Terrestrial TV is facing problems so profound and on so many levels that toward the end of a two-hour interview, Jack Hsiao-Cheng Chi, senior specialist, department of planning, National Communications Commission (NCC), asked his interviewer, “Why do you feel such pity for them?” In the context of the discussion, newcomers Formosa Television (FTV) and Taiwan Broadcasting System (TBS) were excluded. Instead the reference was to the once mighty ‘Three Channels’ - China … [Read more...] about Taiwan in focus
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Edging into the digital age
In what insiders described to be a reluctant move given the lack of tangible government support, Hong Kong’s free-to-air broadcasters Television Broadcasts (TVB) and Asia Television (ATV) rolled out digital TV services on the very last day of 2007 to meet the government-mandated deadline, as part of the preparations for telecasts of the Beijing Olympics in August 2008. The sporting extravaganza is expected to be keenly watched by Hong Kong viewers with equestrian events to be held in the … [Read more...] about Edging into the digital age
China in focus
China is the world’s largest TV market by audience and fast becoming one of the world’s most prodigious producers of TV content. Total annual production of TV programs reached 2.6million hours in 2006, an annual increase of 2.51%, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television Development and Research Center. Total airtime reached 13.6million hours, up 4.62% on 2005. TV penetration reached 96% of the population by the end of 2006, with around 139million … [Read more...] about China in focus
IPTV, PC on the rise but no real threat – yet
New access technologies, be they IPTV or mobile TV, and the number of screens with which consumers interact in a day, are throwing up a new set of challenges for service providers, media owners and content providers. The onus is on the industry to package and present content in a desirable format, one that optimally leverages the screen or technology and ensures viewers have the best experience. Emerging viewing platforms are causing TV broadcasters to scramble to catch the viewer not only at … [Read more...] about IPTV, PC on the rise but no real threat – yet
What is Asia watching?
BBC World World News Today: focused at South Asia, telecast Monday to Friday at 21.30 IST presented by the internationally acclaimed news personality and the BBC’s main presenter – Nik Gowing. Explains Dezma de Melo, BBC World’s head of research, India, BBC World, “In January 2008, BBC World conducted an online survey among viewers of BBC World and found that two out of five viewers watch this programme regularly. Three out of five strongly feel that this bulletin takes a … [Read more...] about What is Asia watching?
Content kaleidoscope
Guadalupe D’Agostino, Vice President & General Manager, RCTV International RCTV International has been expanding its distribution in Asia as its markets have proven to be lucrative. Telenovelas are in demand and we have continued to break new ground across various Asian territories. We believe Asia and Latin America are alike in many ways with similar cultures and parallel sensibilities. Also, our products have universal appeal which attracts worldwide audiences. RCTV International is … [Read more...] about Content kaleidoscope