The formats business in Asia is booming. Game shows are hot. So are dancing/singing shows. And comedy is fast becoming the new frontier for clever concepts that can travel. China is busily commissioning local versions of Western productions. Of the emerging markets, Vietnam is devouring numerous formats, and Pakistan is becoming more receptive. And telenovela producers see great scope in adapting their shows for Asian markets with local partners. Summing up the buoyant mood, Pierre Cheung, … [Read more...] about Formats frenzy in Asia
Channel: Companies
Lonely Planet travels to BBC Worldwide
London/Melbourne: BBC Worldwide has acquired Lonely Planet, the Australian-based travel information group, in a deal that will build the Lonely Planet franchise around the world. Lonely Planet was founded by owners Tony and Maureen Wheeler in 1972, and advertising guru John Singleton became a shareholder in 1999. "Joining BBC Worldwide allows us to secure the long-term future of our company within a globally recognised media group," said the Wheelers, who will retain a 25% stake. Lonely Planet, … [Read more...] about Lonely Planet travels to BBC Worldwide
CNBC strengthens push into Australia
Sydney– CNBC is continuing to boost its presence in Australia, launching two new programs on Oct. 2, both fronted by its new recruit, Oriel Morrison, a business news journalist whose CV includes stints with the Nine Network, Sky News, Channel 7 and Bloomberg. The new shows are Trading Matters (Monday-Thursday 5 pm Sydney time) and Australia This Week (Friday 5 pm). Trading Matters will provide Australian investors with a daily, half-hour digest of the day's business headlines, a … [Read more...] about CNBC strengthens push into Australia
AXN brings on board six sponsors for The Amazing Race Asia 2
The Amazing Race Asia is set to return for a second season on AXN with six sponsors, Aviva, Caltex, Nokia N-series, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific, Bintan Lagoon Resort and Standard Chartered Bank, on board. Similar to the first season which attracted more than 15 million viewers, sponsors’ products and services will be incorporated into the branded entertainment program which will debut towards the end of 2007. Currently in production, TARA 2 promises to “go well beyond Asia” … [Read more...] about AXN brings on board six sponsors for The Amazing Race Asia 2
SPE Networks – Asia beefs up programming team
Singapore – Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Networks - Asia has beefed up its programming team in the advent of its new channel, AXN Beyond. The new hire is Marianne Lee, Associate Director of Programming for AXN. She is responsible for program acquisitions for AXN and Sony Entertainment Television (SET). Previously, Lee was with TVB Pearl in Hong Kong - first with the Marketing & Sales department, responsible for airtime & sponsorship sales, followed by the Program Division, in charge … [Read more...] about SPE Networks – Asia beefs up programming team
Foxtel on the prowl for product at MIPCOM
Sydney- Foxtel Executive Director of Television & Marketing Brian Walsh will lead a four-strong team of Foxtel execs at MIPCOM 2007, scouting for product for the platform’s owned-and-operated channels plus the latest addition to the fold, Arena. Foxtel takes management control of Arena, a female-skewed entertainment channel, on Oct. 1, in a deal with its owner XYZ Entertainment, a joint venture between Foxtel and regional satcaster Austar. “Our objective is to refine Arena and focus … [Read more...] about Foxtel on the prowl for product at MIPCOM