Australian free-to-air network SBS has inked a deal with BBC Worldwide for the rights to a local version of Top Gear. Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s Australasian partner, will produce eight-episode series to air on SBS in 2008. BBC Worldwide identified Top Gear as one of its top priority brands across all platforms. Top Gear Managing Director at BBC Worldwide, Adam Waddell, said, “With the UK series viewed in more than 100 countries worldwide, and BBC Top Gear magazine … [Read more...] about BBC Worldwide’s Top Gear goes local Down Under
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BBC Worldwide and Paul Marquess set up Cliffhanger Productions
BBC Worldwide has teamed with Paul Marquess, former Head of Drama at Thames Television, to launch Cliffhanger Productions, focusing on making dramas for UK networks. BBC Worldwide has 25% of Cliffhanger while Marquess holds the rest. BBC Worldwide will be responsible for commercializing Cliffhanger’s content through its global sales and marketing network as well as local production bases. Marquess most recently was developing dramas for Endemol subsidiary Showrunner and has brought that … [Read more...] about BBC Worldwide and Paul Marquess set up Cliffhanger Productions
CNN International taps Green as SVP Programming, ups McCarthy to VP Coverage/Feature Programs
CNN International has appointed Katherine Green as Senior Vice President for Programming and promoted Mike McCarthy from Managing Editor to the newly created post of Vice President for Coverage and Feature Programming. Based at the network’s headquarters in Atlanta, Green oversees all editorial production, program development, network talent and day-to-day operations of CNN International; while McCarthy is responsible for major breaking news and feature programs produced in CNN’s … [Read more...] about CNN International taps Green as SVP Programming, ups McCarthy to VP Coverage/Feature Programs
SkyCable looks to IPO in 2008
Manila - The Lopez group is taking leading cable TV operator SkyCable public next year, aiming to raise more than P3 billion (US$69.3 million), to fund digital video, new content, broadband and VOIP expansion, and service debt and restructuring. The company expects to finish 2007 with 458,130 customers, about half the legitimate market for pay-TV in the Philippines. The significant growth driver will come from combating piracy, accelerating digital migration and growing ARPU, says Media Partners … [Read more...] about SkyCable looks to IPO in 2008
Sportfive and NHK strike Premier League deal
Kuala Lumpur – Sportfive has agreed a TV deal with Japan’s NHK to show weekly free-to-air coverage of the Barclays Premier League (BPL) soccer. NHK was the first broadcaster in Japan to deliver sports programming to the public. Under the deal, NHK will air BPL matches for the next three seasons. “We are very happy with NHK adding the matches of England’s top football league to their prominent sports content”, says Lars Heidenreich, Managing Director of Sportfive … [Read more...] about Sportfive and NHK strike Premier League deal
Oracle muscles into media solutions
Singapore - Oracle is moving into solutions for media and entertainment companies in Asia Pacific. China’s language search engine company Baidu and Xinhua News Agency; India’s Amar Ujala and Tata Sky; and Indonesia’s Global TV are among Oracle’s latest clients in the region. Solutions that manage information and content assets, protect intellectual property rights, ensure information quality, manage projects, revenues and financials, as well as reduce infrastructure costs … [Read more...] about Oracle muscles into media solutions