Baltic media conglom Duo Media Networks is on the hunt for content to run on a brand-new streamer called Duo One that’s gearing up to launch this September in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 

Available in four languages—Estonian, Latvian, Russian and Lithuanian—Duo One will also offer on-demand and live channels. To populate its kick-off programming lineup, DMN is buying up combined linear and SVOD rights, as well as some catch-up rights. It’s also looking for exclusive streaming windows (three, six and nine months) on some content that will launch later on its linear channels. 

Kids content is a focus for the streamer, says Frank Normet, program manager at Duo Media Networks.

“The Duo Media Network’s streamer Duo One taps into the Kidzone branded TV channels inventory for the kids content. We will be acquiring linear and SVOD rights at the same time for kids content,” Normet tells Kidscreen. “We are on a constant lookout for great content, both animation and live action, for three- to 12-year-olds. Sometimes also a bit older skewing titles that appeal to the younger audience. When it comes to genres and themes, we try to have a diverse selection of content.”

DMN was formed in 2020 when several regional channels merged, including Estonia’s Kanal 2 and Kids Network Television. The company currently operates 19 TV channels in the Baltics and the Middle East, with children’s channels Kidzone Max (kids four to 12) and Kidzone Mini (kids three to six) among them. Before he was tapped to run the bigger enterprise, DMN CEO Jüri Pihel served as the head of Kids Network Television.  

Image of Tallinn, Estonia (where Duo Media Networks is based) courtesy of Oskar Kadaksoo via Unsplash.

Updated July 8, 2024 with Frank Normet’s quote.