The multi-channel world gave audiences the ability to fi nd desirable programmes via an almost endless array of general entertainment and niche channels. The proliferation of the Internet, IPTV and over the top, and the portability of the computer and the advent of more advanced devices such as smart phones, game consoles and more recently, tablets have extended that further, beyond the home and to a wider audience. Content anytime, anywhere is no longer a promise but a vivid reality in many markets in the Asia-Pacifi c. This region is in a constant state of change and our industry is no exception. In Australia we have seen the successful entrance of free-to-air networks into the digital arena with the major broadcasters all launching complementary channels. In countries like Japan and South Korea, the issuance of new licenses and the channels that will emerge as a result will no doubt contribute to this ongoing evolution. We are ahead of the curve in terms of watching content on new platforms although the region is vastly different. On one end of the spectrum you have countries like Japan, Korea and Singapore where the broadband infrastructure is amongst the most advanced in the world and has evolved beyond the traditional linear models into the consumption of large amounts of content via new technologies. At the other end of the spectrum are countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and India, which are more mature markets for traditional methods of content delivery such as pay, basic or free-to-air television but where broadband is less developed and is in the early stages of expansion. Previously a limited channel spectrum provided consumers with access to only the biggest, most broadly-based programmes. Today the growing demand for content driven by viewers’ interests is being served by an expansion of local, regional and international entities. Thanks to these providers, Asia- Pacifi c audiences now enjoy an extensive range of content. Whether it is local or regional, scripted or reality, comedy or drama, lifestyle or health, viewers have never had so many choices. This also means a company like Sony Pictures Television, whose library of content is so large and diverse, is able to supply clients’ needs across many genres. Whether through Hollywood blockbuster movies like Spider-Man, criticallyacclaimed series like The Big C, children’s programmes like The Little Prince, health and lifestyle shows as in The Dr. Oz Show, or ever-popular reality series like Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and The Sing Off, our programming is helping our clients satisfy the growing interests and varied needs of the Asia-Pacifi c audiences across various platforms. The general consensus is that regardless of the delivery method, consumers will likely select from some form of on-demand, be it with advertisements, for rent, to own, or via a subscription. Throughout the region, many of our clients are already invested in the on-demand model yet in many ways we believe they’ve barely scratched the surface. The most successful examples around the world suggest that large volumes of content delivered in simple to use, affordable packages can entice the consumer on a larger and more consistent level. As competition emerges and these models become more prevalent in the market, consumer demand will grow and with it, opportunity for all. Some are betting that access to all of this content on an ondemand basis will drive the need for personal content management services. Recently, we have seen different examples of cloudbased offerings and Sony Pictures together with an impressive array of leaders from various industries are working to deliver their solution in ULTRAVIOLET™, which will give consumers the choice to have all their digital content in one place regardless of where it is purchased. This will be an interesting development and with this newly found freedom, the consumer will again be the ultimate victor. The future is as exciting as it is unclear but this region is not without its challenges. Given the complex geographical, cultural and social political characteristics of the many countries it encompasses, it offers content providers, distributors, platforms and governments the opportunity to come together to reward discerning audiences. In all this complexity there is one key thing; that is that regardless of differences, consumers will always gravitate towards well-written, well-produced, high quality content that transcends all with stories that are engaging and fulfi ll our universal need to laugh, cry and be entertained. Previously with Sony Pictures Television’s Latin American headquarters in Miami, Angel made the move to Hong Kong in 2009. He oversees SPT’s distribution efforts in all of Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining SPT, Orengo was international advertising sales executive for CBS Telenoticias in Miami and account supervisor for La Agencia de Orci & Asociados in Los Angeles. He began his career at Telemundo in New York in 1992 working in research and marketing and then went on to Los Angeles where he joined the network sales team.
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