Maybe it’s simply down to significant cross-promotion across myriad cable channels, but the boundaries of genre seem to be becomingincreasingly blurred. Trailers for shows about ‘survivors’ in the jungle, ghost-hunters and real pirates of the Caribbean seem more suitedto general-entertainment and movie channels than the pillar channels of the factual entertainment space. Shows about strange facts and occurrences almost beyond credibility, or the limits to which the human body … [Read more...] about The truth is out there
broadcaster news
Striving for the BesTV
As the worlds of broadcasting and telecommunications move towards convergence, SMG is expanding to meet the emerging opportunities of the digital media sector. Earlier this year, SMG made its intentions quite clear: “The aim is to make Shanghai the biggest IPTV network in the world”, said DaZhong Zhang, VP – Shanghai Media Group and CEO of the IPTV venture. BesTV’s Chief Operating Officer Huaiyu Li told Television Asia: “We are currently offering these services in … [Read more...] about Striving for the BesTV
Going for Olympic gold
Chinese television stations are gearing up for the 2008 Beijing Olympics with ad spend expected to soar for a Games being held on home soil. The International Olympic Council has already predicted broadcast revenues for the Beijing Olympiad to cash in at US$1.7 billion - 14% up on the Athens-held 2004 Games. Although the Chinese advertising market has grown ‘calmly’ at only 12% for the first 5 months of 2007, China-based CTR Market Research expects the market to experience a … [Read more...] about Going for Olympic gold
Digital cable growing apace in metro China
Digital cable TV is developing at a fast clip in China, with the number of households with access to the facility having reached 60 million throughout the country, according to one estimate. The number is nearly 10 times as many as the 6.56 million homes reported to have digital cable TV by the industry watchdog, the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) as of end-June 2006. Digital cable TV, which offers subscribers a choice of at least 50 channels, is regarded as … [Read more...] about Digital cable growing apace in metro China
Lonely Planet travels to BBC Worldwide
London/Melbourne: BBC Worldwide has acquired Lonely Planet, the Australian-based travel information group, in a deal that will build the Lonely Planet franchise around the world. Lonely Planet was founded by owners Tony and Maureen Wheeler in 1972, and advertising guru John Singleton became a shareholder in 1999. "Joining BBC Worldwide allows us to secure the long-term future of our company within a globally recognised media group," said the Wheelers, who will retain a 25% stake. Lonely Planet, … [Read more...] about Lonely Planet travels to BBC Worldwide
Al Jazeera English reaches 100 million homes and targets US distribution
Doha, Qatar- Al Jazeera English has achieved a global viewer footprint of 100 million homes in one year since launch, and is targeting to attain broad distribution in the US market and deeper penetration in India and key markets worldwide, recruiting Phil Lawrie as Director of Global Distribution to spearhead the effort. Although Al Jazeera English is carried by major cable and satellite operators worldwide, new carriage deals for conventional platforms continue to be struck with the most recent … [Read more...] about Al Jazeera English reaches 100 million homes and targets US distribution