May has the distinction of being Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. In recognition of that status, cable giants Cox (News - Alert) and Comcast will offer select Asian music, movies and other content free of charge.

“We commend Comcast and Cox for their dedication to the Asian American community” said Scott Wheeler, Senior Vice President of International Media Distribution, a longtime provider of in-language programming in the United States. “We are excited to showcase Bollywood Hits On Demand and Filipino On Demand to new audiences during this special viewing opportunity for APA Heritage Month.”

Highlights of programming on Bollywood Hits on Demand include Rockstar, starring Ranbir Kapoor, and Ra. One, the science fiction blockbuster starring Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Bollywood on Demand will also show behind-the-scenes episodes detailing the making of both movies. Additional content will feature popular music videos from a selection of movies. All programming is in Hindi with English subtitles.

Filipino on Demand, which shows programming in Tagalog and English, will feature popular episodes from MYX-Rated Live and MYX-Press Play. Additional content will include hours of music from artists such as The Company, Martin Nievera, Kamikaze, Christian Bautista and Nina.

Cox will also launch TVK-Pop on Demand, a free on-demand service that will display the latest Korean music videos in a variety of genres.

Customers with Cox Cable can access the free APA Heritage Month programming by going to OnDemand’s Free Zone. Customers can then search Music, Top Picks, Life and Home and Previews & Extras using the terms “Asian Heritage.”

Comcast (News - Alert) customers can search the Top Picks category for “Asian Heritage.” Customers can also find additional videos and concerts under Music inside the Music Picks category entitled “Asian Heritage.”

In all, Comcast and Cox will be providing nearly 12 hours of free content in honor of APA Heritage Month.

President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, signed a Congressional bill that designated one week to celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in America. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed a bill stretching the week-long celebration to last throughout the month of May. May was chosen because, in 1843, the first Japanese nationals immigrated to America during the month of May.

Also, the transcontinental railroad, which was heavily dependent on the labor of Chinese Americans, was completed in May 1869.