UK fare bound for new Norwegian FTA net

British shows such as The Great British Bake-Off and MasterChef UK will make up part of new Norwegian general entertainment free-to-air network TV6.

The network is launching on November 21 as Modern Times Group’s latest FTA channel. It sits in a portfolio that already includes TV3 and Viasat4.

TV6 will focus on general entertainment and lifestyle programming and also broadcast drama, crime series and movies. A female-skewed target demographic of 35-49s has been identified.

Bake-Off and MasterChef is among the UK fare MTG is trumpeting, along with The Jonathan Ross Show and Location, Location, Location. Locally produced programming will follow in 2014.

Selected shows will be available on catch-up via TV6Play and TV6Norge.no.

The channel will go out on MTG-owned Viasat’s own satellite platform, the RiksTV digital terrestrial platform, Canal Digital’s Canal Digital’s cable and satellite TV networks; and the GET cable TV network. This gives it penetration of 65% at launch.

Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, president and CEO of MTG, commented: “TV6 will be a great addition to our entertainment offering for Norwegian viewers. It will be widely available on multiple platforms and devices and provide a range of exciting and engaging programming content.

“This is the latest important step in the on-going implementation of our multi-channel media house strategy, and will further enhance our competitive position in Norway.”

Overall, TV6 is MTG’s 33^rd FTA channel.