Imagine the TV broadcast of a major global sporting event, watched by millions of people, suddenly failing. Imagine a regional entertainment channel unexpectedly going off the air. This has already happened and could potentially become a regular and frustrating occurrence. The problem originates with government decisions on spectrum allocation – a subject for technical experts but one that has profound implications and that we all need to be aware of . . . While there are a number of … [Read more...] about Warning: how WiMAX may affect you!
Channel: Companies
New Media, New Talent
Fans of the new NBC offering 30 Rock, currently airing across Asia on STAR World, would doubtlessly have enjoyed the debut episode’s arrival of GE hot-shot Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin). “I’m the new Vice President in charge of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming,” he smugly announces. “That sounds like you programme microwaves,” retorts Liz Lemon (Tina Fey). But despite Donaghy’s apparent lack of relevant experience to segue from … [Read more...] about New Media, New Talent
STAR TV’s mantra: own platform and content in new media world
If pay TV operators and channels don’t embrace new technologies and platforms, aggressive telcos will grab that business. Broadband will make watching TV cool again, especially among elusive teenagers. Mobile broadcasting will take off faster in Asia than the High-Definition format. While mobile TV won’t replace traditional broadcasting, it will serve as a valuable brand extension for channels. And there will be an explosion of Internet Protocol Television around the world, which … [Read more...] about STAR TV’s mantra: own platform and content in new media world
Thank you for the Music
In terms of technological developments, the distribution of audio content has invariably paved the way for video. From the humble cassette tape to CDs, and digital compression enabling delivery to computer, MP3 players and mobile devices, where music goes so TV can follow. But the question, say execs, is not whether TV should be learning from the music’s experience, but whether TV is learning the lessons that music industry peers learned the hard way. Parallels are obviously being drawn … [Read more...] about Thank you for the Music
Turner vs Disney as retail soars
Over the last year or so, the Walt Disney Company and Turner Broadcasting Systems have been engaged in an intriguing battle in the kids genre in India. Even as the two networks battle it out for audience share and advertising and subscription revenue with multiple channels, the companies have also been diligently expanding their presence in the nascent licensing and merchandizing industry. The expansion comes at a time when India’s retail sector is expected to witness an upsurge in the … [Read more...] about Turner vs Disney as retail soars
Revitalizing anime
A healthy increase in exhibitor and visitor figures at the recently concluded sixth annual Tokyo International Anime Fair (TIAF) points to continuing buoyancy for the anime business internationally. “The demand for anime is increasing strongly as interest amongst industry professionals worldwide has surged,” says Kanji Kazahaya, Director of Toei Animation’s International Department. Kazahaya says Toei Animation and the industry as a whole are benefiting from growing … [Read more...] about Revitalizing anime