Los Angeles- China Central Television (CCTV) is joining forces with The History Channel to chronicle the epic saga of China’s First Emperor, Chin Shihuang (259-219 BC), who commanded an army larger than Napoleon's; conquered more territory than Alexander the Great; created a realm that outlasted the Roman Empire; and built the Great Wall that still stands. The History Channel describes this as CCTV’s first co-production with a major US broadcaster. China’s First Emperor is due … [Read more...] about CCTV and The History Channel link up for China’s First Emperor
Channel: Genre
Warning: how WiMAX may affect you!
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!
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
Generation gap divides TV audiences
Of the top ten rated programs in 2006, all but two were sports, ranging in ratings from 31.8% for the Torino Winter Olympics in February (NHK) to 51.7% for the Japan-Croatia match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in June (TV Asahi). The only two nonsports programs were the traditional New Year’s eve song fiesta Kohaku Utagassen (NHK) placing 5th with 39.8% and Studio Ghibli’s Ghedo Senki (Tales from Earthsea), featuring anime for theater, directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son Goro, on … [Read more...] about Generation gap divides TV audiences
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
