Mark Hollinger was a fitting choice to keynote at the CASBAA 2009 Convention given that, back in 1994 as Hong Kong-based Acting General Manager for Discovery Channel Asia, he was responsible for overseeing and coordinating all activities related to the launch and operation of Discovery Channel Asia. Soon after that CASBAA keynote, Hollinger left his role as Discovery Communications Chief Operating Officer to replace Greg Ricca as President and CEO of Discovery Networks International. In 1995, … [Read more...] about Striking the right balance
Satellites
Tech perspectives: HDTV
Terry Bleakley, Vice President, Commercial Operations, MEASAT Satellite Systems There is a lot more HD content out there than say 12 months ago. New channels such as Li TV and The Food Network, which do not have the legacy of an SD installed base to navigate, have chosen to launch their channels in HD as a differentiator and a key component of their go to market strategy – something we did not see in 2008. In addition, all of the leading tier one pay-TV networks in Asia, such as National … [Read more...] about Tech perspectives: HDTV
Satellites’ leading lights
“We entered 2009 against the backdrop of the fiercest economic downturn in living memory from which the satellite industry, in general, and SES WORLD SKIES in particular, have so far only been marginally affected,” says Elias Zaccack, vice president for Asia Pacific sales, SES WORLD Skies. “We can look back on some notable successes and highlights in 2009. In terms of achievements, we commenced of the year with Ciel-2 going operational, a satellite serving North America.” … [Read more...] about Satellites’ leading lights
India – a growth story
Talking to colleagues from India back during BroadcastAsia mid-2009, some were keen to play down the DTH growth story, saying that projections of its potential in India were being over-exaggerated. But subscriber numbers from analysts Media Partners Asia show DTH to be the fastest-growing sector in India’s television industry since its launch in 2003. Currently at 20 million homes, eight million were added in the past five years and 10 million more are projected for 2010. Unsurprisingly, … [Read more...] about India – a growth story
‘Hope for Haiti Now’ on National Geographic Channel in Asia January 23 & 24
Asia - National Geographic Channel is bringing ‘Hope for Haiti Now,’ a two-hour global earthquake relief telethon, to Asia for a commercial-free delayed broadcast in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Taiwan on 23 and 24 January. Viewers can help victims of the Haiti earthquake by making a donation directly to the Asian arm of the international aid agency of their choice, such as Oxfam, Red Cross or UNICEF. Local donation details will be shown during the broadcast. Screening live at 8pm … [Read more...] about ‘Hope for Haiti Now’ on National Geographic Channel in Asia January 23 & 24
Newly-expressed interest delays ProtoStar auction
The 14 October 2009 auction-date of ProtoStar 1 became the deadline for bidders to express preliminary interest. At press time, bids were due 23 October, with the auction rescheduled for 29 October. Industry sources say interest has been such that the ProtoStar 1 satellite could sell for at least double its original estimated price, and the auction of ProtoStar 2 could also be delayed. Auction was organized after Bermuda-based ProtoStar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2009. July … [Read more...] about Newly-expressed interest delays ProtoStar auction
