Beijing-- Chinese authorities have warned nine digital pay TV channels they face fines or closure unless they cease broadcasting commercials, films and dramas in violation of their permit conditions. The Tourism Channel, run by Guangdong Southern Media Group (GSMG), had failed to meet the minimum 90% requirement for its program content and had aired advertisements in breach of its license, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT). "This practice has severely … [Read more...] about Nine Chinese digital TV channels cautioned
Channel: Companies
Outlook positive but growth modest for IPTV in the region
Hong Kong - The perspective on IPTV's future in Asia remains positive, but growth will be modest under the entrenched cable and satellite competition. So says Ovum Analyst Kevin Lee, describing IPTV in Asia Pacific as "still in its infancy, as compared with the booming development in Europe." "As witnessed from its presence in eleven Asian countries, scales of IPTV roll-out remain relatively small. With the exception of Hong Kong being the most successful deployment to date, uptake is still … [Read more...] about Outlook positive but growth modest for IPTV in the region
Latest round of Discovery pink slips confined to the US
The 200 lay-offs announced by Discovery Communications last week affected the US corporate and international divisions, education and US networks. There have been no retrenchments in Asia or any of the other regional offices thus far. However new Chief Executive David Zaslav has said the reorganization isn't over and he's hoping to have it completed by mid-year. Also concerning Discovery, don't expect to see Discovery PlanetGreen rolled out overseas concurrent with or close to its US launch in … [Read more...] about Latest round of Discovery pink slips confined to the US
New Chinese HD docs screening in Japan
Tokyo- NHK's satellite HD channel is screening four two-hour New Chinese documentaries by young Chinese directors, depicting the lives of ordinary citizens in contemporary China. Airing April 23--26, the docs are A Man Like Mao, directed by Chen Weijun, profiling the entertainer who performs as a Mao Zedong look-alike; Let's Dance Together (by Yang Lina), examining a group of middle-aged Chinese exhibiting Western dancing steps at a Beijing park; Pedalling Fathers (Li Xiaofeng, Ji Kai), looking … [Read more...] about New Chinese HD docs screening in Japan
Entertainment Right’s Postman Pat to debut in China on CCTV
Entertainment Rights Distribution Limited (ER), media group specializing in children and family programming, characters and brands, has clinched a deal with China Central Television (CCTV), to launch pre-schooler's show Postman Pat on Chinese television for the first time this year. CCTV licensed all 80 x 15 minute episodes for its children's block CCTV-kids, bringing the Postman Pat brand to 96% of China, as the show reaches an audience in excess of 600 million, including 367 million children. … [Read more...] about Entertainment Right’s Postman Pat to debut in China on CCTV
Palette Pictures studies expat students in the US
Los Angeles- China Central Television has commissioned L.A.-based production company Palette Pictures to produce Oceans Away, a documentary series following current and past generations of Chinese people who have studied and lived in America. The 14-episode series will air on CCTV News Channel this summer. The pilot was broadcast in China in January 2006. The series will aim to show students' everyday lives and their successes and struggles to fit into a foreign society. More than 60,000 Chinese … [Read more...] about Palette Pictures studies expat students in the US