M7 distributes EarthxTV in Europe
October 17, 2022
Nick Snow @ MIPCOM
Luxembourg-based M7 Group, the European pay-TV provider owned by Canal+, has concluded a long-term HD satellite and OTT distribution agreement with EarthxTV, a global TV network promoting the environment and sustainability.
Following the recent launch in the UK and Ireland on Sky and Freeview, the partnership with M7 allows EarthxTV to launch in continental Europe, including the eight European markets where M7 operates its various TV platforms. Additionally, the HD satellite distribution of EarthxTV via the M7 platform at ASTRA 23,5 East allows third-party operators throughout Europe to redistribute the channel to its subscribers.
The agreement with M7 is part of EarthxTV’s ambition to widen awareness and support of the broader mission by reaching people around the globe with sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. EarthxTV offers hundreds of hours of programming which includes original and acquired shows with engaging characters that explore a wide range of topics including wildlife heroes and conservation; extreme weather and natural wonders; technology and innovation; home and lifestyle; travel and food; documentary features, films, and blue-chip shows and films.
Bill Wijdeveld, VP Platform Content Services at M7 Group, commented: “We are very pleased with this new satellite capacity and distribution agreement with EarthxTV. Given its important mission, we are very happy to partner with EarthxTV supporting its launch into various European key markets. We hope many other operators in Europe will take the channel on board soon. We thank EarthxTV for its confidence in our satellite and OTT distribution solutions and look forward to a successful cooperation.”
Rajan Singh, EVP Global distribution of EarthxTV, added: “Partnering with a key player like M7 is a critical step in building European household reach, ensuring as many as possible will be able to watch our programs and thereby get a better understanding of the environmental challenges. Furthermore, we have great trust in M7’s excellent satellite platform services, allowing third-party operators to backhaul our channel from ASTRA 23.5 East in a safe and secure mode for further distribution in optimal picture and sound quality.”
EarthxTV will immediately start broadcasting Free-to-Air in HD via the M7 satellite platform at ASTRA 23.5 East and will be listed in the EPG’s of Skylink Czech Republic (number 64) and Slovakia (number 60), Canal Digitaal (number 49) and TV Vlaanderen (number 91), the M7-owned Direct-To-Home platforms operating via ASTRA 23.5. Furthermore, EarthxTV will soon be available as linear OTT channel via the M7 platforms in Hungary (Direct One), Romania (Focus Sat), Austria (HD Austria) and Wallonia (Télésat). Distribution agreements with other European operators are expected shortly.