Sydney- Foxtel has acquired the local rights to the Dutch format The Singing Office, and production of a 13-part series is underway, hosted by comedian Nick Giannopoulos. The series aims to turn everyday working Australians into singing and dancing superstars. Each episode introduces five workers from two very different Australian companies, who will audition, learn to sing and dance in a ‘boot camp.’ then take part in a sing-off. Also aboard are comedienne Julia Morris, who has … [Read more...] about The Singing Office tunes up Down Under
broadcaster news
J:COM Kanto merges with Chofu Cable and J:COM Setamachi
Tokyo- J:COM Kanto Co., Ltd. has merged with its subsidiaries., Chofu Cable Inc. and J:COM Setamachi Co., Ltd. on August 1 in a strategic consolidation targeted at improving group competitiveness and management efficiency through integration of back-office operations. J:COM Kanto becomes Japan’s largest cabler with approximately 520,000 subscribing households, 1,890,000 serviceable homes, and will be the main service provider in the Kanto area with plans to broaden its operations. J:COM … [Read more...] about J:COM Kanto merges with Chofu Cable and J:COM Setamachi
Growth spurt for Asia’s pre-school market
Toddler TV is booming in Asia. New channels dedicated to pre-schoolers are springing up. English-language kids channels are popular with parents who want their kids to learn English. Locally produced programming for the genre is increasing. Content is finding new distribution platforms in IPTV, especially in Korea, and Video-on-Demand. And the merchandising business is being driven by new brands and campaigns. Fox International Channels’ Baby TV already airs in Japan, Hong Kong and … [Read more...] about Growth spurt for Asia’s pre-school market
The Cable Guys
According to one analyst, “Taiwan is a still a significant opportunity but the regulatory issues are still bad and the market isn’t going anywhere.” Indeed, one of the highest cable TV penetration rates in the world should make Taiwan the land of opportunity for pay-TV channels, but the regulatory environment is still in the throes of reform. … [Read more...] about The Cable Guys
Brand new view
In a media career spanning 30 years, Nigel Parsons’ extensive experience includes roles at BBC Radios 1-4, BBC World Service Radio and WTN (Worldwide Television News), as well as successfully managing TV start-up news network teams, EBC in Switzerland and Italy’s Telecampione. He talks to Television Asia about his latest challenge, as Managing Director of Al Jazeera International “When the chance to take part in the launch of Al Jazeera English came along, it was something I … [Read more...] about Brand new view
China drags heels on IPTV and mobile
Broadcasters in China are yet to make significant inroads in the fields of IPTV and mobile TV as these new platforms struggle with regulatory and technology issues, plus doubts about their commercial viability. Moreover, these fledgling services face fierce competition from the internet in delivering information and entertainment. One formidable rival is News Corporation’s MySpace China (Myspace.cn) social networking site, which had nearly 32,000 registered users just 12 days after … [Read more...] about China drags heels on IPTV and mobile