Let’s reminisce with Asian broadcasters during the peak season of ATF: In Singapore, broadcasters have been forced to adapt quickly to changes viewing habits as telcos move in, while producers have had to be equally nimble to ensure their content attracts eyeballs in such a media-rich environment. For Mediacorp, juggling programming and content delivery demands has paid dividends both in Singapore and further afield. Its operations span the media spectrum, from traditional TV networks to on-demand service Toggle. Its scripted series refl ect a wider global trend and remain a key audience driver in Singapore and the region – the success of its long form drama Tanglin, a daily drama that airs before news.
Malaysia-based satcaster Astro has launched a pay channel dedicated to Asian horror and supernatural movies. Dubbed Boo, the service is available on the Astro pay-TV platform, mobile service Astro on the Go and on-demand via internet-connected PVRs. Astro has the South-East Asian distribution rights to the channel but is yet to say when and where it will roll out next.
Chinese restrictions on foreign content are hurting the Korean content industry but will eventual work to its advantage, according to a former FOX Networks executive. China’s media regulator SAPPRFT introduced rules in June to limit the number of shows based on foreign formats in a bid to boost local production. It is believed that the outcome will lead to more Korean and Western collaborations and some Korean players will become more aggressive in investing internationally. Meanwhile, a new Chinese-backed OTT platform was launched earlier this year, targeting younger South-East Asian audiences outside of China. Wiseme, aimed at 18 to 35-yearolds in this region is backed by China Media Capital based in Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur. The service will offer a mix of Chinese and Asian content.
The U.K. and Thailand have struck their first full coproduction partnership, with broadcasters from both countries involved in a new food show. A Taste of Thailand (10×60) will take viewers through the country’s cuisine and culture and will be coproduced by Thai state broadcaster MCOT and UKTV. MCOT-owned prodco Panorama Worldwide will start production on the show in January with an as-yet unnamed UK production partner.
And, you may be interested to know that Netfl ix and regional OTT operators are taking subscribers away from established pay-TV platforms in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand, according to a report. Online piracy also continues to impact pay platforms according to research fi rm Media Partners Asia. The study used a panel of 1,000 people in each of the six markets – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – to provide insight into how consumers engage with, use and interact with video.
The sample covers milliennials and older demos as well as skewing towards mobile consumption in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. The survey showed the importance of dayand- date content, with Hollywood movies topping the list of ‘must have’ genres for a premium SVoD service. This is closely followed by new Korean and Chinese dramas and new Hollywood series, while sport is also increasingly important. In Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong, the consumption of pay-TV is trending lower, with streaming / on-demand services accounting for the vast majority of content needs.
