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Cable television broadcasting industry

DIRECTV Expands Mandarin Chinese Programming with New Package

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a move to cater to the growing Mandarin Chinese population in the U.S., DIRECTV has introduced a new programming package featuring the CTI Zhong-Tian Channel, a leading 24-hour news and information channel from Taiwan. As part of the MandarinDirect II package, which includes Phoenix TV, Phoenix InfoNews, and MTV Chi, the CTI Zhong-Tian Channel offers a diverse range of programming, including news, sports, dramas, variety shows, and entertainment programs, appealing to all members of the household.

Key Takeaways:

  • DIRECTV has launched a new Mandarin Chinese programming package, MandarinDirect II, featuring the CTI Zhong-Tian Channel, Phoenix TV, Phoenix InfoNews, and MTV Chi.
  • The CTI Zhong-Tian Channel is a 24-hour news and information channel from Taiwan, offering news, sports, dramas, variety shows, and entertainment programs.
  • The channel has established its position as a market leader in overseas Chinese television markets, with its "Zhong Tian News" coverage, nationwide penetration, and quality programming.
  • The new channel is available on DIRECTV channel 2056 and features programs such as "Zhong Tian Live News," "Got Problems?," "Taiwanese in Mainland China," and "Stingy Mammon."
  • The channel offers a range of programming, including feature talk shows, the latest drama and cooking content, educational and documentary programming, and games shows.
  • Customers must subscribe to the DIRECTV(R) BASIC ($9.99/mo.) or DIRECTV(R) PREFERRED CHOICE(TM) ($29.99/mo.) international base packages, or to any TOTAL CHOICE(R) ($44.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS(R) ($29.99/mo. or above) base package.
  • The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 39 channels delivering multiple foreign-language programming in languages such as Russian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Italian, and Ukrainian.

Statistics:

  • DIRECTV has more than 15.5 million customers.
  • The DIRECTV WorldDirect(TM) platform has launched 39 channels delivering foreign-language programming.
  • The new MandarinDirect II package is available for $15.99 per month.
  • DIRECTV is approximately 39 percent owned by News Corporation.

Sources:

  • "DIRECTV Introduces MandarinDirect II" (Source: DIRECTV)
  • "About DIRECTV, Inc." (Source: DIRECTV)
  • "Company Overview of DIRECTV, Inc." (Source: Yahoo Finance)

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