HITS Expands to the Philippines

SINGAPORE/MANILA: Rewind Networks has clinched another carriage deal for its HITS general-entertainment pay-TV channel, inking an agreement to bring the service to the Philippines on SKYcable.

HITS delivers titles licensed from the U.S. studios, offering up library shows like Moonlighting, Seinfeld and The Cosby Show. The carriage deal in the Philippines comes just a few days after Rewind Networks inked a deal for HITS to launch in Indonesia. In addition to the linear channel that launched in the Philippines today, SKYcable subs will be able to access a HITS app and and online catch-up service within Q4.

“We believe we’ve really scored a hit introducing our channel to the Philippines by working with SKYcable as our premiere partner,” said Avi Himatsinghani, CEO of Rewind Networks. “HITS is fresh off the back of ratings success in Singapore and we’re confident that we can replicate the same winning formula for Filipino audiences. There is nothing like HITS currently in the market and we believe that our iconic characters and award-winning stories will quickly become the go-to destination for viewers.”

Sandie Lee, VP and channel head at Rewind Networks, added: “We know that the Philippines has a strong affinity towards American television—especially mega-hits. We’ve carefully picked these blockbusters and programmed them in a manner that appeals to today’s audiences. People enjoy their comfort foods and HITS provides ‘comfort viewing’. Our simple and intuitive viewing schedule makes HITS very easy to watch. Audiences can catch their favorite shows at the same time every weekday or binge view back-to-back episodes during the weekend.”

“SKYcable is a big believer in providing the best-in-class TV experience to its subscribers, which is why we are giving all our subscribers such an extended period of time to tune into HITS,” said Ray Montinola, COO of SKYcable. “We are delighted to be Rewind Networks’ first partner in the Philippines and proud of adding HITS to our ever-growing channel lineup.”