What has been the strategy for Channel NewsAsia’s growth in the region?

Debra: It is all about the quality of our content, our growing viewership and distribution. We have a very clear brand and editorial stance, reporting from Asia about Asia; we believe we have insight advantages and an unparalleled network.

Since we went 24 hours in 2013, we have picked up many awards for our range of content (52 international awards from 2013 to date) in news, documentaries and other programmes. However, we must always strive to do better in this area.

Beyond that, we must also appeal to consumers directly, and look to the future. That involves growing our digital brand and presence; and I do not mean just social media. We have to ensure that our own website and mobile apps are the most consumer-friendly, most appealing and is able to satisfy what today’s impatient digital consumer wants, whilst adhering to the standards of journalism and news-gathering that we always have to uphold.

Looking ahead 12 months, what growth opportunities do you see for Channel NewsAsia- further expansion into new territories, more newsy segments, new genres etc.

Debra: In the next 12 months, we have to focus on digital, as I have mentioned, without losing the big picture for broadcast. We always set yearly growth targets for distribution and sales, and these are what we have to grow. In terms of genres, we are a news channel with a difference. We do not just do rolling news 24/7; we go deeper and have current affairs and documentaries too which add perspectives and depth. We will continue to grow this area, through both in-house and outsourced programmes.

We have also experimented with genres. An example is the commissioned Little People Big Dreams, the channel’s first feature documentary. It has done remarkably well on the festival circuit, being officially selected for screening for 16 local and international festivals to date. We will continue to look at innovative genres of content and storytelling to push the boundaries in these areas.

How is breaking news on traditional media still relevant with the proliferation of social media?

Debra: The 24/7 news cycle is still alive and well, but instead of breaking on-air, the news may break online or on social media. But that is okay. The job of TV journalists and broadcasters is to stay with the important stories and add depth. I think it is futile to try to say that ‘we break news first’, because in this day and age, being the first to know is not as important as being the first to understand. That is what traditional media needs to strive to do, even as we adopt our own online and social media platforms.

In big events, TV has a huge role to rallying people together for a cause. Whether it is over the disappearance of a plane, reporting and adding depth and sensitivity to the plight of women in India over the issue of rape, or the death of a great statesman; recent events show that traditional media is still relevant.

What is Channel NewsAsia’s advantage over its competitors in bringing news to the people?

Debra: In Asia, it is because we are from Asia, we invested in Asia and we understand Asia. We report with respect and integrity. There are many different countries who may say they offer this, but because we are headquartered out of a small country- with a global perspective whose existence and survival depends on the success of all of Asia-, I think we offer a nuanced view, not the view of any one country. We are the only English language news channel from Asia targeting the discerning global executive. I think that counts for something.