Universal launches television channel in Turkey

Universal Networks International’s first television channel in Turkey will debut Thursday evening with the cooperation of digital platform Dsmart. Speaking at a press conference Wednesday in Istanbul, Colin McLeod, Universal’s Middle and Eastern Europe managing director, said Turkey is “a very dynamic market with its young population.” “[The firm] aims to present the best programs with the highest quality," he said. "We will try to give the best content to our customers. We are trying to build a more focused and united platform." Noting that Universal Networks has been working for 18 months to enter the Turkish market, McLeod said: "We have chosen to enter Turkey with one channel instead of five. The number is not important for us, what matters is quality.” Universal laid out its expansion plan in 2007 and the company increased the number of its TV channels from 14 to 70 this year. The expansion program, which included the acquisition of Sparrowhawk Media, has continued in various countries. Laurent Dumeau, vice president of Commercial and Network Development in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said Universal would continue to expand globally. Universal Network’s current aim is to expand into Central and Eastern Europe, he said, adding that Turkey is a dynamic market with “an active competitive environment." The channel will enter the Turkish market with popular series such as House M.D., Law and Order, The Office, Monk and various Hollywood movies. "Universal Network is present in 30 different countries with 70 channels. We have seen that the market has changed in recent years. We have to keep our quality as we are competing against non-payment channels. As a pay channel, we are in a competitive environment," said Dumeau. The company aims to increase the number of its channels from a present 70 to 102, he said.