Beijing- China's broadcasting watchdog has banned an online television station for operating without a licence in a further bid to regulate online television, according to the People’s Daily. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) accused China International Chinese Television Station of "illegally recruiting reporters and engaging in unauthorized journalistic activities". The station's website was replaced by a web page reading: "Website … [Read more...] about SARFT cracks down on online channel
Bidding opens for Olympics Internet and mobile rights in China
Beijing- The International Olympic Committee has launched a tendering process for the sale of Internet and mobile phone platform rights in mainland China for the Beijing Olympics. The IOC had already sold free to air TV rights in China to broadcaster CCTV. Deadline for bids is April 18. Reuters reports revenues from broadcasting and new media rights for the 2010 and 2012 Olympics have already risen 40% from the previous two Games package, which includes the Beijing Olympics, and will exceed … [Read more...] about Bidding opens for Olympics Internet and mobile rights in China
ANYTIME expanding deals to include SVOD, India and China
Singapore- ANYTIME Pte Ltd., Asia’s largest video-on-demand channel, has extended its long-term deal with NBC Universal International Television Distribution to encompass subscription V0D as well as Internet distribution rights for NBC Universal feature films. The deal also includes the addition of two new territories in India and China.This follows arrangements with Sony and Warner for Internet rights to their films. “We are pursuing a range of rights extensions with all our … [Read more...] about ANYTIME expanding deals to include SVOD, India and China
Apple TV arrives Down Under
Sydney- Apple began marketing its Apple TV device, the wireless set-top box designed to show video downloaded from the iTunes store on living room televisions, in Australia last week, priced at A$449 (US$359). The marketing campaign makes no mention of the availability of movies or TV episodes, referring only to home movies, movie trailers, podcasts and digital photos. The blurb says: “Instead of huddling around your computer to watch what’s on iTunes, connect Apple TV to your … [Read more...] about Apple TV arrives Down Under
Bed of Roses and docs secure financing in Oz
Sydney- Bed of Roses, a six-part drama series for ABC TV, and 10 documentaries on diverse subjects such as baby boomers, asylum seekers and endangered birds, have secured funding from Film Finance Corp. Australia. Bed of Roses, from McLeod’s Daughters writers Jutte Goetze and Elizabeth Coleman, follows the adventures of spoilt, rich, city-dweller Louisa Atherton, who is forced to move back to her tiny hometown when her husband dies in the arms of another woman, leaving her and two teenage … [Read more...] about Bed of Roses and docs secure financing in Oz
Ambience Entertainment beefs up TV, film output
Sydney- Australia’s Ambience Entertainment, part of the Omnilab Media Group, is ramping up television production and branching into feature films.Headed by Michael Boughen, Ambience is co-producing the second series of children’s show Erky Perky with Canada’s CCI Entertainment, with animation by sister company the LaB Sydney. In pre-production is Sharky’s Friends, a comedy game show for 8-12 year olds, created by Boughen and Rick Maier, for Australia’s Nine … [Read more...] about Ambience Entertainment beefs up TV, film output