AXN, the cable-television channel operated by Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), plans to start producing its own programmes to attract more local viewers and broaden its revenue stream, a senior executive says.
Set up seven years ago, AXN features action, adventure and reality programmes ranging from CSI to Fear Factor and has a monthly viewing audience of between 20 million and 30 million in Asia.
In Hong Kong, it is carried exclusively by i-Cable Communications.
'AXN's target viewers are more educated, trend-setting and higher spending,' said Ricky Ow, general manager of SPE Networks Asia.
He added i-Cable's strength in sports programmes helped boost AXN's Hong Kong ratings. 'Our viewers love to watch high-quality and innovative programmes,' he said.
Mr Ow said AXN had been the top-rated cable channel in several Asian markets for more than three years.