Fox staffs up for Swedish launch

Fox International Channels is launching its flagship Fox channel in Sweden and is staffing up for the new service.

The general entertainment offering will roll out on pay TV operator Com Hem’s platform on the autumn.

FIC already distributes the National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild channels in Sweden, but the Com Hem deal marks the first time Fox has launched in the country.

Fox will be carried in Com Hem’s analogue and digital packages meaning a reach of 1.8 million Swedish homes.

FIC said the channel will be programmed with first-run content and that US series will be launched close to the US TX. The launch line-up includes Wayward Pines (pictured), the Matt Dillon series that will go out in the Fox broadcast network in the US.

There will also be acquired scripted and unscripted content tailored to the Swedish Fox.

“This bold move further strengthens the FIC presence in the Nordic region,” said Ase Ytreland, FIC’s managing director, Nordic region. “We expect Sweden to become one of our most important markets so we are already hiring many new staff to be located in the beautiful new Fox offices in central Stockholm.