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
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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
BBC World launch ‘The Internationalists’ trade marketing campaign
London- BBC World has launched a trade-focused multimedia marketing and communications campaign to introduce ‘The Internationalists’, a new reference to describe its audiences. In this perspective, BBC World’s viewers including business-focused professionals, as well as individuals in the fields of academia, culture, science and government, are described as “decision-drivers, avid travellers, big spenders and conscientious consumers” as well as “global … [Read more...] about BBC World launch ‘The Internationalists’ trade marketing campaign
MySpace and Network Ten launch online poll
Sydney- News Corp's MySpace.com is partnering with Network Ten's weekly political affairs program Meet the Press to interact with viewers on contentious issues in the lead-up to the federal election due to be held before the end of this year. MySpace and Ten will premiere a Meet the Press segment tagged Meet the People on Sept. 30 at 8am AEST. This will allow MySpace users to submit questions via video to politicians on a numbers of pre-determined topics including; the environment, the economy, … [Read more...] about MySpace and Network Ten launch online poll
Film Finance Corp. Australia backs features on East Timor and China
Sydney- Two feature films based on true life events - the shooting of five Australian journalists during Indonesia's invasion of East Timor in 1975, and a Chinese man who was taken from his family to study dancing at age 11 - have secured funding from Film Finance Corporation Australia. Balibo will recreate events in East Timor from the viewpoint of Roger East, who investigates the truth behind the death of the five men who were supposedly “caught in cross-fire” during the invasion. … [Read more...] about Film Finance Corp. Australia backs features on East Timor and China
Documentaries on carbon trading and a psychopath secure funding
Sydney- A carbon trading deal between California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Governor of Indonesia's Aceh province and an investigation into the mind of a psychopath are among the subjects of documentaries which secured funding this month from Film Finance Corporation Australia, Australia's ABC-TV and international broadcasters. The Burning Season from director/writer/co-producer Cathy Henkel and co-producing partner Jeff Canin tracks the race by Dorjee Sun to broker a carbon trading … [Read more...] about Documentaries on carbon trading and a psychopath secure funding