A cable channel offering the best of Germany's television, aimed at people of
German descent domestically, is gearing up for operator negotiations.
German TV -- a joint venture of programmers ARD, ZDF and Deutsche Welle --
has hired JTI Inc., a Virginia-based business-development firm representing U.S.
firms in Germany, to handle U.S. cable clearances.
In turn, JTI has hired two industry people to oversee the handling: Patricia
MacEwan, former marketing chief at Ovation-The Arts Network, and Jerrie
Calaunan-Turpin, most recently at DMX Music Inc. MacEwan will serve as vice
president, while Calaunan-Turpin will be cable-distribution/affiliate-relations
representative.
A statement issued by JTI on its appointments didn't specify a launch date
for German TV.
The proposed channel will carry top entertainment shows, news, documentaries,
cultural-affairs and soccer programming.
