As it builds up its business across Asia, growing a meaningful presence in what it calls one of the most dynamic content markets the region, global content company A+E Networks has expanded into South Korea with the launch of History and Lifetime.
Original productions feature prominently in A+E’s plans for both History and Lifetime, and the company is promising an initial launch slate of original content through a mix of genres. The shows will progressively premiere through October 2017 to March 2017.History is said to be Korea’s first infotainment brand and will showcase premium documentary series, information-based fun reality programmes, drama series and more, under the channel’s slogan, Knowledge Is Fun. It will also offer a variety of brand activities for viewers interested in knowledge-oriented content in the field of humanities. Under the slogan Find Yourself In Lifetime, the other core channel will features stories of women, their potential and inner beauty. It will also provide viewers with reality programmes and well-crafted dramas that will not only entertain but also raise awareness on social issues.
History and Lifetime will reach Korean customers across all platforms including TV, digital media and offline venues. For linear television, A+E Networks has secured coverage for 20 million homes across the country through the IPTV platforms, all major cable platforms and satellite broadcasting. The brands will also be launched simultaneously on digital media through YouTube, Naver TV, Facebook, Instagram, and GomTV.
Continuing to build on its strategic partnership with iHQ, A+E has also signed an agreement for content format development. The partnership aims to sell and distribute projects in the global market to reap success in both Korea and the international markets. Two projects have been shortlisted and aim to begin production as soon as the end of this year. Content produced in Korea will be represented by A+E for global distribution of both original content and remake opportunities, contributing significantly to the promotion of Korean content worldwide. They will also air across A+E media brands including Lifetime and History throughout the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Commenting on the launch, Sean Cohan, president of international and digital media, A+E Networks, said: “The Korean market’s rich storytelling tradition and appreciation for history is a great match with A+E’s own heritage in compelling and quality storytelling. The digital maturity of the market allows us great opportunities to have a direct dialogue with consumers in different formats, platforms and technologies. Finally, Korean production has made its mark on the global content community. I look forward to A+E Korea’s team and productions making a tremendous impact on our global brands and content everywhere in the world.”
