Banijay moves into channels business with celeb net

International producer and distributor Banijay Group is moving into the channels business with the launch of celebrity news network Non-Stop People on French pay TV service CanalSat.

The company is partnering with French producer Mediatic System to launch the channel, which is a 24-hours news outlet. It has a team of 30 celebrity and entertainment journalists reporting from Paris, LA, New York and London.

Non-Stop People will also have a number of digital extensions including mobile and tablet apps as well as a website running exclusive content.

Hugues Dangy, founder and president of Mediatic System, has become channel head.

“Non-Stop People is a completely revolutionary idea, taking the model of CNN and applying 100% entertainment and celebrity content. We are excited to be setting a new precedent for entertainment reporting along with CanalSat and Banijay,” said Dangy.

Francois de Brugada, EVP, Banijay Group added: “This partnership is part of a number of strategic initiatives for Banijay Group in the digital world. Non-Stop People is not only a unique concept for a news channel but an efficient tool for distributing entertainment and celebrity content across all platforms. We are already working on an international roll-out for the channel and exploring the many ways that we can further exploit this rich new pool of resources.”