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: Turner International has appointed Edward Barnieh as programming and acquisitions manager for Asia Pacific, to further expand its quality offering of kids? content.

Based in Hong Kong, Barnieh will be responsible for Turner?s acquisition strategies for its kids? networks in Asia Pacific, including Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Pogo, Toonami and Boomerang.

His mandate will be to secure rights to the most engaging content in the region, in particular "funny" and "clever" animation from international studios and distributors.

Prior to joining Turner, Barnieh was with Nickelodeon UK for almost nine years, where he played an important role in the expansion of the network and developing content for global markets.

Turner International regional chief content officer Mark Eyers said, "Edward joins us from an acquisitions background that spans TV, online, mobile, and content licensing, which we expect will help secure our leading position in the Kids genre in Asia Pacific. His diverse expertise and proven achievements will make him a real asset to the team, and we welcome him to Hong Kong."

Having spent over a decade working in kids broadcasting in the UK, Barnieh brings knowledge and expertise to the role. He also has years of multi-platform experience to the regional team and will be a key part of Turner?s international Asia Pacific acquisitions strategy.

MUMBAI: Turner International has said it will be launching its action TV channel Toonami in Hong Kong on 1 December.

Targeted at ultimate action fans, Toonami serves up animated hits like Young Justice, Dragon Ball Z and Batman: the Brave and the Bold to boys and girls.

With the launch of Toonami, Hong Kong kids will have 24/7 access to the most electrifying entertainment available. For the first time anywhere in the world, viewers will be able to see The Spider-Man and the Hulk meet Iron Man and Goku on the same channel. ?It really is the ultimate home of the action hero," said Turner International Asia Pacific SVP and MD Sunny Saha.

Toonami is a channel for the fans and by the fans and the excitement extends beyond television, into the online and social media space.

To kick off Toonami?s launch, budding science-fiction writers can play an active part in the channel?s origins which centers on Nami, an A.I. lifeform from the future. In December and January, fans can submit their own ideas as to how to complete Nami?s story. The winning entry will be created into an animated clip for the channel and a customised printed comic book.

MUMBAI: As China prepares for its most significant leadership transition in decades, CNN has announced the launch of its first ever regular series focussed on the country. The new monthly show hosted by CNN correspondent and anchor Kristie Lu Stout provides viewers with an insider?s view of China from within its own borders.

The first episode ?Inside the Chinese Communist Party? airs on 17 October at 3 pm, 20 October at 10 am, 21 October at 5 pm, 27 October at 5 pm and on 28 October at 10 am.

The second episode: ?Chinese Consumerism? airs on 21 November at 4 pm, 24 November at 11 am, 25 November at 7 pm, 1 December at 3 pm and on 2 December at 11 am.

The third episode ?Chinese Exploration? airs on 19 December at 4 pm, 22 December at 11 am, 23 December at 7 pm, 29 December at 7 pm, and 30 December at 11 am.

Shot on location in Hong Kong at Hullett House, in each 30-minute show Lu Stout sits down with thought and business leaders from within China?s borders for a roundtable discussion about what really drives this world power and economic giant.

With China?s leadership transition expected within a month, the first episode delves into the Chinese Communist Party, exploring how membership is obtained, factions within the party, the personality traits of China?s presumed next leader, and the impact of the ongoing Bo Xilai scandal. At the table helping to demystify the Chinese Communist Party is Hung Huang, a celebrated Chinese media personality and publisher brought up among China?s political elite, Victor Gao, a former official in the Chinese Foreign Ministry and English translator for Deng Xiaoping and John Pomfret, award-winning journalist and China commentator.

CNN International senior VP Mike McCarthy said, "The world is watching China more than ever and our new show delivers in-depth, intelligent insights on its economic, political and cultural drivers. We?re proud to be the first international news network to dedicate a regular show to China, enabling viewers within China?s borders and around the world to better understand the country and its people."

Lu Stout said, "China is a country of dramatic change, political intrigue, and dynamic economic growth. I?ve been writing and reporting about China since the late 1990s, and the nation continues to fascinate me. I?m excited to host a regular discussion on current affairs and trends inside China."

The November episode looks at the growing strength of Chinese consumerism and in December, the show focuses on Chinese exploration.