NBC Universal is expanding its global operations by launching 20 cable channels in 23 nations across Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Existing channels, such as the Sci-Fi Channel and 13th Street, will be launched for the first time in new markets across Asia, Eastern Europe, India and Russia. New markets for the company's content include Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Turkey.
The move is part of a plan by Jeff Zucker, NBC Universal's new CEO, to expand the company globally with new programming and digital initiatives. The expansion will include wider distribution and more local production in the countries where the networks operate.
International operations, which include content from the NBC television network and Universal Pictures, generated less than 20 percent of the company's total revenue last year.
