CBS partners with Chello for UK channels

CBS Studios International has teamed with Chellomedia and a range of CBS-branded channels will launch in the UK. The partners will create the new offerings from the six channels in Chellomedia’s UK channel portfolio, which is operated by its broadcast arm Chello Zone. CBS will contribute programming from its catalogue.

The current Chello Zone portfolio comprises: Zone Romantica, Zone Thriller, Zone Horror, Zone Reality and a couple of +1 channels.

The new channels will launch this year. CBS said it will contribute catalogue programming including Dynasty and Star Trek. There will also be third-party acquisitions.

“This venture opens a new distribution outlet for our vast library of content, and complements our strong ongoing licensing of programming in the UK and around the world,” said Armando Nuñez, president, CBS Studios International.

“This UK partnership marries our channel expertise with one of the world’s largest libraries of high quality and globally popular programming; we are delighted that CBS and Chello Zone are entering into this prestigious partnership on our UK entertainment television channels,” said Chellomedia president and Liberty Global chief strategy officer Shane O’Neill.

Chellomedia is part of John Malone’s cable system and channel operator Liberty Global.