London – NBC Universal (NBCU) has finalized the acquisition of Sparrowhawk Holdings and its global portfolio of pay-TV channels including the international (non-US) Hallmark Channels, from Providence Equity Partners, 3i and management shareholders. The deal closed following the conclusion of regulatory approvals and terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. As previously announced, NBCU acquired all of the company's shares to own the 18 feeds of the international (non US) Hallmark … [Read more...] about NBC Universal finalizes acquisition of Sparrowhawk Holdings
distribution
Australia-Canada-Singapore co-prod to roll in January 2008
Australia’s Great Western Entertainment (GWE), Canada’s Brightlight Pictures and Singapore’s TheatreRed are co-producing 26 x 30’ live action kids/family sci-fi series Stormworld under GWE’s WiKKiD.tv brand. Stormworld follows the adventures of two Canadian boys transported into a parallel universe. Production will begin in January 2008, directed by Mark DeFriest and Edward McQueen-Mason. Principal photography will take place in Perth, Singapore, Vancouver and … [Read more...] about Australia-Canada-Singapore co-prod to roll in January 2008
David Wisnia, VP, Distribution and Sales, heads STAR’s new LA sales office
Hong Kong / Los Angeles – STAR is expanding distribution of its Hindi and Mandarin language programming in North America with the opening of a sales office in Los Angeles. Headed by David Wisnia, Vice President for Distribution and Sales, the office will market and drive distribution of networks including STAR India PLUS, STAR ONE, STAR India NEWS and VIJAY. STAR will also market STAR GOLD and Mandarin language channels including STAR CHINESE CHANNEL and CHANNEL [V]. Wisnia joins STAR from … [Read more...] about David Wisnia, VP, Distribution and Sales, heads STAR’s new LA sales office
Andrew Marshall joins ESPN STAR Sports as SVP, Legal and Business Affairs
Singapore - ESPN STAR Sports has appointed Andrew Marshall as Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs to its Legal team. Based in Singapore, Marshall has region-wide responsibility for all legal matters related to ESPN STAR Sports networks across Asia as well as business development and strategic relationships. He reports to Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports. Marshall was General Counsel with the Asia Pacific operations of publicly-listed software company BEA Systems, … [Read more...] about Andrew Marshall joins ESPN STAR Sports as SVP, Legal and Business Affairs
CNBC reaches 670,000 New Zealand homes via Sky NZ
Singapore – CNBC is expanding its presence into New Zealand from October 15, 2007 with distribution to about 670,000 homes via a carriage deal sealed with Sky New Zealand. Jeremy Pink, President and Managing Director, CNBC Asia Pacific noted, “CNBC has expanded aggressively in the Asia Pacific this year, growing our distribution numbers by more than 25%, and we are delighted to welcome Sky New Zealand into our global footprint.” CNBC will commemorate the expansion by … [Read more...] about CNBC reaches 670,000 New Zealand homes via Sky NZ
EarthTV circles the globe
Cannes - Telcast Media Group, the company behind earthTV, has signed the first deal to distribute its content in Japan as well as launching several new program strands and formats. Japan's Nippon BS will air earthTV programming 12 times daily, starting in November. In China, its content will get much wider distribution when it moves soon from the weather channel CWTV to CCTV's main news channel. EarthTV's programming World Weather, Motion Time Lapse and What a World! is available in more than 50 … [Read more...] about EarthTV circles the globe
