the story so far in Australian broadcasting: the Nine network is fighting hard to regain its ratings crown after losing to Seven in 2007; pay-TV viewing is growing at the expense of the free-to-air broadcasters; and most sections of the media, except online, are having to contend with the slowing Australian economy. The highest interest rates since 1996 and record fuel prices have combined to push consumer confidence to a 16-year low. That’s been reflected in a 15 percent slump in … [Read more...] about Economic headwinds slow Australian media
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Market watch
Erin Silber Consultant, International Program Sales (Asia Pacific, Middle East, Israel), 4Kids Entertainment 4Kids Entertainment’s hottest title selling into Asia continues to be our flagship series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. Our broadcast partners continue to support the series because the property remains evergreen – fun stories, heroes with personality and attitude and comedy action adventures that continue to entertain kids … [Read more...] about Market watch
Merlin on TEN in 2009
Australia's Network Ten has secured the broadcast rights to MERLIN - one of the most anticipated series to come out of the United Kingdom in recent years - from FremantleMedia Enterprises. This action-packed, 13 x one-hour fantasy drama, reportedly one of the most significant investments by a UK broadcaster in years, revisits the story of Prince Arthur (Bradley James) and his wizard, Merlin (Colin Morgan), in the mythical city of Camelot. The story centres on these two characters as ambitious … [Read more...] about Merlin on TEN in 2009
China’s outlook remains robust
Hong Kong - Despite slowing exports in Q2 2008, the pace of China's economic growth remains robust - with full-year GDP likely to expand by 10%. According to Media Partners Asia, economic activity in key sectors remains strong with 15 - 25% average annualized growth in retail sales, industrial production and fixed asset investment. Media buyer and strategist GroupM has indicated that total advertising expenditure will climb by 22% in 2008 and by 19% in 2009, with TV, online and OOH media … [Read more...] about China’s outlook remains robust
Kiwi version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
2waytraffic International announced that TV New Zealand, New Zealand's biggest free-to-air broadcaster and the nation's public broadcaster, has commissioned a home-grown version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to play weekly in primetime. The series will be produced in Melbourne (Australia) where it will be recorded in front of a Kiwi audience and fronted by a New Zealand host, with production scheduled to commence in late August. The series will feature the three standard Lifelines, Ask The … [Read more...] about Kiwi version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Doc Martin to open in Spain
London - Portman Film & Television announced a range of deals for the series Doc Martin, which sees the production of a Spanish version of the show and a second series of the German version, whilst UK producer Buffalo Pictures has secured a re-commission in the UK for a fourth series. The comedy drama follows the tactless doctor as he causes mayhem in a small community, is available as a finished programme or as a scripted changed format. Spanish terrestrial broadcaster Antena 3 has picked up … [Read more...] about Doc Martin to open in Spain