Petaling Jaya – Malaysia’s dominant broadcaster Media Prima Berhad (MPB) will launch a pay-per-download offering by the end of December/early 2008, followed by a Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) service. The new services will draw on MPB’s content of more than 30,000 hours, mostly from its flagship channel TV3, including drama, entertainment, magazine and documentary shows and local movies. “We are trying to get some foreign content which is under negotiation with the right holders,” said an MPB spokesperson. The pricing is being kept under wraps but the spokesperson assures it will be “very enticing to our consumers.” MPB recently revamped its TV network web portals, providing free access for recently aired programs, as well as launching entertainment and lifestyle portal gua.com.my. In the nine months to Sept. 30, MPB’s pre-tax profits surpassed RM100 million for the first time, reaching RM101.8 million (US$30.2 million), a 98% increase on the prior year. The company cited the strong performance of its TV and radio networks and the newly acquired outdoor business. TV9 achieved operational breakeven after only 17 months in operation – well ahead of the two year target. Collectively the four networks racked up a total household audience share of 53% despite the proliferation of new channels. (Source: Viewers All 6+, AC Nielsen).