SKY Network Television : CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY AS FOOD NETWORK LAUNCHES ON SKY

It seems Kiwis are on the 'nice' list this year and are set to receive an early Christmas present in the shape of Food Network launching on SKY on 1 December, rebranding existing FOOD TV.

Food Network will continue to bring audiences the best in food and cooking programming, with a mission to connect everyone to the power and joy of food. The rebranded channel will serve up the biggest culinary icons from around the world including: Rick Stein, Nigella Lawson, Ted Allen, Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, Jamie Oliver, Guy Fieri, Ree Drummond, and many more.

Kicking off launch month will be the special programming event, 12 Days of Christmas. Loaded with festive food inspiration, viewers can spend December learning the tricks of the trade for a stress-free Yuletide from Mary Berry, Jamie Oliver and domestic goddess, Nigella. Further tasty titbits in the New Year include: Chopped, Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, Kids Baking Championship, MasterChef UK, and Food Network Stars.

Discovery's Vice President, Lifestyle Products, ANZ & Pacific Islands, Amanda Herbert, said: 'We're delighted to be bringing the global powerhouse brand that is Food Network exclusively to SKY audiences, and the internationally renowned pipeline of content that comes with it. We know that Kiwis love entertaining and inspirational food programming led by culinary experts from around the world and that's just what we plan to serve them a whole lot more of. With more New Zealand television premieres than ever before, we're thrilled to be celebrating a delicious summer of food with SKY audiences.'

SKY's Director of Entertainment Content, Travis Dunbar, said: 'We're excited to offer food lovers the expanded slate of content Food Network brings to the table. SKY customers will have more culinary choice than ever before come the rebrand in December - with longstanding favourites, such as Nigella, Jamie, and Rick, being joined by a host of new faces. Pairing the breadth of Food Network's leading programming with our nation of passionate foodies can only be a recipe for success.'

Food Network will be available to all SKY domestic customers with the SKY Starter package at no extra cost.

Food Network at a Glance:

• FOOD TV will be changing to Food Network on Saturday 1 December at 6.00am
• Food Network will be available on SKY Channel 18
• Food Network will be available to all current SKY customers with the SKY Starter package
at no additional cost
• Food Network will be broadcast in SD (Standard Definition)