Thursday, 15 June 2023

Digital TV Europe: Disney shuts down Asian networks as it pivots to streaming

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Disney is shuttering its remaining networks in South East Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea as it continues its shift to streaming in the region.

National Geographic and National Geographic Wild will both go dark from September across South East Asia, Hong Kong and Korea, along with Star Chinese Movies, Star Chinese Channel, Star Movies and Star World.

The same six networks – plus their HD versions – will be pulled in Taiwan in December, according to local regulators, while Disney will continue to operate its slimmed down linear portfolio in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China.

Details of potential closures in these countries have not yet been revealed.

The Mouse House has already closed a raft of networks across Asia, with 18 channels shuttered in 2021.

The move is Disney’s latest push to accelerate its streaming portfolio in the region, where Disney+ is available (Disney+ Hotstar in India). China remains without the service.

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