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Asian Food Network
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The Asian Food Network (AFN), formerly known as Asian Food Channel, is a Southeast Asian pay television channel and website owned by Warner Bros. Discovery International through its Asia-Pacific division. Launched in 2005, it provides a mix of food programming content primarily focused on Asian cuisine.
Key Information
History
[edit]The Asian Food Channel was co-founded by Hian Goh and Maria Brown in 2005.[1] The idea was conceived by Goh, an investment banker, and Brown, a journalist at the BBC, in 2004 to bring a food television channel to Asia.[1]
Content for the network was originally purchased from overseas markets and included shows such as Meat and Greet and Singapore Flavours from Mediacorp.[1] In 2009, it launched AFC Studio at Orchard Central in Singapore.[2] It allowed fans to purchase branded merchandise and also used for original content creation such as Great Dinners of the World and Big Break.[1] By 2013, the network reached 130 million viewers in 12 markets.[1]
Scripps Networks Interactive purchased the channel in 2013.[3] It became part of Discovery, Inc. in 2018 when Discovery acquired Scripps Networks Interactive,[4] Six years after the acquisition of the channel by the same company that owned Food Network, the network was rebranded as the Asian Food Network in 2019, with a larger focus placed on multi-platform content.[5]
Programming
[edit]The Asian Food Network provides a wide mix of food programming content that are sourced internationally such as the United Kingdom, the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, as well as Asian specific content from Korea, Japan, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
Most shows are subtitled, but English shows are sometimes subtitled in Chinese, like in SkyCable. Others don't have subtitles in English programming such as on Cignal.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Asian Food Channel founders hit on right recipe for TV". The Straits Times. 21 April 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
- ^ "Chef Diego Chiarini's Prawns Coated with Celery Recipe". Luxury Haven. 27 November 2012. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
- ^ Scripps Networks Interactive acquired AFC Archived 26 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Discovery Communications Completes Acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive; Changes Company Name to Discovery, Inc.
- ^ "Discovery Asia Pacific Unveils Asian Food Network: A Multi-Platform Evolution of The Asian Food Channel". Business Insider. 29 November 2019. Archived from the original on 4 April 2020. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
Asian Food Network
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History
Founding and early years
The Asian Food Channel was co-founded in 2005 by Singaporean entrepreneur Hian Goh, a former investment banker with an MBA from INSEAD, and British journalist Maria Brown, who brought media expertise to the venture.[8][3] The company was established in 2005, and headquartered in Singapore, positioning it at the heart of Southeast Asia's dynamic culinary landscape.[9] Launched in mid-2005 and on July 26, 2005, the channel debuted as Asia's first 24-hour pay-TV food network, initially targeting audiences in Singapore and broader Southeast Asian markets through partnerships with local cable providers such as StarHub.[3][10][11] Early distribution efforts focused on key territories like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, leveraging these collaborations to build a foothold in the region's pay-TV ecosystem. The initial programming lineup emphasized Asian cuisines, blending authentic local recipes from countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and India with international influences to appeal to diverse viewers interested in food and lifestyle content.[12] Over the next eight years, the channel expanded its footprint through strategic content acquisitions and regional broadcasting deals, growing from a niche Singapore-based operation to a prominent pan-Asian broadcaster. By 2013, it had achieved significant scale, reaching over 130 million viewers across 12 markets including Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.[8] This growth was driven by a commitment to culturally resonant programming that celebrated Asian culinary heritage while incorporating global perspectives, solidifying its role as a leading food media platform in the region.Acquisitions and rebranding
In 2013, Scripps Networks Interactive acquired the Asian Food Channel (AFC) for US$66 million, integrating it into its portfolio of lifestyle television networks that included channels like Food Network and HGTV.[13] This acquisition allowed Scripps to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging AFC's established audience for food-focused programming.[14] Following the 2018 merger of Scripps Networks Interactive into Discovery, Inc., for a transaction valued at $14.6 billion, AFC gained access to expanded resources and a broader global infrastructure.[15] The integration provided enhanced production capabilities and distribution opportunities, positioning the channel within Discovery's vast unscripted content ecosystem.[16] On 29 November 2019, AFC underwent a significant rebranding to Asian Food Network (AFN), featuring a refreshed logo, modern visual identity, and a shift toward a multi-platform model.[1] The rebranding was driven by the need to align with rising global trends in digital-first content consumption and to serve a growing mobile-first community of over four million food enthusiasts across Asia.[1] It emphasized expansion beyond traditional linear television, incorporating digital platforms to improve accessibility and foster deeper user engagement.[1] Post-rebranding, AFN's content strategy evolved to prioritize interactive elements, such as community tools for comments and bookmarks, alongside tested recipes, cooking tips, and cultural stories.[1] This approach enhanced entertainment value and utility, enabling seamless experiences from inspiration to practical application in the kitchen, while broadening reach through partnerships like those with Viu and GoFood.[1]Ownership and operations
Corporate ownership
The Asian Food Network (AFN) has been owned by Warner Bros. Discovery Asia-Pacific since the completion of the 2022 merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., which formed the global media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).[17][18] As a subsidiary within WBD's extensive portfolio of over 200 brands spanning television, streaming, and digital media, AFN operates under the company's Asia-Pacific division, which manages lifestyle and entertainment networks tailored to regional audiences. WBD oversees AFN's strategic direction, content distribution, and international partnerships, leveraging its global infrastructure to enhance the channel's reach across Southeast Asia and beyond.[7][19] Key oversight of AFN falls within WBD's Asia-Pacific leadership structure, led by President James Gibbons, who directs operations across the region. The lifestyle networks team, including figures like Associate Director Fairenza Cheng for franchise management and marketing, handles day-to-day programming and promotional strategies for AFN alongside sister channels like Food Network Asia and HGTV.[19][20] Under WBD's ownership, AFN benefits from substantial corporate funding allocated to content production, enabling original series, regional adaptations, and co-productions that align with the conglomerate's emphasis on unscripted and lifestyle programming. This investment supports an annual content slate focused on Asian culinary diversity, though specific figures for AFN remain integrated into WBD's broader approximately $19.5 billion annual content spend across its networks (as estimated for 2025).[22] In 2025, WBD initiated a strategic review of potential alternatives, including a possible company sale or asset separation, amid interest from buyers like Comcast and others, which could impact AFN's future ownership structure by mid-2026. This development follows earlier expansions, such as HBO Max's rollout to additional Asia-Pacific markets in October 2025, indirectly bolstering AFN's digital integration within WBD's ecosystem.[23][24][25]Headquarters and broadcast details
The Asian Food Network maintains its headquarters at 21 Media Circle, #08-01, Infinite Studios, Singapore 138562, serving as the central hub for its operations in the Asia-Pacific region.[26] This location is part of the Mediapolis@one-north media district, designed to support media production and broadcasting activities. Under the oversight of Warner Bros. Discovery Asia-Pacific, the headquarters facilitates strategic decision-making and content development for the network.[7] Infinite Studios at the headquarters provides advanced studio facilities, including two high-tech sound stages—one measuring 18,000 square feet and the other 10,000 square feet—along with supporting infrastructure for post-production and creative services.[27] These facilities enable in-house production of original programming, leveraging state-of-the-art equipment to create food-focused content tailored to Asian audiences. The setup also includes amenities like editing suites and virtual production capabilities, enhancing the network's ability to produce high-quality shows efficiently.[28] The network primarily broadcasts in English, with multi-language support to reach diverse viewers through subtitles, dubbed versions in select markets, and digital content adaptations in languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, and Japanese.[29][1][30] Programming is transmitted in 1080i HDTV format as the primary standard, with downscaling to 480i or 576i for standard-definition (SDTV) feeds to ensure compatibility across various reception devices in the region. For distribution, Asian Food Network partners with satellite providers such as Intelsat, SES, and Koreasat for wide-area coverage, utilizing DVB-S2 8PSK modulation on transponders like those at 166.0°E (Intelsat 19), 116.0°E (Koreasat 7), and 108.2°E (SES 7).[30] Cable distribution is handled through collaborations with regional pay-TV operators and Globecast Asia, which provides optimized playout and transmission services from the Infinite Studios facility.[27] These partnerships ensure reliable delivery of the channel's 24/7 programming across Southeast Asia and beyond.Programming
Content focus and format
The Asian Food Network (AFN) centers its programming on the exploration of Asian cuisines, emphasizing authentic traditional recipes while incorporating modern twists to make them accessible and appealing to contemporary viewers. This approach celebrates the cultural significance of food in Asia, drawing from diverse regional influences including Southeast Asian staples like Thai curries and Malaysian satays, East Asian techniques such as Japanese sushi preparation, and South Asian flavors from Indian spices and curries. By blending heritage-driven dishes with innovative adaptations, AFN highlights how Asian culinary traditions evolve in urban and global contexts.[31] AFN's content draws from a combination of internationally sourced programs—often adapted from Western markets like the UK and US to resonate with Asian audiences—and original regional productions filmed across Asia, ensuring a localized perspective on global food trends. This mix underscores the channel's commitment to diversity, featuring contributions from chefs and experts spanning Southeast Asia, Northern Asia, and beyond, to represent the continent's vast culinary mosaic without favoring any single region. Programs often integrate storytelling elements that connect food to personal narratives, community rituals, and historical contexts, fostering a deeper appreciation for Asian food culture.[31][32] The channel employs varied formats to engage viewers, including hands-on cooking shows that demonstrate step-by-step techniques, lifestyle segments examining daily food habits and market explorations, high-stakes competitions testing culinary skills, and immersive travel-food documentaries that journey through ingredient sourcing and regional festivals. These formats prioritize practical utility, such as providing recipes, nutritional insights, and cooking tips, alongside entertainment value through dynamic visuals and expert commentary. For instance, series like Eat China exemplify this by combining documentary-style travel with cooking segments focused on regional specialties.[31][32] Post-rebranding in 2019 from the Asian Food Channel, AFN has expanded its thematic scope to address emerging trends, integrating health-focused content like balanced meal ideas and fermented foods, sustainability initiatives such as zero-waste cooking, and fusion experiments that merge Asian elements with international influences. This evolution reflects a broader mission to inspire healthier, more environmentally conscious eating while maintaining the channel's core dedication to Asian culinary identity, as articulated in its brand promise of making "Asian food accessible for everyone."[31]Notable programs and hosts
The Asian Food Network (AFN) features a range of flagship programs that showcase diverse Asian culinary traditions through engaging formats, including culinary competitions, travel explorations, and home cooking adaptations. One prominent example is Good Chef Bad Chef, a culinary showdown series where celebrity chef Adrian Richardson presents indulgent, flavor-packed dishes contrasted with health-focused recipes from nutritionist and chef Zoe Bingley-Pullin, emphasizing balanced eating without sacrificing taste. The show, which explores themes of indulgence versus wellness in everyday meals, premiered its latest season on AFN in July 2025, drawing viewers with its accessible episode structure of timed challenges and expert tips.[33] Another key program is Luke Nguyen's Railway Vietnam, hosted by acclaimed Vietnamese-Australian chef Luke Nguyen, who journeys along Vietnam's historic railway to uncover authentic regional dishes, from street food to family recipes, highlighting cultural stories and fresh ingredients in each episode. Nguyen, known for his expertise in Vietnamese cuisine through his restaurants and cookbooks, contributes to AFN by blending on-location filming with practical cooking demonstrations, making the series a staple for viewers interested in immersive travel-cooking hybrids. Similarly, Luke Nguyen's India extends this format to southern India, where Nguyen collaborates with local chefs to reinterpret spice-driven meals, focusing on vegetarian staples and fusion elements unique to AFN's regional lens.[34] AFN also highlights international adaptations tailored to Asian audiences, such as localized versions of global competitions infused with regional twists. For instance, Maneet's Eats, hosted by Indian-American chef Maneet Chauhan—a judge on shows like Chopped—adapts classic Indian recipes for home cooks, sourcing market ingredients and simplifying techniques in short, thematic episodes that premiered in October 2025. Chauhan's contributions emphasize bold flavors and personalization, appealing to AFN's diverse viewership across Southeast Asia. Additionally, Urban Chef Indonesia, led by host Yuda Bustara, reimagines urban street food challenges with Indonesian ingredients, fostering a competitive yet educational format that has built a loyal following since its debut.[35][36] Notable series often include guest appearances by international celebrities to bridge global and Asian contexts, such as in AFN's cooking specials where figures like Chauhan collaborate with regional talents. High-rated programs like Family Kitchen with Sherson, hosted by Malaysian chef Sherson Fernandes, focus on multi-generational family recipes with a modern twist, earning praise for its heartfelt production style filmed in authentic home settings across Malaysia. These shows underscore AFN's commitment to original content that celebrates culinary heritage while incorporating innovative, viewer-friendly elements.[37]Reach and digital presence
Broadcast coverage and availability
The Asian Food Network (AFN) primarily broadcasts in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia, and various Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1] This coverage spans 12 territories across Asia, delivered through pay TV providers, cable, satellite, and IPTV services.[1] In these regions, AFN is accessible via major providers such as StarHub in Singapore, Astro in Malaysia, Cignal in the Philippines, MNC Vision in Indonesia, SCTV in Vietnam, and Now TV in Hong Kong.[38][39][40] The channel reached an estimated 130 million viewers across these markets as of 2013. Broadcasting includes country-specific adaptations, such as localized scheduling and partnerships to comply with regional content regulations; for instance, in Vietnam, content is distributed through state-affiliated platforms like SCTV to align with local broadcasting standards.[41] In markets like China and Mongolia, availability may be restricted to premium cable or hotel services due to foreign content import rules, limiting wider terrestrial access. No major expansions or closures have been reported for AFN's linear TV distribution as of 2025, maintaining its established presence in these core areas.[42]Website and online platforms
The official website of the Asian Food Network, accessible at www.asianfoodnetwork.com, serves as a central hub for its digital content, offering an extensive collection of recipes through its "Explore Feed" section, where users can browse food-inspired dishes from various Asian cuisines.[43] The site also features videos and show clips, including full episodes and highlights from series such as "In The Kitchen with Gok Wan’s Easy Asian," allowing visitors to access cooking tutorials and culinary demonstrations on demand.[44] In addition to traditional programming, the platform hosts online content exclusives like web series, like "Sarah's Gastronomic Guide," which explores travel and eating experiences across Asian destinations, providing viewers with narrative-driven content not available on linear television.[45] These exclusives extend to YouTube-hosted series such as "Food Affair with Mark Wiens," where the host delves into regional flavors and chef collaborations, enhancing the network's digital storytelling.[46] The Asian Food Network maintains a robust social media presence across major platforms to engage its audience. On Facebook, the official page has amassed over 3.3 million likes as of November 2025, regularly posting recipe shares, event promotions, and interactive polls to foster community discussions around Asian cooking.[47] Instagram, under @asianfoodnetwork, boasts 247,000 followers and employs visual strategies like high-quality food reels and stories featuring chef tips to drive engagement, with content emphasizing seasonal dishes and cultural insights.[48] The YouTube channel, @asianfoodnetwork, has approximately 78,300 subscribers as of November 2025 and focuses on uploading full episodes, recipe videos, and behind-the-scenes clips, encouraging viewer interaction through comments and subscriptions for ongoing updates. These platforms integrate TV programming clips, such as highlights from "Everyday Gourmet," to bridge broadcast and online audiences seamlessly.[49] Following the 2019 rebranding to Asian Food Network, the digital ecosystem has expanded, with 2025 updates including streaming availability on Max Asia, enabling broader access to on-demand content and contributing to increased online viewership through integrated video libraries. In September 2025, Max expanded to additional markets including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, further enhancing AFN's digital reach.[50][51]References
- https://sg.[linkedin](/page/LinkedIn).com/in/fairenza-cheng-075a4b50