London – Zone Reality, one of Chello Zone’s thematic channels, has commissioned UK a pilot for reality series Stupid Laws to be produced by indie Rival Media, to air across Zone Reality’s international feeds. A full series of Stupid Law is expected to be made in the future, with both the pilot and series to be distributed globally by Zone Distribution. To commence production in spring 2008, Stupid Laws features local residents and law enforcement agencies in various US states, … [Read more...] about Zone Reality commissions pilot of Stupid Laws from Rival Media
Satellites
SPTI and Electric Farm Entertainment to co-produce cross-platform titles
Culver City – Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and Electric Farm Entertainment will jointly develop and produce cross-platform scripted comedy and action drama Woke Up Dead and Gemini Division respectively. Under the agreement, SPTI will exclusively acquire all international rights to the projects across all media including TV, theatrical and DVD releases, Internet, digital sell-through, as well as gaming and mobile rights. Marie Jacobson, EVP, programming and production, … [Read more...] about SPTI and Electric Farm Entertainment to co-produce cross-platform titles
BBC World renamed as BBC World News
Singapore – BBC World, BBC’s commercially funded, international 24-hour news and information channel has been renamed BBC World News. The change follows audience research which revealed BBC World News to be more effective in conveying the channel’s content, which focuses on news and programming. Sian Kevill, editorial director of BBC World News, said, “Over the past five years, we have invested in extending our news coverage, with output now ranging from breaking news … [Read more...] about BBC World renamed as BBC World News
ABS taps Khodadad Betaharon as chief technology officer
Hong Kong – Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) has appointed Khodadad (Ken) Betaharon as its chief technology officer. Betaharon is responsible for the ABS-2 Program including spacecraft development and planning, as well as satellite payload operations, regulatory and strategic development. Prior to joining ABS, Ken was the senior vice president and chief technology officer at Intelsat where he was involved in all aspects of satellite communications, including the procurement of over 40 … [Read more...] about ABS taps Khodadad Betaharon as chief technology officer
STAR and BT in three-year managed service IP network deal
STAR and BT’s Media and Broadcast sector has signed a three-year managed service IP network solution contract. The service will run across BT's Global Media Network, an MPLS-enabled IP network designed to carry broadcast traffic. BT’s media IP network has 300 points of presence in 170 countries. STAR will initially carry eight channels including STAR Plus, STAR One, STAR News, Vijay, STAR Gold, STAR Chinese Movies, STAR Chinese Channel and [V] Taiwan from Hong Kong to Los Angeles. … [Read more...] about STAR and BT in three-year managed service IP network deal
Arqiva and SAT-GE to offer a satellite-based HD video distribution platform into Asia Pacific
Washington DC – Arqiva’s Satellite Media Solutions division is partnering SAT-GE, a subsidiary of General Electric to provide a satellite-based HD video platform into Asia Pacific. Collaboration and co-ordination work has commenced for the new platform that will enable broadcasters to distribute HD and SD channels to Asia-Pacific broadcasters and cable headends. From Arqiva’s Digital Media Center and teleport facilities in Los Angeles, the new HD platform will be uplinked onto … [Read more...] about Arqiva and SAT-GE to offer a satellite-based HD video distribution platform into Asia Pacific
