M7 and A+E conclude triple channel satellite capacity agreement
Luxembourg, 3 March 2023 – Luxembourg-based M7 Group, owned by CANAL+ Group and one of Europe’s leading pay-TV providers, has concluded a multi-year capacity agreement with A+E Networks EMEA for the satellite distribution of its flagship History and Crime+Investigation channels across Europe.
The agreement allows A+E Networks EMEA to deliver the channels via the M7 satellite platform on 1 degree West to its affiliate customers within the Europe-wide footprint of THOR 5. M7 and A+E Networks EMEA have been long-standing partners for the various European markets served by M7, primarily for channel distribution. As part of the new agreement, M7 Platform Services takes care of the safe and secure satellite distribution of the channels while also providing A+E Networks EMEA with 1st level help desk support for its affiliate customers.
Matt Westrup, SVP of Technology & Operations EMEA, says: "We are delighted to partner with M7, which looks after the European satellite distribution of these channels on Thor 5, a partnership that builds on a joint history of collaboration over many years to the benefit of our many affiliate partners and, of course, our viewers.’’
Bill Wijdeveld, VP, of Platform Content Services at M7 Group says: “We are very pleased to extend our partnership with A+E Networks EMEA into the field of satellite distribution, allowing A+E Networks EMEA to serve its affiliate customers with a secure and cost-efficient contribution solution. We look forward to a continued, fruitful cooperation.”
M7 Group is a brand of Canal+ Luxembourg S. à r.l., a CANAL+ Group company and one of Europe’s largest operators of satellite and IP-based TV platforms based in Luxembourg. M7 Group uses different brands in various markets: Skylink and freeSAT in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Canal Digitaal in the Netherlands, TV VLAANDEREN and TéléSAT in Belgium, HD Austria in Austria, Direct One in Hungary and Focus Sat in Romania. All brands offer tailor made packages for clients adapted to the local culture and language in these countries. Today, M7 Group provides more than 3 million subscribers with hundreds of satellite and IP-based radio and television services in digital and HD quality. Furthermore, M7 provides a growing range of premium content platforms and channels: CANAL+ Austria and CANAL+ First in Austria, CANAL+ Sports and CANAL+ Action for the Czech and Slovak markets www.m7group.eu.
A+E Networks EMEA At A+E Networks EMEA, we share stories that matter everywhere, anywhere. A leader in factual entertainment, our compelling, award-winning content connects with millions across the UK, Nordics, Benelux, Germany, Italy, Spain, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Our portfolio of premium brands – The HISTORY® Channel, Crime + Investigation®, HISTORY2®, BLAZE®, and COSMO TV® - inspire and excite viewers with hit franchises (Forged in Fire), must-see dramas (Vikings) and original commissions (The Hunt for Baltic Gold and Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter). Our stories are global and local, linear and digital, and always compelling. With offices in London, Rome, Madrid, Warsaw, Munich, and Johannesburg, we are a truly international company that celebrates difference and diversity.