KPN to pull five FIC Channels from platform in June

Local Dutch media outlets are reporting that KPN is removing five Fox International Channels services from its platform. Under KPN’s proposed plan, 24Kitchen, FOX, National Geographic, NatGeo Wild and BabyTV will cease transmission from June 1.

The information was initially released via KPN’s user forum. 24 Kitchen, National Geographic and FOX TV are currently available on KPN’s basic tier while BabyTV and NatGeo Wild are part of the supplementary Plus package.

KPN didn’t give a reason for the change but said it will look for replacement channels. However it is possible that the FIC blackout is a negotiating tactic.

The removal of the Fox channels is part of a broader reshuffle at KPN that will also see a price increase on June 1, varying from one to several Euros per month depending on the package. In terms of other channel changes, Love Nature recently joined the basic platform while the plus package has been expanded with Stingray Classica and 100% NL. By contrast, Disney Jr disappeared on April 1.