WDTVI-AP's managing director (Asia Pacific) Doug Miller (right) and managing director (SEA/Korea) Raymund Miranda with Mickey and Minnie at the launch of Disney Channel in Hong Kong

Walt Disney Television International - Asia Pacific (WDTVI-AP) in partnership with PCCW's now Broadband TV is launching Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney in Hong Kong, marking the first Asian deal for the latter preschool channel. The Playhouse Disney Channel is already available in UK, Spain and France.

For the first time, kids and families in Hong Kong will be able to receive 24 hours of non-stop Disney entertainment including exclusive Asia TV premiers such as Lion King, Monsters Inc and the runaway success Finding Nemo.

WDTVI-AP is localising the channel for the Hong Kong audience and plans to offer three language tracks in English, Mandarin and Cantonese by the end of the year.

WDTVI-AP's managing director for Asia Pacific, Doug Miller, said Hong Kong is the tenth market in the Asia Pacific for the launch of Disney Channel. "Hong Kong holds a special place in our hearts. It's our Asia Pacific home. We wanted to make sure that it had the right mix of content before launching into our 'hometown' as Hong Kong is a very discriminating market." He added that after Hong Kong, Disney is ready to launch in China in 18 months.

Other Disney initiatives in Hong Kong include the Disney theme park scheduled to open in 2005. Developed by a joint venture company formed by the Government and Walt Disney Company, Disneyland is expected to bring an extra 1.4 million tourists to Hong Kong in the first year alone.

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