STAR TV is to launch seven new channels in different Asian languages over the next three years as the network continues to diversify to attract regional audiences.
Chief executive Gary Davey said the satellite TV company would unveil two Mandarin entertainment and film channels, an Indian subscription channel, and Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Tagalog and Cantonese channels.
The Mandarin channel, aimed at China and Taiwan, will be evenly split between local and overseas programmes. STAR TV will commission shows from production houses in the two countries, splitting costs between the network and cable TV operators carrying the service.
STAR TV already has a three-year agreement with television station ATV to co-produce 40 hours of drama and to acquire 1,000 hours of additional programming a year.
The channels will be subscription-based, allowing for a regular income unaffected by advertising fluctuations. Advertising presently accounts for 95 per cent of STAR's revenue with subscriptions making up the rest.
STAR refuses to reveal figures, but it is estimated the network will lose US$20 million (HK$154 million) this year and subscription revenue is essential if it is to begin to cover costs and move into profitability.