Launching ChimeTV: The First Asian-American and Woman-Owned US Network

it’s about time

A study shows that of the 1,300 top-grossing films from 2007-2019, only 44 depicted an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) lead or co-lead. And from those 44 films, only 6 leads or co-leads were female. These statistics are startling when you consider that the Asian American population is the fastest-growing racial group in the US and number over 22 million (Pew Research). AAPI representation and recognition is on the rise and I am thrilled to take part in this movement through my work with ChimeTV—America’s only AAPI entertainment channel delivered in English.

making history

ChimeTV launches on January 22, 2023, becoming America’s ONLY English-language AAPI channel. The network will roll out to over 10 million households in 41 states when it launches through Spectrum TV®’s Select Plan. ChimeTV President Bob Rose says, “We applaud Spectrum TV for its commitment to open a channel for a network that will galvanize Asian American Pacific Islander audiences, serving as the leading voice, authority, purveyor of content that portrays the richness and brilliance of Asian and Pacific Islander experiences and cultures, which, until now, has been vastly underrepresented in American media today.”

showcasing AAPI excellence

Although I’ve been involved with developing ChimeTV’s social media strategy, graphic art, and launch event decor, the majority of my work so far has revolved around programming acquisitions and scheduling—mainly reviewing and selecting the programs that appear on our channel (147 in New York City and Los Angeles, or check your local listings) and on ChimeTV+. Since starting with the company in August 2022, I’ve considered hundreds of trailers, episodes, and movies from across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Our mandate, which is to amplify AAPI voices and showcase AAPI excellence, has been my guiding light throughout the process.

Our programming features a diverse mix of AAPI general entertainment, over 70% of which is new to US TV audiences. Programming will include dramas, comedy, procedurals, food, travel, lifestyle, wellness, mixed martial arts, movies, and digital creator content. These shows highlight the best of Asian culture, history, art, and entertainment. Having watched such a large volume of content, I can say that I’m blown away by the storytelling talent, creativity, and cultural richness of the global Asian community. I’ve reviewed nearly a thousand trailers, log lines, pilot episodes, and movies. Over the past half-year, our Programming team has selected a launch suite of content that includes dramas, comedies, docuseries, food shows, travel shows, lifestyle talkshows, MMA, and more. Many of these programs will air in English (either originally or subtitled in English) and appear in the US for the first time.

The channel is live, which is cause for celebration, but our work in programming is non-stop. We will continue seeking out the best of AAPI entertainment for our channel and also begin to develop original content alongside AAPI creators. I’m thrilled to celebrate the launch of this channel but I also know that it is just the beginning of a momentous journey.

Visit chimetv.co, watch chimetvplus.com, and follow @watchchimetv on Instagram and other social media platforms.