needs and reach out to a very wide target audience. Both to the younger audiences, aged 18-39 with AMC, and also to the important 45-54 age group with Film+” – added Evzen Chlanda, county manager of AMCNI-CE.
