Hervé Boissière, CEO of MEZZO
THEMA announces that as part of the development of the Russian branch of THEMA (THEMA RUS) and consolidation of all the assets of THEMA within one portfolio, the distribution of MEZZO and MEZZO Lile HD linear TV-channels, as well as their non-linear assets, will be handled by THEMA RUS on the territory of the Russian Federation starting from 1st October 2021, as it was already the case for the territories of Kazakhstan, Armenia and Georgia since 1st January 2021.
Due to the agreement with THEMA and as part of the transfer of MEZZO mandate to THEMA RUS, Universal Distribution company will maintain the current contracts with platforms operating in the territories of Ukraine and Belarus until December 31st, 2021.
Hervé Boissière, CEO of MEZZO: “MEZZO is available all over the world and is broadcasted in 90+ countries to over 65 million subscribers, and Russia has always been a key territory for us for two decades. Thanks to the amazing interest for classical music there and to very strong and creative partnerships, we have with the best music institutions like The Bolshoï or The Mariinsky Theater. In the region, MEZZO and MEZZO Live HD TV channels are part of all major Russian and CIS operators’ offers, including Tricolor, Rostelecom, MTS, NTV-PLUS, Akado, Beeline, ER-Telecom, Megafon, ALMA TV, Kazakhtekecom, Volia TV, COSMOS TV, A1 and others. Our global partnership with THEMA marks a new milestone in the development of MEZZO, as we strive more than ever to bring the beauty of music, opera, jazz and dance to the expanding audience around the world."
Natalya Kabikova, Managing Director of THEMA RUS, commented: “Our entire team welcomes the expansion of THEMA RUS’ content portfolio with MEZZO and MEZZO Live HD with great enthusiasm. We will strive to strengthen and expand MEZZO's presence in Russia and CIS countries, including digital distribution.”