Star Channel (Japanese TV channel) explained
| Star Channel |
| Owner: | Japanet Broadcasting |
| Country: | Japan |
| Area: | Nationwide |
| Headquarters: | Tokyo, Japan |
Star Channel is a Japanese group of premium television channels operated by Star Channel, Inc. . Star Channel mainly provides films and television series made outside Japan, on 3 high-definition channels, available on satellite, cable and IPTV platforms. As of 2024, the channel is currently owned by Japanet Broadcasting.
Star Channel began 24-hour broadcasting using Japanese communication satellites in July 1992.[1]
Corporate
Star Channel was founded as a private company in 1986.
As of 1992, the owners of Star Channel were United International Pictures's subscription television arm, UIP Pay TV, and a local distributor specializing in Western movies.
Previously, each 25% of the company's stake were owned by Itochu, 21st Century Fox (previously as the original News Corporation), Sony Pictures and Tohokushinsha Film,[2] but as of 2018, 21st Century Fox sold its share in the company to Tohokushinsha. Sony Pictures later divested the company in 2019.
On June 1, 2024, all shares held by Tohokushinsha Film transferred to Japanet Broadcasting, and Star Channel became as a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanet Broadcasting.[3] [4] On August 1, 2024, Star Channel merged with Japanet Broadcasting.[5]
Channels
- Star Channel (formerly Star Channel and Star Channel Hi-Vision,Star Channel 1): The main channel launched on July 1, 1986. Its HD simulcast channel was separately branded as Star Channel Hi-Vision, but the branding was removed with the October 1, 2011 rebrand of channels. Star Channel was renamed as Star Channel 1 on October 1, 2011. Star Channel 1 is scheduled to be renamed Star Channel on June 1, 2024.
- Star Channel 2 (formerly Star Channel Plus from November 1, 2001 to September 30, 2011): This channel launched on June 1, 1998. The channel is shutting down on May 31, 2024.
- Star Channel 3 (formerly Star Channel Classic from November 1, 2001 to September 30, 2011): This channel launched on June 1, 1998. The channel is shutting down on May 31, 2024.
Notes and References
- News: More specialist shows in store for Japan TV viewers . 23 December 2023 . The Straits Times . 22 April 1992.
- Mitsuhiro Yoshimoto, Eva Tsai, JungBong Choi Television, Japan, and Globalization 1929280599 - 2010- Page 20 "Just like Star TV, Star Channel specializes in the provision of foreign movies to Japanese audiences via the diverse broadcasting venues of digital CS, BS, and cable television. In fact, Japan's Star Channel was an outcome of a bizarre negotiation between Itochu and Star TV's owner, News Corporation. Itochu asked for the right to expropriate Star TV's trademark and content. News Corporation demanded in return a..."
- https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/2329/tdnet/2423236/00.pdf 連結子会社の異動（株式譲渡）に関するお知らせ
- https://corporate.japanet.co.jp/notice/20240419/ 株式会社スター・チャンネルの株式取得に関する株式譲渡契約締結のお知らせ
- Web site: グループ会社統合のご案内 【スターチャンネル】映画・海外ドラマの放送・配信サービス . www.star-ch.jp . 2024-08-05.
