DPG Media, Telenet to launch streaming service
February 12, 2020
DPG Media and Telenet have announced they will jointly launch a streaming service with local and international content. Telenet and DPG Media expect the service to be up and running inautumn 2020.
Telenet and DPG Media say they hold a number of assets that enable them to jointly develop a relevant local streaming service: they have a broad portfolio of television channels that are hugely popular in Flanders, offering primarily homegrown programmes.
Today, Telenet serves more than 400,000 customers with Play and Play More, two services that are currently only available to Telenet customers, while DPG Media, following the successful launch of the free platform VTM GO, has developed a state-of-the-art platform for its own paid streaming service.
Kris Vervaet, CEO DPG Media Belgium, commented: “We have long been advocating a solid Flemish streaming service. We have always hoped to do this with local partners, as this opens up far more opportunities to successfully challenge the international players. We are very pleased to be able to join forces with Telenet. We both firmly believe that we can develop a highly attractive offering that will make the difference with homegrown content. This is simply good news for the consumer and for the media landscape as a whole.”
John Porter, CEO Telenet, added: “Telenet has always believed in the power of collaboration within the local media ecosystem to face the pressure on the Flemish market from international TV players. Telenet has taken the first important steps in that respect with the acquisition of De Vijver Media (Woestijnvis, Channels VIER, VIJF and ZES). Today, Telenet & DPG Media join forces to take the next step. The joint venture does not need to start from an entirely new business model, but from an existing solid customer base of more than 400,000 subscribers. That should constitute sufficient guarantee to successfully write a new chapter in Flemish media history.”