A new TV channel targeted to dog lovers has launched on Dish.
FidoTV will feature canine-centered original programming, movies and live events distributed on multiple platforms, Tad Walden, CEO and founder of the channel told Multichannel News. The female-skewing service launched Oct. 14 on the Dish satellite service, but Walden says the network is talking to other satellite, telco and cable distributors regarding carriage deals, although he would not provide specific details.
FidoTV will feature dog-themed scripted shows as well as documentary-style programs on hero and working dogs, crime interest stories on police dog teams from around the world, and a reality show about puppies which follows families as they choose the right dog.
The network has also teamed with the American Kennel Club to provide additional programming, including the 2015 American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship events Dec. 12-13, according to the network.
With 124 million people in the country having some connection to dogs, Walden said the network should have wide appeal.
“We think there’s a huge, untapped audience who will be interested in our programming given that millions of families consider their dogs to be part of the family,” Walden said. “Match that with a universe of advertisers who will want to reach those dog lovers through a dedicated television channel that is a viewing destination, and you have a potent combination of an untapped consumer demographic easily reachable by advertisers."
FidoTV will also launch a mobile app which will feature short form video content, as well as coupons and discounts on products and services from the network’s advertising partners.
