Hong Kong – STAR announced its plans to launch a free-to-air Farsi language general entertainment channel in early 2009, targeting the region’s 100 million Farsi speaking community. Paul Aiello, CEO of STAR said, “STAR currently broadcasts in over 10 languages across Asia. With the addition of a dedicated Farsi language general entertainment channel, we will further expand our existing portfolio of channel offerings, allowing us to enhance the television viewing experience of audiences that speak the language.” STAR will set up its Farsi channel sales and marketing office in Dubai. The company already has a presence in the Middle East, having used the Dubai Media City as the base of its Middle East operations since 1994. STAR currently offers a bouquet of 15 channels in the market.