Melita has announced that the Food Network, the highly-anticipated cookery channel that has launched internationally on 1st February, is now available in Malta exclusively to Melita subscribers from day one of transmission. The channel, which is being considered as the leading authority in food, will be available at no additional cost to all XL Melita digital television subscribers.

Melita Chief Executive Officer Andrei Torriani said that Melita is planning to almost double its TV channel line-up in 2010. “This year our customers will witness a transformation of our TV product from a linear standpoint to a more dynamic, personalised and high quality broadcast platform for the same prices they pay today. We are working on almost doubling our channel line-up, launch high-definition broadcast and move our Hollywood movies and series premium offering closer to an on-demand reality,” added Mr. Torriani.

The international launch of Food Network, which includes top personalities like Rachel Ray, Tyler Florence and Giada de Laurentis in its programming highlights, is being viewed by foodies across the world as the hottest culinary event in these upcoming months and its addition to the Melita portfolio is set to delight all those who follow the food scene with enthusiasm.

Besides Food Network (Channel 266), Melita is also adding the following new stations: Wedding TV and Luxe TV to the L and XL packages (Channel 267 and Channel 269 respectively) as well as Body in Balance TV to the XL package (Channel 268).

In the past weeks, Melita has also launched another 5 new channels, including the highly popular Investigation Discovery, kid’s channel Jim Jam, NatGeo Music, Film 24 and Channel 1 Russia thus bringing the total to 9 new channels in two months.

All Melita Digital TV customers will be able to enjoy these 4 newest channels at no extra costs throughout February. As from 1st March 2010 the new channels will be available in the appropriate tiers.

“We are proud to be the only television operator in Malta offering the prestigious channel Food Network that has proved to be the most successful lifestyle channel launch in the UK last November and has been highly anticipated by European operators. Food Network are leading experts and a trusted source of information and entertainment for anything that is related to food. Their programmes showcase personalities who are the best in the business and who will share their ideas with viewers in a fun and entertaining way,” said Ivor Micallef, TV product manager for Melita.

Wedding TV is well known for reality show style programmes, including the highly popular Marrying Elvis, WAG’s World and Celebrity Brides Unveiled. Body in Balance TV, winner of Best Lifestyle Channel of 2009, also enjoys an enormous following, mainly to its accessible approach to a healthy lifestyle that includes yoga, pilates, meditation, dance and cardio workouts, each designed carefully to suit beginners through to advanced practitioners.

Luxe TV is the first channel dedicated to the world of luxury, fine dining, beauty and fashion. More new channels are expected to be added at no additional cost in the coming months.