Fox Sports targets more local content

Sports media giant Fox Sports will take over the name of ESPN on cable television late this month, marking one of the many changes that will mark the presence of one of the world’s leading sports media brands in the Philippines.

The launch of Fox Sports on Jan. 28 in the Philippines came after its mother company News Corp.’s acquisition of the ESPN partnership in ESPN Star Sports last year, said Fox Channel territory head Jude Turcuato.

Aside from ESPN, which is the flagship sports channel, ESPN HD will also be renamed to Fox Sports Plus, while ESPN News will now be named Fox Sports News.

The renaming of the channels, Turcuato said, will also mark the start of programming that will cater to Filipino viewers.

“Its just a different package but the same channel,” said Turcuato during a recent media briefing at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

But Turcuato bared plans of a more localized approach to programming starting with the San Miguel Beermen in Asean Basketball League.

“We want to have more local presence in the channel to make it relevant to the Philippine market,” said Turcuato. “I’m confident that it will be a better viewing experience with Fox’s experience and access to technology.”