(22 June 2007 3:50 pm)

MUMBAI: Crime and Investigation Network, (CI) the 24-hour television network dedicated to real crime and investigative programming, will launch in New Zealand on Sky Network Television in September this year.

Created by A&E Television Networks (AETN), CI was first launched in Australia on the Foxtel platform on 1 January 2005. It currently reaches over 17 million television households in 63 territories, states an official release.

The channel will be broadcast in 16:9 widescreen and will feature real crime and investigative programming including documentaries, docu-dramas and a range of true-life crime dramas.

AETN senior vice president Sean Cohan said, "Since its launch in Australia, CI has consistently been a top 10, if not top 5 pay TV network. It has developed a passionate following worldwide and I have no doubt that viewers in New Zealand will also be riveted by the channel's engaging storytelling."

Sky television CEO John Fellet said, "CI will continue Sky's ongoing commitment to provide unique and exclusive television content to its subscribers. Crime TV is a hot genre right now, and CI will be an exciting 'destination' for viewers."