Tech
A UK version of Universal's crime drama channel '13th Street' is to launch within 18 months.
Patrick Vien, president of Universal Studios Networks, said that he was encouraged by the success of the station in Europe, where it ranks as the number one pay TV network in France and number two in Spain.
"Our crime-focused channels in France and Spain are performing extremely well so I feel we could do well in that genre in the UK," Vien told Broadcast.
He added that the company would first work on improving the Sci-Fi channel, which will be boosted by a £2m relaunch. "We want more humour and humans on the Sci-Fi channel and once we have strengthened that station we will look to formulate a name, identity and personality for a new channel," said Vien.
Universal's previous attempt at a niche station in the UK, film channel 'The Studio', closed down after just eight months when it ran out of cash.
Patrick Vien, president of Universal Studios Networks, said that he was encouraged by the success of the station in Europe, where it ranks as the number one pay TV network in France and number two in Spain.
"Our crime-focused channels in France and Spain are performing extremely well so I feel we could do well in that genre in the UK," Vien told Broadcast.
He added that the company would first work on improving the Sci-Fi channel, which will be boosted by a £2m relaunch. "We want more humour and humans on the Sci-Fi channel and once we have strengthened that station we will look to formulate a name, identity and personality for a new channel," said Vien.
Universal's previous attempt at a niche station in the UK, film channel 'The Studio', closed down after just eight months when it ran out of cash.
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