AXN, Animax Expand Korean Reach

HONG KONG, November 12: SPE Networks—Asia has struck a deal that sees the AXN and Animax channels being offered on KT’s IPTV platform Mega TV in Korea beginning November 17.

First launched in Korea in July 2005 via the SkyLife DTH platform, AXN offers U.S. series such as CSI, 24 and Numb3rs, as well as its own original productions like The Amazing Race Asia. Animax Korea, a joint venture set up in 2006 together with SkyLife, is home to a range of Japanese animation.

Ang Hui Keng, SPE Networks—Asia’s senior VP of channels management and finance, commented, "Having our flagship channel brand AXN, and leading youth channel brand Animax, amongst the first linear services to be offered on Mega TV, is an extremely proud moment for us. Korea is a key growth market for us, and this is a great opportunity for us to expand our presence there. We look forward to a great working relationship with Mega TV."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski