CNN has teamed up with Filipino media company Nine Media Corporation to launch CNN Philippines, the latest regional joint-venture in the broadcaster’s plan to roll out local services.

The predominantly English 24-hour free-to-air news channel and website launched today (16 March), replacing the rebranded 9TV.

CNN Philippines will operate from studios in Manila, offering a mixture of local and international news as well as current affairs, feature programming and documentaries. CNN International will also continue to be available for pay-TV customers in the Philippines.

It is part of a strategic plan by CNN International Commercial’s Content Sales and Partnerships Group to tie-up with local media firms to launch local versions of CNN.

The least launch follows CNN Turk, CNN IBN, CNN Chile and CNN Indonesia – with Turner Broadcasting International Gerhard Zeiler revealing CNN Philippines is “just the beginning” for the Asia-Pacific region.

CNN Worldwide’s president Jeff Zucker said: “We are thrilled to welcome CNN Philippines to the CNN family. Both CNN and Nine Media have worked exceptionally hard to make this a reality. We are confident the Filipino audience is going to embrace CNN Philippines and the unmatched news and information it delivers – something not seen in this country before.”

Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua, chairman of Nine Media Corporation, added: “This is such significant milestone not only for Nine Media but for Filipinos everywhere. This is a news service they have never had before. We aspire to be the trusted name in news in the Philippines. We are proud to tell the story of the Filipino through the unique content we provide.”

A host of Filipino speakers will be taking to the stage at next week’s Festival of Media Asia Pacfic in Singapore, including Unilever Philippines chairman Rohit Jawa and McDonald’s Philippines VP marketing Margot Torres.