Sydney – Telstra streamed live video coverage of the Nov. 24 Federal election and the Nov. 25 final of Australian Idol to its Next G mobile phone subscribers. The Nine Network’s election coverage was offered to 1.5 million customers for a one-off charge of A$2.95; the Idol live pack, which included exclusive behind-the-scenes during the ad breaks, was priced at A$2 per week. Telstra's Next G network covers 98.9% of the Australian population. Telstra’s BigPond mobile … [Read more...] about Telstra streams Federal election and Australian Idol final
asian entertainment news
BBC Worldwide’s Top Gear goes local Down Under
Australian free-to-air network SBS has inked a deal with BBC Worldwide for the rights to a local version of Top Gear. Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide’s Australasian partner, will produce eight-episode series to air on SBS in 2008. BBC Worldwide identified Top Gear as one of its top priority brands across all platforms. Top Gear Managing Director at BBC Worldwide, Adam Waddell, said, “With the UK series viewed in more than 100 countries worldwide, and BBC Top Gear magazine … [Read more...] about BBC Worldwide’s Top Gear goes local Down Under
BBC Worldwide and Paul Marquess set up Cliffhanger Productions
BBC Worldwide has teamed with Paul Marquess, former Head of Drama at Thames Television, to launch Cliffhanger Productions, focusing on making dramas for UK networks. BBC Worldwide has 25% of Cliffhanger while Marquess holds the rest. BBC Worldwide will be responsible for commercializing Cliffhanger’s content through its global sales and marketing network as well as local production bases. Marquess most recently was developing dramas for Endemol subsidiary Showrunner and has brought that … [Read more...] about BBC Worldwide and Paul Marquess set up Cliffhanger Productions
Sean Cleary to WIN
Sydney — Sean Cleary, former CBS Paramount Vice President/Managing Director, Asia Pacific, has joined Bruce Gordon’s regional television empire WIN TV. Serving as a consultant, Cleary is advising on the programming of WIN’s channels, which expanded recently after Gordon bought the Nine Network affiliates in Adelaide and Perth. For many years Gordon ran Paramount’s international television division. … [Read more...] about Sean Cleary to WIN
CNN International taps Green as SVP Programming, ups McCarthy to VP Coverage/Feature Programs
CNN International has appointed Katherine Green as Senior Vice President for Programming and promoted Mike McCarthy from Managing Editor to the newly created post of Vice President for Coverage and Feature Programming. Based at the network’s headquarters in Atlanta, Green oversees all editorial production, program development, network talent and day-to-day operations of CNN International; while McCarthy is responsible for major breaking news and feature programs produced in CNN’s … [Read more...] about CNN International taps Green as SVP Programming, ups McCarthy to VP Coverage/Feature Programs
SK Telecom poised to control Hanarotelecom
Seoul – SK Telecom looks set to control Korea’s Hanarotelecom after being named as the sole preferred bidder of AIG/Newbridge consortium’s 39.36% stake in Hanaro. The deal needs regulatory and other approvals, which may take until March 2008. SKT already owns a 5% stake in Hanaro, Korea’s second biggest fixed-line player. SKT, Korea's top mobile operator with 22 million customers, joined the race after Australia’s Macquarie Bank launched a bid. Hana TV, the … [Read more...] about SK Telecom poised to control Hanarotelecom