Tokyo – NBC Universal (NBCU) is continuing to expand by acquiring Jupiter Telecommunications' subsidiary JSBC2 and launching Sci Fi channel on J:COM. The deal is expected to close in April 2008; terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed. Under the agreement, NBCU will acquire 100% of the equity of JSBC2, which holds the broadcasting license for Reality TV on SkyPerfecTV in Japan. In addition, NBCU’s Global Networks division will launch Sci Fi Channel in Japan in Spring 2008. … [Read more...] about NBCU takes Jupiter’s JSBC2, prepares to launch Sci Fi Channel in Japan
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Idols franchise goes regional in Asia
FremantleMedia’s Idols franchise will go regional with the first ever Asian Idol. To be held in Indonesia, the singing talent competition show will be jointly produced by Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI) and FremantleMedia to premiere on Nov 24 from 2000 – 2130 hours on RCTI. Asian Idol is the culmination of the Idol searches in Indonesia, India, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, and will feature the winners and one judge from each country. Ata and Daniel, hosts … [Read more...] about Idols franchise goes regional in Asia
Samsung, KT join forces to propel IPTV
Seoul - Samsung Electronics and KT, South Korea's dominant fixed-line operator, have set up a partnership to propel IPTV sales amid increasing demand for such services in one of the world's most Internet savvy countries. According to The Korea Times, the partnership will see Samsung offer 42-inch plasma display panels (PDP) and 40-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) "Bordeaux" TVs at specially discounted prices to new subscribers to the Mega TV service. Officials from Samsung and KT are reported … [Read more...] about Samsung, KT join forces to propel IPTV
Viacom and Network18 formalize Viacom18
Mumbai - Viacom Inc. and Network18, through group company Global Broadcast News, have formalized Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, their 50:50 JV in India. Plans for Viacom 18 were announced in May 2007. Viacom18 includes TV, film and digital media content across various brands as well as consumer products, and will be managed by a six-member Board with equal representation by Viacom and Network18. Viacom18 will launch a new Hindi-language general entertainment channel in India early 2008 to offer … [Read more...] about Viacom and Network18 formalize Viacom18
Showtime gives FremantleMedia Satisfaction
Sydney - FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has collared international rights to Satisfaction, a steamy new Australian drama set in an upmarket brothel. Created by Roger Simpson (who produced Stingers, Halifax fp, Good Guys, Bad Guys with his former producing partner Roger Le Mesurier), and produced via his new banner Lonehand Productions, the 10 x 1 hour series was commissioned by the Showtime movie network. Featuring Diana Glenn, Peta Sergeant, Kestie Morassi, Bojana Novakovic and Alison Whyte, … [Read more...] about Showtime gives FremantleMedia Satisfaction
Hollywood series scarce in Australia’s Top 20
Sydney—Bad news for Hollywood: there are just three US productions among the top 20 regular series on Australian free-to-air television this year. The top 10 is dominated by comedies Kath & Kim (2.12 million) and Thank God You’re Here (1.86 million), observational documentaries The Force (1.84 million) and Border Security (1.84 million) and reality/variety Dancing with the Stars series 7 and 8 (1.82 million). The sole US place-getters are series four and three of House (1.5 million) and … [Read more...] about Hollywood series scarce in Australia’s Top 20