WarnerTV to launch across Asia in 2010

HBO will distribute WarnerTV throughout Asia exclusively and is currently in discussions with various cable operators throughout the region. WarnerTV is targeted to debut in the first quarter of 2010 and will be a 24-hour linear offering.

The channel will feature hit TV series including The Mentalist, Gossip Girl plus the Asian premiere of Dark Blue among others.

“Following in the footsteps of the highly successful Warner Channel in Latin America, WB India and numerous WarnerTV-branded on-demand zones around the world, the addition of this new WarnerTV channel in Asia is expected to bring our total number of branded services to more than 30 in over 60 countries around the world,” said Malcolm Dudley-Smith, EVP, business management, Warner Bros International Branded Services.

“WarnerTV is a fresh and exciting addition to our channel line-up. As a basic service featuring the very best of hit television series, it is the perfect complement to our premium bouquet,” said Jonathan Spink, CEO, HBO Asia. “We believe WarnerTV will spark exceptionally high demand from both operators and viewers, and we look forward to the launch next year.”

Separately, HBO Asia has also been appointed as the exclusive distributing agent for leading infant and toddler channel BabyFirst in the Asia-Pacific region.

BabyFirst’s programming is tailored towards babies and infants up to three years. The commercial-free channel provides interactive programming for parents and their children, and is supervised by experts in child psychology and development, early childhood education and children’s programming.

In October, HBO launched its HD service in Taiwan, following similar rollouts in the region.