MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has today announced that it will assume full operational responsibility for WarnerTV including its programming, distribution, advertising sales and marketing. WarnerTV is the 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 vast stable of Warner Bros. Entertainment content.

Turner International Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said: “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.”

In 2014, Turner will double the number of first-run series on WarnerTV and will increase 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 hits: The Mentalist, Without a Trace, Vampire Diaries, and The Closer. Also in the line-up are award-winning comedies such as The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls and Friends; while May will feature the channel premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Although effective immediately, there will be no immediate alterations to the branding or positioning of the channel. WarnerTV will continue 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 studios of Warner Bros. Pictures.

arnerTV is currently available in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Palau, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. In Singapore, WarnerTV is the number one English entertainment channel amongst Cable 4+ viewers and also the top ranking of all English-language channels for Cable Females 15+.