Petaling Jaya - Astro All Asia Networks Plc has taken on three British rivals in the race for UK radio station Virgin Radio from media group SMG Plc. Bids reportedly range from £60 million (US$117million) and £70 million (US$136million) for Virgin Radio, which is valued by its owner SMG at £85million (US$166million). Other companies believed to be in the bidding include Global Radio, Absolute Radio and private equity firm Vitruvian Partners. Deadline for the next round of bids is mid-March. … [Read more...] about Astro joins fray for UK’s Virgin Radio
Satellites
Disney to up stake in UTV
Mumbai/Burbank, California – The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd will raise its stake in UTV Software Communications Ltd to 32.1% on a fully diluted share capital basis, with new investments of US$200 million, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. Disney’s investment is to be made through a preferential allotment of new UTV shares. In addition, Disney will make an open tender offer to UTV shareholders as required under Indian securities regulations and … [Read more...] about Disney to up stake in UTV
Australia Network re-launches Newshour with Jim Middleton
Australia Network will re-launch its flagship news program Newshour with Jim Middleton to be broadcast over 44 countries in Asia Pacific. The re-launch event will take place on February 20, 2008 at Parliament House in Canberra, while the show has debuted on February 18. Hosted by veteran Australian journalist Jim Middleton, the show focuses on events of the day, panel discussions with commentators and experts on issues and perspectives of Australia and Asia Pacific. Bruce Dover, chief executive, … [Read more...] about Australia Network re-launches Newshour with Jim Middleton
MEASAT in multi-transponder deal with SkyVision for AFRICASAT-1 capacity
Kuala Lumpur – MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd will provide SkyVision Global Networks LLC, a global provider of Internet services over satellite and terrestrial fibre optic systems, with C-Band capacity on the newly commissioned AFRICASAT-1 satellite. Under the multi-transponder agreement, SkyVision will lease C-band transponders on the AFRICASAT-1 satellite from April 2008 for the provision of broadband services to SkyVision customers between Europe and Africa and across the African … [Read more...] about MEASAT in multi-transponder deal with SkyVision for AFRICASAT-1 capacity
Al Jazeera English to debut in Vietnam on VTC Digital TV
Al Jazeera and VTC Digital Television have signed a deal to launch Al Jazeera English in Vietnam. The news and current affairs channel will be available to 2 million households throughout Vietnam on Channel 9 of VTC’s digital terrestrial service offered by Vietnam Multimedia Corporation (VMC), a subsidiary of Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications. VMC’s Vice CEO Le Van Khuong said, “(VTC Digital Television is) using all-digital technology from production to … [Read more...] about Al Jazeera English to debut in Vietnam on VTC Digital TV
Writers’ strike ends
Los Angeles – Hollywood screenwriters have ended their strike following a 92.5% vote by members of the Writer Guild of America (WGA) in favour of resuming work after a three-month long dispute. The vote follows the presentation of a new contract to WGA members over the Feb 9 weekend. A second vote to ratify the contract will be held on Feb 25. Writers ceased work on Nov 5 and have caused TV programs, including the Golden Globes awards show, and movies to be postponed or cancelled, and has … [Read more...] about Writers’ strike ends
