New Zealand-owned Rialto Channel is building on its strategic alliance with Hong-Kong-based Lightning International to launch a new documentary channel this week.

Launching first to a potential 40 million households in Indonesia, Pulse Television will soon be screening New Zealand content in 11 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, India, China, and Korea, with an estimated potential reach of 186 million households. Eventually, Pulse Television directors hope to include New Zealand and Australia in the Asia-Pacific mix.

The new documentary channel will comprise approximately 20 per cent New Zealand content plus content from the U.S., Britain and Asia, along with local content from the region. Lightning International will help tailor content for each region, taking into account cultural and religious sensitivities and differences in content demand.