MUMBAI: AETN All Asia Networks has announced that female targeted channel Lifetime and infotainment channel H2 will launch across Southeast Asia on 14 June.

AAA Networks has secured broad carriage in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau on StarHub TV, True Visions, PCCW?s now TV, and Macau Cable TV respectively.

Lifetime is a female-focussed network that aims to offer shows that are contemporary, bold, vibrant and relevant. The network offers original movies, scripted dramas and unscripted programming.

For the Asia launch, Lifetime premieres include ?Liz and Dick?, starring Lindsay Lohan and Grant Bowler; ?Ring of Fire?, with singer/songwriter Jewel; ?Romeo Killer: The Chris Porco Story?, starring Eric McCormack; and ?Sworn to Silence?, featuring Neve Campbell.

Dramas ?The Client List?, starring and executive produced by Jennifer Love Hewitt, and ?Unforgettable?, featuring Poppy Montgomery will also make their Asia premieres on the network. Lifetime?s unscripted slate includes the reality series ?MasterChef Australia? (Season 4) and ?Dance Moms?.

Infotainment channel ?H2? aims to dig deeper into the stories and events of history, providing audiences with more to explore, more to reveal and more to know. H2 covers military, ancient, modern and natural history, as well as science and technology. Through its mix of exclusive programming and original H2 commissions, the channel will cater to the upscale audience, the passionate military history fan, and knowledge seekers who want to know more. Series include ?Mankind Decoded?, ?How Sex Changed the World?, and ?America?s Secret Slang?.

A+E Networks MD Asia Pacific Alan Hodges said, "Now with five world-renowned brands here in Asia, A+E Networks can offer even more value to our viewers and affiliate and advertising partners. Lifetime further extends our bouquet offering in the general entertainment space, while H2 deepens the factual experience for knowledge-lovers."

MUMBAI: Rive Gauche Television has sold over 300 hours of its true crime series to broadcasters in multiple territories worldwide.

The announcement was made by Rive Gauche Television CEO Jon Kramer. He said, "Heading into MipTV, we are pleased to license over 300 hours of our crime programming around the world. These deals reflect Rive Gauche Television?s continued success in distributing product that works for our clients."

Ice Cold Killers: AETN (UK), RTL (Netherlands), AETN (Africa), Canal D (Canada), TV4 (Sweden/Finland), Foxtel (Australia), AETN (Poland)

Homicide Hunter: Foxtel (Australia), Canal + (France), TV4 (Sweden/Finland), Fox (Asia), AETN (UK), RTL (Netherlands), AETN (Africa)

Evil Twins: Canal D (Canada), AETN (Africa), Canal + (France), TV4 (Sweden/Finland), AETN (Poland), RTL (Netherlands), Foxtel (Australia), LIC (China), AETN (UK)

Happily Never After: Fox (Asia), RTL (Netherlands), Canal Vie (Canada), Canal + (France)

Sins and Secrets: RTL (Netherlands)

MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company?s net profit for the first quarter ended 29 December fell six per cent to $1.38 billion from $1.46 billion in the same quarter of preceding fiscal due to increase in programming costs at ESPN and decline in studio entertainment revenues.

Disney?s revenues grew five per cent to $11.3 billion, up from $10.7 billion in the corresponding quarter.

?After delivering another record year of growth in 2012, we?re off to a solid start in Fiscal 2013,? said The Walt Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger. ?Our ongoing success is driven by our long-term strategy, the strength of our brands and businesses, and our high quality family entertainment."

Media Networks revenues for the quarter increased 7 per cent to $5.1 billion and segment operating income increased 2 per cent to $1.2 billion.

Operating income at Cable Networks decreased $15 million to $952 million for the quarter due to a decrease at ESPN, partially offset by growth at the domestic Disney Channels, ABC Family and A&E Television Networks (AETN).

The decrease at ESPN was driven by higher programming and production costs, partially offset by higher affiliate revenue.

Operating income at Broadcasting increased $36 million to $262 million driven by increased advertising revenues at the ABC Television Network and owned television stations and higher program sales, partially offset by higher primetime network programming costs.

Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 7 per cent to $3.4 billion and segment operating income increased 4 per cent to $577 million. Results for the quarter were driven by an increase at our domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at our international operations.

Studio Entertainment revenues decreased 5 per cent to $1.5 billion and segment operating income decreased 43 per cent to $234 million.

Lower operating income for the quarter was driven by decreases in home entertainment and theatrical distribution, partially offset by an increase in television and subscription video on demand (TV/SVOD) distribution.

Consumer Products revenues increased 7 per cent to $1.0 billion and segment operating income increased 11 per cent to $346 million. Higher operating income was due to increases at Merchandise Licensing and at our retail business.

Interactive revenues for the quarter increased 4 per cent to $291 million and segment operating results improved from a loss of $28 million to income of $9 million. Higher operating results were driven by lower acquisition accounting impacts at our social games business which were adverse in the prior-year quarter and growth at our Japan mobile business from a new licensing agreement for Disney branded mobile phones and content.