Turner takes over operational responsibilities of WarnerTV

It includes WarnerTV's programming, distribution, advertising sales and marketing in Asia.

Turner Broadcasting System APAC has announced that it will assume full operational responsibility for WarnerTV including its programming, distribution, advertising sales and marketing.

According to the company statement, WarnerTV is home to the region's best blend of TV drama, action, comedy and crime series as well as films. The pan-Asian channel offers viewers exclusive new series, returning US hits and blockbusters from the stable of Warner Bros. Entertainment content.

Ricky Ow, president, Turner International Asia Pacific, says, "This announcement makes a bold statement and demonstrates Turner's commitment to general entertainment and to audiences that are passionate about great television. With the addition of WarnerTV, the Turner portfolio now includes Asia Pacific's best-loved brands in the news, kids and general entertainment genres. We're very proud to be able to share all of these fantastic brands with viewers across the region."

As for the plans, in 2014, Turner aims at doubling the number of first-run series on WarnerTV and increasing its programming hours by 30 per cent.

Upcoming highlights include first-run and exclusive-to-Asia series Major Crimes, Almost Human, Arrow, Longmire and Person of Interest. These sit alongside returning series such as The Mentalist, Without a Trace, Vampire Diaries and The Closer. Also in the line-up are shows such as The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls and Friends. The channel is scheduled to premiere Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in May.

There will be no immediate alterations to the branding or positioning of the channel. WarnerTV will continue its promise to deliver viewers their favourite TV series, covering a wide range of genres. The channel will also air popular blockbuster movies every weekend - with up to seven box-office hits every week from the studios of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner says in a press note.

WarnerTV is currently available in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Palau, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.