Hong Kong – The 20th CASBAA Convention culminated with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Chairman’s Award presented to Steve Marcopoto, outgoing President and Managing Director, Turner International Asia Pacific Limited.
“On behalf of CASBAA and the industry as a whole, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the years of service Steve Marcopoto has given to the industry and the Association,” said Marcel Fenez, Chairman, CASBAA. “As a pioneer of the pay-TV industry in Asia and a long standing member of the Board of Directors, Marcopoto has been an important voice in establishing the agenda and direction of CASBAA.”
Since taking the helm as President and Managing Director of Turner Broadcasting Systems in 1998, Marcopoto has overseen the growth of Turner’s business in Asia Pacific from their first linear, pan-regional TV channel to a multimedia, multi-language, multi-territory enterprise creating award-winning channels and brands.
Under his leadership Turner has grown from broadcasting two networks in the region to 37 channels today in 11 languages and in 40 countries, along with a vast array of digital and off-channel commercial activities. These channels include CNN, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Pogo, TCM Turner Classic Movies, Tabi Channel, MondoTV, WB, QTV and truTV. In an increasingly competitive environment, Marcopoto has maintained Turner’s leadership position in news and kids channels, forged entry into new territories and built great partnerships.
Recent accolades won under his leadership and initiatives include the launch of truTV across Southeast Asia in 2010; CNN being named ‘Cable and Satellite Network of the Year’ among five honours at the 2011 Asian Television Awards; the development of Cartoon Network’s first branded waterpark, Cartoon Network Amazone, launching in Bang Saray, Thailand, next year; Southeast Asian launches of Toonami and Cartoonito in 2012; the launch Boomerang in Thailand; and the launch of the Adult Swim OTT service in Australia, the first of its kind for the company in the region.
An advisory board member of The Media Alliance, an industry-wide initiative focused on building public awareness and behavior change on global social development issues; previously he has served as Chairman of the Society of Publishers in Asia and as Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
He has mentored countless executives, many of whom have gone on to senior roles in Asia and abroad. As a passionate advocate of the CASBAA Convention, he has been a dedicated participant, moderator and interviewer.
Marcopoto has also helped pushed the agenda for advertising on multichannel TV in the region and, most recently, was the board member responsible for CASBAA’s Regulatory and Anti-Piracy Committee.
“As an associate on the Board and colleague to many in the industry, his larger-than-life personality, keen insight and strong leadership have always been valued and appreciated,” added Fenez.
