ITV Worldwide has launched a new preview channel for pay-TV operators in Asia. The channel is based on the UKTV channel currently on-air in the Middle East, which is due to be rebranded ahead of a full launch of the new channel later this year. There is no connection with Australia’s UKTV, which is owned by Foxtel, BBC Worldwide and Freemantle Media, or the BBC-Virgin joint venture in the UK market.
“The development of a channel which showcases our amazing and varied high quality programming is an important part of our business,” said Peter Iacono, President and Managing Director of ITV Worldwide said, The opportunities that Asia presents are very exciting for us and we look forward to getting feedback from cable, satellite, and IPTV operators throughout the region.”
Programmes are drawn largely from ITV’s domestic channels in the UK and includes dramas Prime Suspect, Murder City, Eleventh Hour and Crash Burn alongside comedy entertainment and talkshows The Friday Night Project, Ballroom Bootcamp, Airline, Vroom Vroom and The Jeremy Kyle Show.
The preview channel will be carried on the ABS-1 satellite at 75 degrees East. It is encrypted using the Irdeto system.
