Fox takes Crime to Baltics

TV unit launches network in Russia, Ukraine

By NICK VIVARELLI

Fox Intl. Channels is launching its Fox Crime web into the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as a prelude to moving the branded net dedicated to crime, courtroom drama and mystery into Russia and Ukraine.

Fox Crime began broadcasting in the Baltics on Monday, having inked deals with some of the largest cable and IPTV operators in the region -- including STV, Starman and Elion in Estonia, Init in Lithuania and Baltcom in Latvia -- which account for some 70% of cable subscribers in those three countries.

The channel, which features an 18-hour daily cycle of crime-related skeins, such as “Dexter,” “Brotherhood,” “Monk” and “JAG,” along with factual series like “Body of Evidence,” as well as original programming, will broadcast in English and Russian and offer Lithuanian and Estonian viewers subtitles in primetime.

Fox Intl. Channels said in a statement that its foray into the Baltics marks the initial step in a planned move into Russia and Ukraine, which would significantly extend its reach.

Fox Crime, which debuted in Italy on Sky Italia in 2005, has since entered Portugal, Bulgaria and selected Asian countries, including Japan.