Singapore – FOX International Channels (FIC), and Korea’s media company, JTBC, announced the launch of a new channel – JTBC3 FOX Sports – in Korea, which is a collaboration between the two media partners. This will further strengthen FIC’s aim to expand the brand reach of FOX Sports across Asia and also deepen its localisation strategy.
JTBC3 FOX Sports will showcase a compelling line-up of international sports content, along with popular local sports programming and is well-placed to occupy a leading position in sports broadcasting in Korea. As a fully-localised channel, with all programming and presentation in Korean, the channel will feature top international sports events from the Bundesliga, Formula One, the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon tennis grand slams, among other top sports content.
The launch of JTBC3 FOX Sports draws on FIC’s expertise in creating and presenting great sports content, as well as JTBC’s local knowledge and resources, which will provide sports fans in Korea an even greater sports viewership experience.
Zubin Gandevia, President, FOX International Channels, Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said, “Korea is an important and exciting market for FIC and expanding the FOX Sports brand here is a key step in our continuous efforts to build out our sports business across Asia. The launch of JTBC3 FOX Sports completes our sports brand’s APAC footprint. We are proud to be offering sports fans all across the region a premium sports-viewing experience, as well as doing justice to our rights partners by presenting their content in the highest quality.”
He continued, “On this milestone venture, we are thrilled to be partnering with such a prestigious player in the Korean media industry as JBTC. They have unrivalled local expertise and proven track record of success, and we look forward to working together with them to build a household brand out of JTBC3 FOX Sports.”
Sugil Kim, President/CEO, JTBC, said, “With JTBC’s capability and know-how and FIC’s powerful content, together we will bring to this new venture a unique synergy.” He continues, “JTBC is committed to supporting FIC and JTBC3 FOX Sports fully and continuously to ensure the channel’s success.”
The FOX Sports network underwent a re-brand and re-positioning exercise in August 2014, with the launch of FOX Sports, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Sports 3, all in HD, and with a strategy of strengthening the brand in Asia, and with a strong commitment to localising content. This is achieved with producing more studio shows in local languages, in addition to English, as well as multi-language commentary for major sports properties. The launch of JTBC3 FOX Sports is yet another step forward in FIC’s sports expansion plans and will herald a new era in sports broadcasting in Korea.