The channel brand Romance TV, already successfully established in German speaking markets and Poland, is expanding its distribution in Eastern Europe by launching new channels in Romania and Hungary as of 03.05.2016. The Romance TV channel format is operated internationally by Mainstream Networks Holding GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of Mainstream Media AG. As a joint venture partner ZDF Enterprises GmbH holds a 26% stake in Mainstream Networks Holding. For operating the new channels Mainstream Networks Holding has founded the two subsidiaries Romance TV Magyar Betriebs GmbH and Romance TV Romania Betriebs GmbH, headed by Tim Werner and Ralf Gabor as COOs. The new marktes add a potential of seven million Pay TV homes to the present reach of eight million within one year from now the operators expect to break through the threshold of ten million homes in which the Romance TV channel format is distributed. Tematic Media Group will be in charge of sales and marketing activities for Romance TV in the Romanian and Hungarian territory. The group is highly specialized on Central and Eastern European markets, concentrating on the regional distribution both of its own channels and a portfolio of partner channels. It’s well-known premium brands from licensors like ZDF Enterprises, Red Arrow or Global Screen with high viewing figures entice the audience into the wonderful worlds of emotions and present romance in all its facets. Viewers in Romania and Hungary can look forward to this with exclusive national premieres as of May this year. The first-class launch portfolio consists of popular movies, based on bestselling novels from authors like Rosamunde Pilcher, Inga Lindström or Utta Danella, successful formats such as “Das Traumschiff”, turbulent romantic comedies, event films with famous casts and award-winning series such as “Sturm der Liebe”, “House Husbands” and “Danni Lowinski”. While the core elements of Romance TV are identical the new channels are taylormade for the respective markets. The programs are available in Hungary in a synchronised version and in Romania in original language with subtitles. Since its launch in 2008 in the German-speaking markets Romance TV has established itself as a major player in the TV landscape. It is the most popular Pay TV channel targeting female audiences.The first successful project outside Germany was launched as Romance TV Polska in 2010. In the meantime this channel concept, based on the attractivness of mainly German productions, has achieved one hundred percent coverage in Poland in the satellite market and is distributed on the most important cable platforms. The channel’s market share has more than doubled since it was launched on UPC in October 2015, pushing Romance TV’s reputation as an important factor in the Polish advertising market. Tim Werner, COO Romance TV and Board Member at Mainstream Media AG: “Love and passion are feelings that move the whole world. No other channel stands for these emotions like Romance TV with its high-quality production. We are confident to continue this success story of this format by further international distribution. For this we have a strong partner by our side with Tematic Media Group, who knows the local markets in Romania and Hungary better than anyone else. Romance TV fits perfectly into its extensive channel portfolio. As with the German-speaking region and Poland, we intend to integrate Romance TV into the range of leading pay TV platforms on offer in Romania and Hungary shortly and are in specific negotiations with major distribution partners.” Radu Morar, CEO Tematic Media Group: “We are delighted that besides AETN, AMC, Script Network and Viacom, we can expand our international clients’ portfolio with Romance TV.” |
