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
Asian content
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
Anime drawing new revenue streams in Asia and beyond
With the evolution of new media platforms and booming popularity of toon-based video games, the anime industry is riding a wave of increasing profitability. Moreover, animated feature films, direct-to-video titles and live action films which utilize sophisticated CGI techniques are all contributing to the lucrative anime business. Toei Animation estimates the character merchandise market is worth ¥1 trillion (US$8.4 billion) per year and has been developing consumer goods and digital products … [Read more...] about Anime drawing new revenue streams in Asia and beyond
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
Prime time for Hollywood studios in Asia-Pacific
For the Hollywood majors, these are the best of times in Asia-Pacific, both as a distributor and, increasingly, as a producer of local content, either solo or as joint ventures. Sales to cable and satellite channels are booming, although securing primetime deals with many of the major free-to-air broadcasters in the region is as elusive as ever. And while the business of selling programming to new media platforms is relatively small potatoes, it’s incremental revenue for the … [Read more...] about Prime time for Hollywood studios in Asia-Pacific