ImaginAsianTV is ramping up for an Aug launch, targeting Asians in the US with a broad mix of English-subtitled content. Led by CEO Michael Hong, the NY-based 24/7 linear network also will offer in-language marketing support (and a national call center) for cable operators, in addition to VOD content from its growing library of pan-Asian titles from Japan, Korea, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and China (primarily Mandarin titles from CCTV with some Cantonese). That means American premieres of Asian films with a broad appeal plus other forms of general entertainment: series, variety and game shows, anime, kids’ titles, martial arts, docs and sports. All will be packaged for Asians in the US, officials say. Also on tap are original productions such as music, shopping and cooking shows from its Manhattan studios. The mix is aimed at the 85% of Asian-Americans who prefer in-language programming, while the use of subtitles and English-speaking hosts will appeal to second-generation Asian-American and non-Asian viewers, Hong says. The net’s now in latter-stage negotiations with cable operators, including Time Warner Cable, with which it has a hunting license (like many new nets, ImaginAsian isn’t seeking sub fees from MSOs for carriage). It also will launch in 1.6mln HHs with Equity Broadcasting Corp’s stations in Denver, Ventura, CA, and Las Vegas, where it will be available to Cox [COX] subs via must-carry. The net’s not alone, with at least 2 other Asian-focused nets launching this year. WorldAsia Television is eyeing a mid-’04 launch with English-language, Asian-oriented content. Recently launched on Comcast’s [CMCSA] San Fran system is Dragon TV, a subscription service aggregating Chinese- language content (with other Asian channels to follow). Mon’s CableFAX’s CableWORLD has more on startups. – (Shirley Brady)

The Daily

Subscribe
Thursday–April 24

Comcast: We Can Do Better

With Comcast losing 199,000 domestic broadband customers in 1Q25 (about 50,000 below consensus) and churn rising slightly, the operator is launching a new go-to-market approach that will continue to evolve over the coming months as it works to provide more value to its customers with less friction.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Sep 11
2025 Faxies Awards Faxies Nominations Open! Final deadline: 4/4/25
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.