New digital satellite service for Japan

NBC Universal to offer programs on a pay basis

By MARK SCHILLING

TOKYO - NBC Universal plans to launch a digital broadcast satellite service in Japan, according to a report in the Nikkei newspaper.

NBCU intends to apply for a broadcast license from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to start the service following Japan's complete switchover from analog to digital broadcasting in July 2011. The new strand will offer Hollywood pics and dramas on a pay basis. Following the launch, NBCU plans to grown its Japan revenues 10-times in five years,  to $1.07 billion.

NBCU already has a significant presence in Japan through its subsids Universal Pictures Japan, Geneon Entertainment, NBC Universal Television Japan and NBC Universal Global Network Japan, which operates the Sci Fi satellite channel.