Astro partner Turner to form strategic JV

KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd has partnered Turner Asia Pacific to form a strategic joint-venture (JV) in Warner TV and co-production, distribution of Asian content for global reach.
This is alongside the distribution of Astro content and carriage of the channel on Astro and Tribe.
In a statement today, Astro's Chief Operating Officer Henry Tan said the company's focus is to deepen its involvement in content creation and ownership, particularly in Asian intellectual properties (IPs), which would play a pivotal role in a market that values strong differentiation.
"We believe these IPs anchor our value proposition and are ultimately what customers want and are willing to pay for.
"We are enhancing the exportability of signature IPs, and actively seeking distribution in multiple markets through partnerships, as well as our own platforms, such as Astro in Malaysia and Tribe in the region," he added.
Tan said Astro will partner and learn from peers in the region to accelerate the effort.
He said the new venture would also enable the company to participate in revenue distribution generated from Warner TV in the region.
Currently available on 22 platforms in 15 countries across Asia Pacific, Warner TV is known for its strength in same-day programming with popular titles such as Good Behaviour, Angie Tribeca, The Last Ship, Lethal Weapon, and an array of DC superhero shows such as DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, The Flash and iZombie.
Warner TV will be available On Demand and On Linear via Astro GO and Astro TV from May 1, said Astro. — AFP