Sun Direct signs exclusive deal for new Fox channels

Sun Direct, the DTH (direct to home) operator which is a 80:20 joint venture between the Maran family and Malaysia's Astro Group, has entered into a deal with Fox Television to make three of its new channels available exclusively on its platform. These are Fox TV (FX), Fox Crime and Baby TV.

Fox TV (FX) has character driven programmes, humour and entertainment targeted at a sophisticated and premium audience. Fox Crime has shows on crime drama, investigation and mystery. Baby TV is targeted at children under three and their parents.

Tony D'Silva, chief operating officer, Sun Direct, says, “We believe in keeping our viewers excited with our innovative offerings. Content, packaging and pricing are our forte and we believe in offering the best to our subscribers in the most affordable way.

“These channels are mainly focused on the English speaking audience. We expect them to do well in the urban/metro markets,” says D'Silva.

Sun Direct will promote the new channels on the Internet and through its information channel, adds D'Silva.

The DTH operator has recently added Real TV and WB to its base pack as well.

Sun Direct has not revealed its subscriber base. However, the figure is estimated to be more than two million.

Though Fox has voiced its intentions to launch these new channels, it has not officially launched them. A Sun Direct spokesperson denied that the deal was a trail for Fox channels and said that there would be no change in the subscription package until March 2010.