Promotions at A+E Networks
SINGAPORE – Ling-Sze Gan has been promoted to Senior Director of Content Sales, Asia. Based at A+E Networks’ Singapore office, she oversees content distribution throughout the region to both standard and non-standard television platforms.
Since joining A+E Networks in 2007, Gan has grown content distribution revenues in the region by 700 per cent, and has expanded distribution into the terrestrial market in Japan and has closed significant output deals in Korea, China and Thailand. She reports to Alan Hodges, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific for A+E Networks.
Also, at A+E Networks’ London office, Jonathan South has taken on the role of Vice President Content Sales.
South now manages the EMEA content sales team, overseeing sales of the networks’ 9,500+ hour catalogue throughout the region. He is responsible for developing and implementing a growth strategy in key European territories, and for augmenting revenue streams across platforms and regions.
Paula Askanas assumes EVP role at SPT
CULVER CITY, CA – Paula Askanas has been promoted to executive vice president of communications for Sony Pictures Television (SPT), from her previous position of senior vice president of media relations.
In this new role, Askanas oversees business and trade press and internal communication for the television company worldwide.
Reporting to Steve Mosko, president, SPT, she will work specifically on behalf of the businesses and executive teams for production, channels and distribution in the US, EMEA, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and India, as well as US advertiser sales.
Keaveny gets industry nod
Tom Keaveny, President and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, has been honoured at the recently concluded CASBAA convention in Hong Kong.
The region’s PayTV association bestowed Keaveny with the Chairman’s Award for his contribution to the industry.
CASBAA Chairman, Marcel Fenez, who presented the award, thanked Keaveny, “For his contributions to the development of PayTV in the region and his tireless work explaining the value of PayTV to advertisers as Chairman of the CASBAA Advertising Committee (ATAC).”
The Chairman’s Award is given out annually to individuals or organizations for their outstanding work in the Asia-Pacific multi-channel cable, satellite and broadband TV industries. Other nominees this year included, William Pfeiffer, CEO of Tiger Gate Entertainment, HBO Asia and SkyCable in the Philippines.
Along with his work with CASBAA, Keaveny – based in Singapore – is also an advisory board member of the Asian Television Awards. Before joining Discovery he worked for Channel 4 and Eurosport in the UK.
Casbaa honours Richard Li
HONG KONG – Casbaa presented Richard Li Tzar Kai, Chairman of PCCW, with its Lifetime Achievement Award, for his outstanding contributions to the development of the Asian Pay-TV and broadcasting industry.
“Richard Li has been, and continues to be, a tremendous driving force in the evolution of multichannel television across Asia with his most recent success of now TV,” said Marcel Fenez, Chairman of Casbaa.
A broadcasting industry visionary, Richard Li foresaw an opportunity for the creative development of information and home entertainment services across Asia during the last decade of the twentieth century.
Among his achievements include Star TV, Asia’s first satellite-delivered multichannel TV service, which launched in 1991, reaching 50 million homes in 53 countries; and the now TV service, which has become a leading media and entertainment brand in Hong Kong, achieving the highest IPTV market penetration in the world.
Emma Turner joins FremantleMedia Drama division
LONDON – FremantleMedia has appointed Emma Turner to the position of Senior Executive Producer, Worldwide Drama. In her new role, Turner will support the operations of FremantleMedia’s Worldwide Drama division, working with local teams across Asia, Latin America and Europe.
Turner’s appointment comes as FremantleMedia continues to focus on maintaining and expanding its drama offering. Turner will play a key role in the development of regional and formattable drama, as well as facilitating drama production throughout the company’s worldwide network of production companies.
Turner is an experienced drama producer and executive, having worked on productions such as Holby City, Eastenders, and New Tricks. She specializes in developing, establishing and refreshing returning drama series and soaps, and has worked extensively all over the UK, as well as in Ireland, France and Asia.
