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
Channel: Pay TV
Singapore Metro BMX Jam to screen on SingTel’s Sling HD channel
Singapore- VOOM HD Networks, Singapore's Mega Media HD and the Media Development Authority of Singapore presented television event Singapore Metro BMX Jam, a two-day, free-to-public event featuring BMX's top athletes at the Somerset Skate Park in Singapore on April 7 and 8. The event was shot with eight HD cameras and an extensive HD outdoor broadcast set-up, and will be broadcast on new HD channel Sling HD, which telco SingTel will launch soon. Originated in the U.S. BMX is a form of … [Read more...] about Singapore Metro BMX Jam to screen on SingTel’s Sling HD channel
Nine Chinese digital TV channels cautioned
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 … [Read more...] about Nine Chinese digital TV channels cautioned
BBC Worldwide to launch two new channels in India
London - BBC Worldwide has received down-linking permission from India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and is expected to introduce two new TV channels in India to provide entertainment programming and children's programming. A spokesperson from the commercial arm suggests the technical formalities will be completed in a matter of months.In offering a new children's channel, BBC Worldwide will enter the fray against rivals such as the Disney Channel and Turner … [Read more...] about BBC Worldwide to launch two new channels in India
Foxtel secures more satellite capacity
Sydney- FOXTEL has acquired six transponders on Optus' just-announced D3 satellite to deliver HD services, new channels and enhanced picture and sound quality. The pay TV platform will also migrate some of its digital services from the Optus C1 satellite to the D3 bird, which is due to launch in 2009, as well as taking options for a further two transponders for future service expansion.The new satellite will increase Optus' fleet capacity by more than 30%. HD services will be rolled out … [Read more...] about Foxtel secures more satellite capacity
Hong Kong Media Atlas results unveiled
Hong Kong – Synovate has released its first full-year Media Atlas survey results – covering over 6,000 respondents aged 15-64. Some 98.4% of respondents had watched TV within the past week. On free-to-air, 95% had watched TVB Jade, followed by ATV Home at 79%, TVB Pearl at 76% and ATV World at 52% of respondents.Drama and News were the top genres on TVB Pay Vision garnering 6% of respondents, while News (any channel) dominated on HK Cable with 26% followed by Movies and Sports, both … [Read more...] about Hong Kong Media Atlas results unveiled