Beijing- China Telecom and China Netcom have urged the government to deregulate the IPTV market, claiming that restriction on licenses is stifling the development of IPTV. China Telecom, which has 210,000 IPTV subscribers, including 150,000 in Shanghai, is allowed to offer its IPTV service in just six cities, preventing it from reaching millions of potential customers across the country. China Netcom Chairman Zhang Chunjiang said he hopes to offer IPTV services "in every city in China," but this … [Read more...] about Call to free up IPTV market in China
James Packer, former media mogul
Sydney- The Packer dynasty's reign in Australian media is over. James Packer has stepped down as chairman of PBL Media, owner of the eastern States Nine Network and ACP magazines, after the Packer-controlled PBL reduced its stake in the company from 50% to 25%, ceding control to its joint venture partner CVC Asia Pacific. CVC partner Adrian MacKenzie is expected to become chairman of PBL Media, with the Packer-appointed Ian Law continuing as Chief Executive. Packer will remain on the PBL Media … [Read more...] about James Packer, former media mogul
Asia Media Holdings buys into Cambodia and Laos
Nonthaburi, Thailand– Shin Satellite plc has agreed to sell part of its Cambodia and Laos interests to Asia Mobile Holdings Pte Ltd (AMH). Shin Satellite will sell 49% in Shenington Investments Pte Ltd, for consideration value of US$200 million. Shenington is an investment holding company with a 100% stake in Cambodia Shinawatra Company Limited and 49% in Lao Telecommunications Company Limited. AMH, a joint venture between Qatar Telecom and ST Telemedia, currently holds interests in … [Read more...] about Asia Media Holdings buys into Cambodia and Laos
Five Shanghai nominations for BBC Worldwide
Shanghai- Planet Earth, Born Equal, After Thomas, and Recovery have been nominated for the Shanghai Television Festival's Magnolia Awards. This year's fest runs June 11-15. From Pole to Pole, episode one of the Planet Earth series, has been nominated for Best Nature Documentary. Born Equal has received two nominations - Best TV Film and Best Screenplay (TV Film). Meanwhile in the Best Director category, Simon Shore has been nominated for his direction on the true story After Thomas, and David … [Read more...] about Five Shanghai nominations for BBC Worldwide
NHK World in U.S. carriage deal
Tokyo- MHz Networks will present 24-hour English-language international channel NHK World TV to viewers in Washington D.C. starting July 2007. MHz Networks will broadcast NHK World TV on its sixth international channel MHz 6, following France 24, Russian World TV, Russia Today and NTA (Nigerian Television Authority). Headquartered in Virginia, MHz Networks' broadcast reaches Washington D.C. and surrounding suburbs. NHK World TV will also be available via cable services in the areas that carry … [Read more...] about NHK World in U.S. carriage deal
FremantleMedia comes bearing The Gift
Sydney-FremantleMedia will begin selling internationally format rights to The Gift, a factual series which looks at the life-and-death business of organ donation and transplants. The Nine Network commissioned FremantleMedia Australia to produce eight episodes of The Gift, hosted by 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown. The format was created by FMA Chief Executive Mark Fennessy and his in-house creative team. "Our colleagues are very enthused by this and will be taking it out internationally," he … [Read more...] about FremantleMedia comes bearing The Gift