Partnership Marks First Branded Channel in Europe For Popular Sports Network
Sportel, Monaco (Oct. 11, 2010) -Comcast International Media Group (CIMG) has partnered with AB Group to launch Golf Channel to audiences in France, marking the first deal for the network in mainland Europe. The announcement was made today by Duccio Donati, Executive Vice President, CIMG.
“Golf continues to be one of the world’s top sports, attracting passionate viewers and participants across the globe,” said Donati. We’re delighted to expand Golf Channel’s presence with this first launch in Europe and invite viewers in France to experience the sport’s most prestigious events and original signature programming.”
AB Group will operate the new 24/7 HD channel that will offer up coverage and highlights of live tournaments from top golf tours, including the European Senior Tour, Asian Tour and Allianz Tour, as well as major events like the PGA Grand Slam, U.S. Open, Ryder Cup and Open Championship. The network also will feature Golf Channel’s popular news and original programming, including Golf Central,Live From, Big Break, The Haney Project, The Golf Fix, Playing Lessons from The Pros, and GolfNow.
“AB Group is proud to be launching the Golf Channel in France with the cooperation of Golf Channel international and Comcast International Media Group,” said Jean-Michel Fava, President, AB SAT. “French golfers have been waiting for this moment to happen for a long time and we believe that the high quality programming from our partners alongside AB’s experience will ensure the success of Golf Channel in France.”
In France, Golf Channel is available on Free, SFR, Orange, IPTV provider Bouygues, and in October will launch on Bis Television and satellite network Orange.
Golf Channel first began distributing its unique content to an international audience in 1996, with the launch of a 24-hour network in Japan. Over the last decade, as the popularity of golf has rapidly grown worldwide, the channel has built a strong international presence and now can be seen in 140 million homes worldwide.
About Comcast International Media Group
Comcast International Media Group (CIMG) is a division of the leading US media conglomerate Comcast Corporation. Launched in 2007, CIMG manages the sale and distribution of Comcast Corporation’s programming assets outside the United States via traditional and new media platforms. With offices in Los Angeles, London and Hong Kong, CIMG oversees everything from programming syndication, channel distribution, and new media and DVD distribution to production, co-production and format sales. CIMG also manages International Media Distribution (formerly International Networks), the leading provider of in-language and multi-ethnic programming in the United States. CIMG represents Comcast’s core programming assets including E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network, G4, The Golf Channel and Versus. Currently, CIMG programming can be seen in over 160 countries.
Contact:
Nicole Goesseringer Muj, ngoesseringer@hotmail.com 310-804-0964
