HGTV sets up house in Asia

US cable channels operator Scripps Networks Interactive is rolling out its home lifestyle channel HGTV in Asia and plans to commission local content for the network.

HGTV will start airing in Singapore on the StarHub platform from December and becomes the first regional channel dedicated to the home and lifestyle category in Asia, according to Scripps.

The firm will produce original short-form content exclusively for the launch of HGTV in Asia based on the popular series Extreme Homes.

The net will also provide shows about design and décor, home improvement, real estate and extreme spaces including Property Brothers, Kitchen Cousins and The High Low Project.

Derek Chang, MD of Scripps Networks Asia-Pacific, said HGTV would fill a niche in the home category market “that is not widely represented in the region” alongside its existing channels such as Food Network and Travel Channel.