FOX Launches In Spain.

Fox will launch a 24-hour general entertainment channel in Spain on satellite and cable beginning June 1, 2001. The channel, which will carry the name “Fox,” marks the company’s first such venture in the European pay television market. The announcement was made today by Mary Ann Halford, Executive Vice President, Fox International Entertainment Channels.

“We know that Fox is in the enviable position of having both a significant studio heritage as well as a winning television formula with a proven track record of successes in the U.S. and abroad,” said Ms. Halford. “With a rich and diverse library of television and film assets from our sister companies, a powerful, compelling channel brand identity, and an experienced on-ground staff of media executives, we have all of the tools necessary to succeed in the pay television market in Spain.”

The channel, which targets young adults ages 18-34, will be available via DTH on Canal Satellite Digital’s basic tier as well as major cable operators throughout Spain. The new service expands the company’s current portfolio of wholly owned and joint venture channel interests in Spain, which include Fox Kids Network, Fox News Channel and the National Geographic Channel.

Utilizing the formidable programming base of the 20th Century Fox film and television libraries, the channel will offer a unique mix of such popular drama and comedy series as “The Simpsons,” “The X-Files” and “NYPD Blue”; perennial favorites such as “Picket Fences,” “Party of Five,” “The Nanny” and “LA Law”; and a wide range of theatrical titles from Hollywood and around the globe.

Cristina Gomez, a native of Spain, has been appointed General Manager of the channel. Ms. Gomez brings a significant background in channel management given her prior experience at Sogecable, Turner Networks International and most recently as the General Manager of the Estilo channel in Spain, a joint venture between E! Entertainment and Sogecable.

“Although the Spanish pay television market has seen dramatic expansion in recent years, there remains a unique opportunity for a channel that offers a fresh and distinctive approach to general entertainment programming,” said Ms. Gomez. “In addition to a great programming line-up, we are launching the channel with a fresh and revolutionary on and off-air identity that believe will be widely received by young television viewers in Spain.”