SINGAPORE, March 3 -- XFNHK/AsiaNet Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel Premieres on PCCW's now Broadband TV on April 2 Hong Kong became the second Asia Pacific market in four months to launch Disney Television Channels with the announcement of Walt Disney Television International - Asia Pacific (WDTVI-AP) and PCCW today of the April 2 launch of Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel on pay-TV network now Broadband TV. The launch of Playhouse Disney Channel in Hong Kong marks the entry into Asia of the first dedicated pre-school channel in the region. For Disney Channel, Hong Kong is the 10th market in the Asia Pacific to enjoy its programming. "The recent opening up of the pay-TV market in Hong Kong created a strategic opportunity to expand our presence in the Greater China market. This market offers great potential and Disney's entry into pay-TV in Hong Kong is a milestone in the rapid growth and expansion of Walt Disney TV International across the region," said Senior Vice President and Managing Director of WDTVI-AP Doug Miller. WDTVI-AP will offer local language options to subscribers of Disney Channel in Hong Kong who will be able to choose from three language tracks -- English, Mandarin or Cantonese -- by the end of the year. Selected shows will also be subtitled in Chinese. Subscribers to Playhouse Disney Channel will also be offered the same language configuration over time. Disney Channel is already subtitled and dubbed in other Asian markets including Singapore, Malaysia and Korea. Disney Channel offers an unparalleled blend of quality Disney entertainment including Disney's celebrated animated movies and series, as well as specials, sitcoms, family dramas, live action adventure stories and movies. Playhouse Disney Channel is WDTVI-AP's pioneering move targeting the previously under-served pre-school category. The commercial-free service is designed to engage and stimulate pre-schoolers' imagination and learning in a seamlessly fun and creative environment. Walt Disney Television International - Asia Pacific (WDTVI-AP) is responsible for all of The Walt Disney Company's free and pay television activities across the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan). These activities include branded and non-branded program distribution through Buena Vista International Television - Asia Pacific, media investments, as well as production, broadcasting, development and management of Disney Channels through Disney Branded Television. Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney, Disney Clubs and Disney branded programming blocks on free-to-air networks now reach more than 390 million households in the Asia Pacific region. For more information contact: Mai Tatoy WDTVI-AP Tel: +65 6548 9287 Email: mai.tat[email protected] SOURCE: Walt Disney Television International - Asia Pacific --Distributed by AsiaNet (www.asianetnews.net)--