Announced today by Cablevision Systems (News - Alert) Corporation is the addition of an iO Filipino Package to its comprehensive iO International programming service. Consisting of TFC (The Filipino Channel) and GMA Pinoy TV, the new Filipino Package is available across Cablevision's service area, and is the 11th distinct international package available to iO TV customers.

 

Delivering 24-hour programming to Filipino Americans, TFC (The Filipino Channel) programming includes live news broadcasts, top-rated programming for the entire family - dramas, comedies, children's shows, talk shows, hit movies and more.

 

As a 24-hour general interest channel in the Filipino language, GMA Pinoy TV’s shows include news, public affairs, lifestyle and human interest, drama, comedy, music and variety shows. Some of its most popular variety show programs are, “Eat Bulaga”, “Pinoy Pop Superstar”, “Master Showman” and “Unang Hirit”, the Philippines leading morning variety talk show.

"This new package is an important addition to iO International. It is our first Filipino in-language offering, our 11th new language category, and demonstrates Cablevision's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, in-language programming to our international customers," said John Trierweiler (News - Alert), Cablevision's senior vice president of product management.

 

"We are pleased to offer this valuable service to our Filipino customers, and to build on the growth of iO International, which is also a perfect complement to Optimum (News - Alert) Voice World Call, which allows our customers to call around the world for one low flat-rate price,” Trierweiler explained.

The iO Filipino package will be offered for $14.95 per month, and both services will also be accessible as individual channel selections for $9.95 per month, each. 

Customers must have a Scientific Atlanta digital cable set-top box in order to receive iO Filipino. Customers interested in iO Filipino can call 877-980-7636 to order or go to http://optimum.com/io/international/filipino.jsp for additional information.

With close to 2.7 million iO TV customers, more than 85 percent of Cablevision's cable customers are iO TV digital cable customers, the highest digital penetration in the nation. With iO TV, customers gain access to 360 channels, including 53 premium movie channels, 48 channels of commercial-free digital music, more than 3,500 titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, 45 high-definition programming services and uniquely valuable interactive television applications like “News 12 Interactive.”

Michelle Robart is a Contributing Editor at TMCnet. To read more of her articles please visit her columnist page.