Discovery acquires two New Zealand channels

Discovery Communications has expanded its presence in New Zealand with the acquisition of the pay TV channels The Living Channel and Food TV.

World Screen reports the acquisition of The Living Channel New Zealand (TLCNZ) expands Discovery’s presence in the market to four channels, with Discovery Channel and Animal Planet currently available on SKY TV.

“Discovery has a proven track record of producing and investing in original factual and lifestyle programming that resonates globally,” said Mandy Pattinson, executive VP and general manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. “Working closely with our partners at SKY TV, the acquisition of The Living Channel and Food TV will provide us with a great opportunity to continue offering viewers the programs they know and love, as well as original lifestyle and food programming never before seen by New Zealand audiences. We look forward to continuing to work alongside SKY TV on local New Zealand productions to ensure the channels remain uniquely Kiwi.”

John Fellet, CEO of SKY TV, added, “The SKY team would firstly like to thank and congratulate Julie Christie on her creation of two popular niche channels that have found a loyal audience on SKY. With The Living Channel and Food TV becoming part of the Discovery Networks stable I know they will continue to offer great viewing with plenty of local shows that our New Zealand audience really enjoys.”