Fox Plans 2 HDTV Channels

[Gregg Lengling]

Fox Networks is planning to launch two High-Definition TV channels next year, according to the trade publication, Multichannel News.

The magazine says the channels will be a high-def version of the National Geographic Channel and "Fox HD," which will feature programming from several Fox channels, including the network and the FX channel.

Fox Networks Group CEO Tony Vinciquerra told Multichannel News that "our goal is to help sell the concept of high-definition. We want to be positioned with our product to take advantage of that ... It's time to start putting the pedal to the metal to get this thing out."

The Fox executive said the network would push both cable and satellite operators to carry the new channels. However, DIRECTV would seem to be a guarantee to offer them, considering that it's owned by Fox's parent News Corp. In addition, the satcaster is expanding its HDTV lineup next year with the launch of four new satellites devoted to high-def.

Multichannel News said that the HD National Geographic Channel will launch in January. No launch date was given for Fox HD.