Brexit: Discovery seeks Dutch home
January 14, 2019
Discovery Communications is applying for Dutch broadcast licences and plans to move its European pay-TV HQ to The Netherlands due to ongoing Brexit uncertainty.
The company said “This decision ensures continuity of our services for the viewer across Europe. This change means that a number of new roles will be created in Amsterdam and a number of roles will move from London to Amsterdam.”
Kasia Kieli, President and CEO Discovery EMEA, commented: “We have had an important base in the Netherlands for many years with our office in Amsterdam. It is a dynamic market and I look forward to further deepening our relationship with the Netherlands by establishing an operational pay-TV head office for our European channels.”
Meantime, Discovery is retaining a large hub in the UK and has renewed on a long term the lease for its main London office in West London where more than 1,000 staff are employed. Discovery is retaining UK licences for its 16 channels in the country, and holds stakes in UKTV, All3 Media Group and Play Sports Group.
Most international broadcasters have now declared their hands in seeking new bases and licences in either The Netherlands or Ireland as the March 29th exit deadline will see the country of origin recognition of their UK licences end.