MediaCorp’s 8i Lands Australian Carriage

SINGAPORE: MediaCorp’s Mandarin-language 8 International (8i) service is launching on FetchTV in Australia as part of the Singapore-Taiwan package.

8i is an extension of Singapore’s leading free-to-air Mandarin channel, Channel 8—a 24-hour channel dedicated to popular Chinese dramas. It features six hours of fresh content daily that include both the latest dramas and well-loved classics from the MediaCorp library. Glocal Media Networks, based in the U.S., provides the technical platform to air 8i on FetchTV.

Chang Long Jong, the deputy CEO of MediaCorp, said: “We are pleased to launch 8i on FetchTV in less than a month after it debuts on Indovision, Indonesia’s largest satellite and cable operator. Our Mandarin dramas have been popular in Asia, coupled with the fact that FetchTV is currently available on several Internet service providers in Australia, we are confident that we can extend the reach of our content to even more Chinese viewers in Australia. We are also glad to partner with Glocal Media Networks, a leader in its field, in Australia to deliver 8i on FetchTV.”

“Multicultural programming is an important part of the FetchTV strategy,” said Scott Lorson, the CEO of FetchTV. “We recognize the need in our community for quality, affordable programming catering for Australia’s diverse range of cultural backgrounds. The Singapore-Taiwan package offers Mandarin-speaking Australians access to well-known channels from home, and 8i, with its award-winning content is an integral part of the appeal of this package.”

Dennis Young, the CEO of Glocal Media Networks, added, “Glocal is excited to partner with MediaCorp to expand their reach internationally and launch 8i in Australia with FetchTV. We know that there are many Singaporeans living in Australia and for the first time ever, we are pleased to be able to offer them all of the great shows from MediaCorp exclusively through FetchTV."