Discovery to launch HGTV in Germany

Discovery is due to launch home and lifestyle network HGTV in Germany, marking the channel’s first European rollout since Discovery completed its takeover of Scripps Networks Interactive last year.

HGTV will go live in Germany as a free-to-air channel in June and Discovery said that further launches will follow. The channel launched in Poland two years ago, prior to the Scripps deal.

“We are incredibly excited to be announcing the launch of HGTV in Germany and start using our scale and expertise across EMEA to expand HGTV and other key real-life entertainment

brands into new territories and reach millions of new people throughout EMEA,” said Kasia Kieli, president and managing director, Discovery EMEA.

“Discovery’s strategy is to connect with passionate audiences across the globe and the HGTV brand creates a very powerful opportunity to provide a dedicated home brand that fuels people’s passions, builds a community spirit and works across multiple platforms for audiences and commercial partners.”

HGTV’s content is split across six pillars: buying and selling; home renovation; flipping; home improvement; and dream homes. Discovery said that HGTV viewers in Germany will be able to access more than 500 hours of premier program content per year.

Discovery completed its US$14.6 billion takeover of US cable rival Scripps Networks Interactive in March 2018. The combined group comprises channels such as Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, TLC, HGTV and Animal Planet among others, and owns over 8,000 hours of programming.