Channel One Russia taps Otrum for international hospitality market

Russian broadcaster Channel One has struck a deal with Telenor-owned hospitality industry specialist Otrum to distribute international channels Channel One Russia Worldwide and Carousel International to hotels in Europe.

Channel one Russia Worldwide is distributed to 190 countries in Europe, the US, Asia, the Middle East, Transcaucasia and Australia, targeting Russian-speakers.

Carousel International is the international version of the Russian kids channel created from the merging of two domestic kids services – Channel One’s TeleNyanya and RTR’s Bibigon.

“Regardless of the fact that currently domestic travel is being developed, millions of tourists and businessmen are travelling abroad and request to watch their favorite Russian channels in hotels. Nowadays the majority of hotels prefer to work with the companies that provide smart solutions to the hospitality industry including interactive IPTV among them. Otrum, the leading provider on this market, will help us in reaching our primary goal — to expand our presence in hotels worldwide.” said Alexander Shprekher, deputy general director in charge of strategy and business development at Channel One Russia Worldwide.

Marlene Andresen, channel content manager at Otrum, added: “Channel One and Carousel International are popular channels for Russian speakers worldwide. Otrum’s TV channel offering will be strengthened with the inclusion of these two channels, and we believe that European hotels will gain a competitive advantage towards Russian-speaking guests by offering Channel One and Carousel International in their TV line-up. We look forward to have a close cooperation with Channel One Russia Worldwide.”