TLC Gains In Russia, Romania and Sweden

Discovery Networks International's TLC outlet is launching in Russia and Romania and growing in Sweden, continuing an international push begun last year.

TLC, the female-focused entertainment and lifestyle channel, made its international debut on March 4, 2010, in Norway.

It then picked up 20 Asia-Pacific markets on Sept. 1 and four more European markets -- Poland, Serbia, Slovenia and Bulgaria -- on Oct. 1.

It launched in Sweden on Dec. 2, where it is adding more distribution.

The Russia launch occurs on Friday (Jan. 14) and Romania checks in on Jan. 20.

TLC is on track to reach 75 markets and 100 million households in 2011, making it the most widely distributed female-targeted entertainment and lifestyle channel brand in pay-TV, DNI said in a release.

"The launch of TLC across Russia, Romania and Sweden demonstrates the rapid growth of this entertainment and lifestyle brand," Mark Hollinger, CEO of DNI, said in the release. "We expect these new TLC markets will deliver increased ratings and distribution growth, continuing the strong results TLC has experienced in Europe and Asia since the initial launch last year."

TLC's U.S. domestic channel reaches more than 99 million homes and currently ranks as a top-10 network in key female demographic groups, according to Discovery.

Other Discovery global brands include Discovery Channel, in more than 180 markets; Animal Planet, in more than 170 markets; Discovery Science, in more than 100 markets; Discovery HD, in more than 80 markets; and ID: Investigation Discovery, in more than 50 markets around the world.