History launches in Ukraine, grows in Russia

A+E Networks-owned pay TV channel History has launched in the Ukraine on a DTH platform and increased its reach in Russia.

History has gone live on Ukraine’s Lybid and on Russia’s Beeline. The network has transmitted through the Rostelcom and NTV+ platforms in Russia since late last year.

History – which broadcasts shows such as Ice Road Truckers (pictured), American Pickers and Counting Cars – is available in more than 330 million homes in 160 territories globally.

“We’re thrilled to have broken new ground in the Ukraine through our partnership with Lybid, and are looking forward to further expanding our reach across Russia in 2014,” said Dean Possenniskie, managing director, Europe, A+E Networks.

History parent A+E has been moving toward a whole-ownership model of its channel ventures, recently taking full control of its Fox International Channels JV in Italy and Asian channels business through a buy-out of former partner Astro.