English Entertainment
Star launches Xing Xong in Singapore on StarHub
MUMBAI: Star’s 24-hour general entertainment channel for Mainland China, Xing Xong has been launched in Singapore on StarHub CableTV channel 105.
Featuring 900 hours of original programming each year, Xing Xong distinguishes itself with bold and innovative programmes showcasing a wide range of Mandarin entertainment including variety shows, game shows, drama series, movies and music.
Star chief operating officer Steve Askew said, “We are excited to further enrich our offering of top programming choices for Singapore audiences with the launch of Xing Xong on StarHub CableTV’s digital platform. The Singapore audience can now look forward to a new league in television entertainment in Xing Xong’s innovative and popular Mandarin shows.”
“StarHub and Star are long-standing partners. With the latest addition of Xing Xong to our line-up, StarHub CableTV now carries as many as ten Star channels on our digital platform. StarHub will continue to work with established and quality content providers like Star, to provide the best TV viewing experience for our customers,” said StarHub senior vice president (cable TV services) Sandie Lee.
The shows on Xing Xong include Woman In Control, a beauty contest for men, featuring for the first time on Chinese television a reversal of traditional gender roles. Another audience favourite is Love Factory, which provides matchmaking tips, support and advice.
Battle of the Cooking Gods is also a first in Chinese programming where sports meet cooking.
On the other hand, in Sang Lan 2008, viewers can join sports celebrity Sang LAN as she meets athletes, families, coaches and friends for insights into the lives of Mainland China’s top athletes aspiring for gold at the next summer Olympics.
Other highlights on Xing Xong include the dance contest show Live! From Xing Xong Dance Club, quiz show Xing Xong Cave, talk show Xing Xong Late Night Talk, everyday housekeeping tips in Life Masters, real life drama TV Court, real crime cases in Wanted! In China etc.
Xing Xong is offered as one of the three channels in the new Chinese Digital group on StarHub CableTV, for a monthly package fee of S$8 (S$8.40 with GST).
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
