A consortium of Japanese companies, including Jupiter Satellite Broadcasting, Jupiter Programming, Sony Broadcast Media, Nihon Keizai Shimbun and TV Tokyo, has launched Interactive, a broadcaster that plans to operate six specialty channels, including a movie channel, on the N-SAT-110 communications satellite from March 2002.

Jupiter Satellite Broadcasting will own 30% of the start-up while Sony Broadcast Media will hold 15%, Jupiter Programming 12.5% and TV Tokyo and Nihon Keizai Shimbun 12.25% each. Sachihiro Yoshida, who is currently assistant general manager of Sumitomo Corp's Media Business Division, has been appointed president. Sumitomo owns both Jupiter Satellite Broadcasting and Jupiter Programming.

Interactive will operate six specialty channels devoted to films, animation, economic news, TV shopping, golf and entertainment aimed at women. It will also offer various interactive services, including data broadcasts and home shopping.