“AXN is an international brand born in Asia,” explains Michael Grindon, President, Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI), which is responsible for all of SPE’s television, mobile and digital distribution businesses outside of the US.“We knew that action and adventure was popular in this region; we obviously wanted movies to be an important part of the mix, and we also wanted to screen new series from the US and elsewhere. The anime component now has a channel of … [Read more...] about AXN – Evolution
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Producers look to new kids on the block
THE annual Asia Television Forum which kicks off on Nov. 28 in Singapore looms as a crucially important event for producers and distributors of children’s programming.And not just as a venue to close or announce deals that were initiated at MIPCOM 2007.Generating revenues in Asia from the established channels as well as the IPTV, VOD and mobile TV ‘new kids on the block,’ has become even more vital as the BBC and ITV and some other European broadcasters have cut back on … [Read more...] about Producers look to new kids on the block
Battle over content code rages in India
THE Indian Government’s Ministry of Information andBroadcasting has drawn up a Content Code after several TV channels were taken off air this year for periods ranging from 30-60 days.The Code sets out principles to which broadcasters and advertisers are expected to adhere, with the aim of ensuring program content “is suitable for the viewing or listening experience of the public at large.”Moreover, the Code will introduce classification of programs and advertisements as U … [Read more...] about Battle over content code rages in India
East-West partnerships blooming in
IN the field of international television co-productions, East-West collaborations in Asia have never been more numerous- or proving more popular with viewers.And that trend will continue to accelerate, according to executives on both sides of the globe. Among the catalysts are sheer financial need; the growing appetite of audiences in the West for Asian stories and themes; substantial support from government agencies such as Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA), Taiwan’s … [Read more...] about East-West partnerships blooming in
Writers’ strike may cause collateral damage in Asia Pacific
Entering its fourth week, the US writers’ strike may cause collateral damage to the Hollywood studios’ presence and programming in Asia Pacific if the stop-work drags on like the 1988 strike, which lasted for 22 weeks. The strike’s short-term impact is disruption to broadcasters which screen US talk/variety shows and those which have been airing US series close to their US transmission dates. In the medium-to-long term, the risk is that broadcasters in the region will reduce … [Read more...] about Writers’ strike may cause collateral damage in Asia Pacific
New channels and more mobile expected from ESPN STAR Sports
Singapore – New channels dedicated to individual sports, and digital media are just two of ESPN STAR Sport’s (ESS) goals for the coming year. Managing Director Manu Sawhney declines to say which other sports-specific channels are on the horizon but points to the success of STAR Cricket, which launched June 2007 in India. STAR Cricket and sibling channel ESPN garnered a combined channel share of 47.2% during the India versus Pakistan Twenty20 match on Sept. 14. ESPN aired the ICC … [Read more...] about New channels and more mobile expected from ESPN STAR Sports