US broadcaster CNN International will launch an English-language business news channel in Switzerland in September 2017.

CNN Money Switzerland wants to target senior leaders, businesspeople and influencers interested in current financial and business news. The programmes will also cover the areas of technology, weather, sports, entertainment and lifestyle.

The channel which will be set up in collaboration with Swiss media service provider MediaGo will be produced in studios in Zurich and Geneva; 30 journalists will be employed.

CNN Money Switzerland is the first CNN Money-branded channel worldwide. “Switzerland acts as a laboratory for us. We will closely monitor the channel’s success. It is not ruled out that there will also be CNN Money channels in other countries, like we’ve launched local CNN International channels,” Greg Beitchman, vice president content sales and partnerships at CNN International Commercial, told Swiss newspaper Sonntagszeitung.

CNN Money Switzerland will be distributed unencrypted as an ad-supported free-to-air channel on Swiss cable networks and IPTV platforms. Advertising sales will be handled by MediaGo and CNN International Commercial.

The channel also plans national and international news coverage on its website and social media platforms. The Facebook site is already active.

Related