Universal Networks International


LA Screenings 2015: Puppet masters

Muppets, medics and movie characters will be filling US network schedules over the next year. Jesse Whittock examines the trends, and what this means for buyers at the LA Screenings Over the next US broadcast season, audiences will finally learn the backstory of the Muppets. They will also be introduced to the latest contenders vying […]

Syfy makes debut in south Asia

NBCUniversal channel Syfy is launching in Sri Lanka, its first roll out in south Asia. The channel will be carried on the Dialog TV pay TV platform from the start of May. Dialog already carries its NBCU stablemates Universal Channel, E! and Diva. “This is a momentous occasion for the channel brand as it becomes […]

Netflix among those joining Z Nation

Netflix has taken worldwide on-demand rights to zombie drama Z Nation, becoming one of a number of buyers of the Dynamic Television-sold show. Netflix is joined in acquiring the show by Pick in the UK, Universal Networks International in Australia and Germany, RTL2 in Germany, Canal Plus in France, AXN Italy, Leone Film Group, Telenet […]

The Royals find a UK home on E!

UK pay TV channel E! has picked up The Royals, the upcoming scripted series about a fictional British royal family. The ten-part series was the first drama offering commissioned by NBCUniversal-owned cable net E! in the US and it will now play on the UK as well as US versions of the Hollywood entertainment channel. […]

ProSiebenSat.1’s Pirker to join Turner

ProSiebenSat.1 Media exec Benjamin Pirker is joining Turner Broadcasting System in Germany. Pirker will be TBS’s distribution director on February 1 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux region. In the role, he will look to expand the reach of Turner kids channels such as Cartoon Network and Boomerang and entertainment nets including TNT Series, […]

UNI names global marketing chief

NBCUniversal’s global channels arm, Universal Networks International, has named Nicoletta Gelli to the new post of senior vice-president, marketing. Gelli, who will report to Lee Raftery, executive VP, marketing and communications, NBCUniversal International, will be based in London and will head up marketing and digital activity for all pay TV channels globally. Her remit includes […]

NBCU hires Lat Am veteran for GM role

NBCUniversal’s global channels unit has hired Klaudia Bermudez to become its senior VP and general manager for Latin America. In the role at Universal Networks International, Bermudez will report to Ken Bettstellar, managing director, Latin America. She will be charge with driving growth across the region, based out of Miami and effective as of June […]

LA Screenings 2014: Chrystele Fremaux, Universal Networks International

As buyers flock to Los Angeles for the May Screenings, TBI speaks with key players about what’s on their 2014 shopping list. Which channels are you buying for? We are buying mainly for Universal Channel, Syfy, 13th Street and Diva. Our other brands across the region – Studio Universal, Telemundo, E! and Style – don’t […]

E! Entertainment launching in Russia

Celebrity gossip and entertainment channel E! Entertainment Television is launching in Russia and the CIS region. The network will go live in the second quarter of 2014, according to Satpal Brainch, executive VP and managing director of E! channel operator Universal Networks International. Programming will include Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Fashion Police and new […]

NBC staffs up with new roles at channels business

NBCUniversal has created two new positions in its international channels division and hired executives from BT Vision and UKTV. Sarah Lloyd-Baker has been appointed VP, marketing, UK and Kjetil Njoten vice president, creative, UK and emerging markets. Both roles are London-based and both execs will report to Nicky Douglas, managing director, Universal Networks International, UK. […]