Rewind Networks’ general entertainment channel, Hits Now, kicks off 2024 with a new berth on Malaysia’s Astro from 10 January 2024.

The new deal, announced this morning, gives the 10-year-old Rewind Networks full distribution across all Malaysian pay-TV platforms.

Hits Now will be available free until 31 March 2024, and then as part of the Variety and Entertainment packs at no extra cost to customers.

Astro also said this morning that it was ringing in the New Year with open access to five entertainment channels – HBO Hits, HBO Family, Showcase, K-Plus and Moonbug – from 1-31 January 2024.

The new channel and preview campaign is part of Astro’s redoubled efforts to persuade Malaysia of the value of its video entertainment bundle.

Earlier this month, Astro group CEO Euan Smith said transformation plans were yielding results. Despite a bruising quarter and a stock price that is down 38.5% this year, Smith drew attention to gains in arpu, advertising and broadband for the third quarter of its financial year to end January 2024.

Related stories

▶ 15 Dec 2023: Primetime Emmys live on Rewind Networks’ Hits Now; Avi Himatsinghani doubles down on best-of programming promise for Asia on eve of new channel roll-out on Malaysia’s Unifi TV

▶ 2 Oct 2023: Channel pickups in Philippines, Singapore, Mongolia & Maldives

▶ 25 Sept 2023: New home for Astro’s premium original series, Malaysia’s platform creates premium destination for growing slate, Viu originals added to line up