MUMBAI: News channel Al Jazeera English has announced a new deal with one of Asia's leading cable operators, Hong Kong Cable for the channel to broadcast in Hong Kong. Al Jazeera will debut on Hong Kong Cable on 16 January 2008, and will be carried as Channel 34 on the platform.

The channel claims to reach over 100 million households worldwide. Al Jazeera English says that it is dedicated to building its presence across Asia to give viewers access to its content. The channel’s editorial mission to transform global news is supported in Asia by its Kuala Lumpur Broadcast Centre, dozens of Asian bureaus and correspondents that include household names such as news anchors Veronica Pedrosa and Teymoor Nabili.

Hong Kong Cable executive director Benjamin Tong says, " News has always been our flagship programme and the addition of Al Jazeera will further enhance the width and depth of our news service with the channel’s unique content and perspective. I have little doubt that the channel will be welcomed by our viewers." Al Jazeera English also has a dedicated page on YouTube.

Al Jazeera Network’s director of global distribution Phil Lawrie said, "We are excited about reaching a sizeable new audience in this important market and working with an established and industry-leading partner. This agreement underlines the importance of the Asian region to our next phase of growth, and we are looking forward to a long and highly successful relationship with Hong Kong Cable."