CBS rebranded channels set for December 3 in Africa

Broadcasters Chello Zone and CBS Studios International will launch newly rebranded CBS channels across Europe, Middle East and Africa on December 3 after receiving regulatory approval from the relevant competition authorities. 

The original announcement that the CBS Chello Zone EMEA partnership would be extending its portfolio of CBS channels to a further 83 territories across EMEA was made in August, with the move designed to build on the successful UK venture for CBS-branded channels launched by Chello Zone in 2009.

The new-look channels, including CBS Reality formally Zone Reality, CBS Drama, CBS Action and CBS Europa, will now include hit series and TV movies from CBS’s library of over 70,000 hours of famous titles.

The channels will also be given a new look, which will in addition be introduced in the UK in 2013.

Commenting on the launch of the channels, Chris Sharp, Chello Zone’s chief programming officer, said: “It’s an exciting time for the channels and our partnership with CBS. The CBS expansion into the EMEA territories will offer a greater depth and variety of programming from a library we know well. We’re sure our audiences will enjoy and embrace the new programming and the new branding.”

Armando Nuñez, president and CEO of the CBS Global Distribution Group, added: “It is exciting to grow and expand this venture and to offer audiences throughout EMEA the opportunity to watch popular and classic series from CBS. We’re looking forward to launching the new branded channels and developing programming strategies with our partners at Chello Zone to best reflect the individual channels and audience in their respective territories.”