When the conditional access system was switched on in January in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, affecting 1.8 million households, the impact on advertisers was immediate— and disruptive. Advertisers and their agencies demanded discounts or compensation for the drop in number of households, especially those in up-market areas. So far, their pleas have been rejected. “Broadcasters are holding on to prices and are not willing to offer compensation. There is total lack of clarity in terms of … [Read more...] about CAS sparks row between agencies and channels
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AXN bans prompts row on content regulation
The Indian Government’s decision to yank the AXN channel off air on the rounds of airing “indecent” content has highlighted several complex issues confronting the media industry in the world’s largest democracy. The ban on AXN for two months, until mid-March, has prompted several questions: What right do the authorities have to pull channels off air? Is there enough clarity in the guidelines governing broadcasters? Can broadcasters come up with their own guidelines for … [Read more...] about AXN bans prompts row on content regulation
Making Learning Fun
From a purely cynical standpoint, producing programming that is educational is not only what’s expected of the brand, but a strong marketing tool when it comes to driving sales of Disney content, channels and the brand worldwide. And the emerging popularity of preschool programming in Asia would seem the ideal way to capture viewers while they’re young and exploiting their ‘pester power’ as their consumer appetite grows. But upon meeting Nancy Kanter, Disney’s … [Read more...] about Making Learning Fun
Making news in China
Given the tight restrictions on foreign-owned channels operating in China, specially news channels (as Rupert Murdoch found to his cost some years back), how do you build your brand in that complex and politically sensitive market? MediaCorp’s Channel NewsAsia thinks it’s found the solution— by targeting provincial areas as well as major cities and towns; and with a much greater emphasis on Asian coverage than its English-language rivals. “Channel NewsAsia’s unique … [Read more...] about Making news in China
From Australia to the Asia Pacific
For an international channel that was rebranded last August, Australia Network has come a long way. The cable/satellite service (formerly ABC Asia Pacific) reaches 15 million homes in more than 40 countries as well as 200,000 hotel rooms and is watched, on average, by 1.1 million viewers per month. In addition, the channel is available in 10 million homes in 22 major cities in India, thanks to a distribution agreement with Setpro Holdings, an arm of the TV18 Network. “India is the most … [Read more...] about From Australia to the Asia Pacific
Road blocks ahead for new TV “toys” in Asia
The next big things in home entertainment, if you believe the hype at recent trade shows, will be Apple TV and Microsoft’s IPTV-integrated Xbox 360 video games console.Apple Computer Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled Apple TV, a set-top box that allows users to stream content from their computers directly to the television set, at the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco. “Apple TV is like a DVD player for the 21st century — you connect it to your entertainment … [Read more...] about Road blocks ahead for new TV “toys” in Asia
