Trace Sports and Music to expand in Central Europe
The Trace Media Group has entered into a partnership with Chello, a Budapest based company specialised in the production and distribution of thematic channels and TV content, to further grow the distribution of its sports entertainment and music channels in Central & Eastern Europe.
According to the terms of this partnership, Chello will distribute HD and SD versions of Trace’s sports and music channels, in Poland, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Balkans.
“Thanks to this strategic partnership with Chello Central Europe, the TRACE Group will further pursue its development in key Central and Eastern European countries, one of the fastest growing markets in Europe for the pay-TV industry. CHELLO’s experience and expertise of pay-TV is sure to bolster the success of TRACE channels in the region.” Says Trace Sports’ CEO and SVP Distribution, Laurent Dumeau.
Launched only 15 months ago, Trace Sports is the first entertainment channel exclusively dedicated to sports celebrities and their private lives. The channel is now available in 80 countries and in 9 languages around the world. The channel boasts that it screens premier sports documentaries with unique and personal access to the world’s top sports stars.
Launched in 2003, Trace Urban is a international urban music channel. The company believe the output of Trace Urban gives an exceptional insight into music and culture and airs the most popular urban music genres and is currently available in over 160 countries. Joining its gritty sister Trace Tropical joined the family in 2009 offering videos and music documentaries from Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. It is broadcast in 60 countries.
Commenting on the latest deal, Levente Málnay, CEO Chello Central Europe adds, “The TRACE Group covers a broad range of successful programming with immense international appeal and is a welcome addition to our increasing and diverse portfolio. Chello’s team is experienced in launching, localizing and distributing international sports and music channels to the leading platforms across Central & Eastern Europe and we are looking forward to working and growing business together.”
[Reported by Neil Lang]
