Universal Channel, an American television specializing in movies and TV series, will withdraw from Romania. The last broadcasting day is April 30.

Universal Networks International made the decision after evaluating its portfolio of TV stations in Romania, according to company representatives, reports local Mediafax.

On the other hand, sources told the local news agency that another reason for this decision was that Universal Channel was a “very expensive” television that broadcasted TV series right after their release in the US.

Cable companies didn't want to pay the high fees to have the channel in their grids anymore given the high rates of piracy in Romania, which made the TV series broadcasted by Universal Channel available on many illegal websites. RCS&RDS, which is the largest cable company in Romania, removed Universal Channel from its program list on January 1, 2015.

Universal Channel entered the local market on December 1, 2007. It broadcasts well-known TV series such as Two and a Half Men, Dexter, Castle, and CSI: Miami.

Universal Networks International will remain present on the local market with two other televisions, namely E! Entertainment and Diva.

Universal Networks International is part of NBCUniversal. It is one of the largest entertainment companies worldwide, delivering content to over 170 countries.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com