New Doc Channel for AsiaPac

BALI: Pulse Television is a new documentary channel for the Asia-Pacific region from Lightning International and Rialto New Zealand, with Indonesia set to be the first market to receive the service.

The factual channel is targeted for launch in 11 territories, including Hong Kong, Singapore, India, China and Korea. The next stage of growth will be a dedicated feed for New Zealand and Australia. The rollout is intended to be complete by the end of next year.

At launch, about 20 percent of the content will hail from New Zealand, alongside shows from the U.S., U.K. and other international markets, plus regional fare.

Andrew Hawken, channel director at Rialto, noted, “The TV market across the region is highly competitive with a wide range of robust and easy-to-use services available, plus they are quite diverse in their content strategies. In spite of the differences, all TV operators are sending the same clear message—consumers are moving away from formulaic reality factual series and looking for quality, variety and interesting international content tailored for local markets.”

James Ross, CEO of Lightning International, added, “We are very excited to be working with Rialto Channel to bring great documentaries, and indeed two great new channels, to the Asia-Pacific region.”