History HD to Debut in Japan

NEW YORK, September 29:
Following the September debut of History HD in Southeast Asia, the network
continues its rollout in the region with an October 1 launch in Japan.

History HD will be
managed, programmed and operated by The History Channel Japan Corp., a joint
venture of A&E Television Networks (AETN) and Super-Network. The network
will broadcast HD content languaged in Japanese with a mix of local
programming, plus series and specials from the History catalogue, such as Cities
of the Underworld, The Universe, Ancient Discoveries and Ice Road Truckers.

Tatsuo Suzuki, the
president of Super-Network, said: “We are very excited to be launching History
HD as one of the pioneering high-definition channels in Japan with the support
of AETN. This further strengthens the position of the brand in the still
developing Japanese multichannel market.”

“We are very pleased to
team with Super-Network to bring History HD to Japan, expanding the channel’s
Asian footprint,” said Alan Hodges, the managing director for the Asia Pacific
at AETN. “Japan has been a leader in the development of high-definition
television, and viewers are very savvy about the format. We believe History HD
is critical to keeping our leadership position in factual entertainment in
Japan.”

—By Jackie Stewart