BERLIN -- Herbert Kloiber's Teutonic TV group TeleMunchen is relaunching terrestrial web Tele 5 on April 29.
The first Tele 5, which bowed in 1988, was taken over by the Kirch Group and transformed into sports weblet DSF in 1993. The new version is sure to stir memories and brand-name recognition among local viewers -- the web will carry an updated version of its 1990s logo.
The analog cable and satellite web, which makes its nationwide bow amid growing uncertainty in the German TV market, will offer movies, series and inhouse productions, including a travel program and a musicvideo show, to nearly 15 million households.
TeleMunchen is launching Tele 5 with Munich-based digital TV firm Get on Air. Jochen Kroehne, Get on Air topper, was head of programming at the original Tele 5 from 1988-93.
TeleMunchen and Get on Air were forced to shelve ambitious plans for three digital channels after the German cartel office rejected Liberty Media's German cable acquisition last month. Plans included a tyke outlet, an action web and a home-and-garden channel. Liberty planned to acquire and upgrade 60% of Germany's cable grid to allow for broadband digital capacity.
TeleMunchen is expanding as Munich-based rival Kirch Group, owner of ProSiebenSat.1 -- the country's biggest broadcaster -- is fighting for its financial life.
Contact Ed Meza at
ed.meza@mannaa.de