A+E make History OTT move in Asia

A+E Networks is launching a History Plus branded OTT service in Asia.

It will roll out on the 4ME OTT platform, the free service that was launched by Filipino broadcaster TV5 and Singapore-based channel operator Brand New Media (BNM) earlier this year.

A+E Networks Asia has now teamed with BNM and will make a range of short-form History fare available on 4ME.

Viewers will be able to create playlists from the History programming, which will include content from the Pawn Stars (pictured) and Pickers franchises.

There will also be behind the scenes content from History’s scripted series including Vikings (below) and Gangland Undercover.

The linear History channel is widely distributed throughout Asia and is the top factual service in Singapore and Malaysia.

A+E’s move to supplement its carriage on traditional pay platforms with OTT Services, mirrors that of Fox International Channels in the region.

FIC said last month it would  launch Fox, Fox Sports and National Geographic as streaming services in the region.

“As the TV landscape evolves and viewing habits change, we continue to look for opportunities to engage viewers with our content,” said Prem Kamath, deputy managing director, A+E Networks Asia.

He added: “History Plus allows History fans to create playlists of original short form content from their favourite series, providing a deeper dive into the popular franchises from our linear channel.”

Damien Bray, global director at BNM said: “Audiences are converging to digital and social media in large numbers, particularly the early adopters and opinion leaders so coveted by advertisers.

“The content offer on 4ME as a whole will be the most comprehensive in the market with a mixture of new channels for audiences to discover, along with well-known and most-loved content brands such as History Plus.”