The 200 lay-offs announced by Discovery Communications last week affected the US corporate and international divisions, education and US networks. There have been no retrenchments in Asia or any of the other regional offices thus far. However new Chief Executive David Zaslav has said the reorganization isn't over and he's hoping to have it completed by mid-year. Also concerning Discovery, don't expect to see Discovery PlanetGreen rolled out overseas concurrent with or close to its US launch in … [Read more...] about Latest round of Discovery pink slips confined to the US
format licensing
Free mobile broadcasts to start in Korea in May
Seoul-- Beginning next month, South Koreans will be able to watch free TV programs on mobile handsets. The Ministry of Information and Communication said it gave licenses to KBS and MBC, the country's two top TV broadcasters, to start nationwide mobile broadcasting as terrestrial DMB. "KBS plans to expand the service areas to the whole country next month and MBC is poised to follow up in August," Lee Ki-joo, a director general at the ministry, told the Korea Times. "Then, terrestrial DMB … [Read more...] about Free mobile broadcasts to start in Korea in May
Nine Chinese digital TV channels cautioned
Beijing-- Chinese authorities have warned nine digital pay TV channels they face fines or closure unless they cease broadcasting commercials, films and dramas in violation of their permit conditions. The Tourism Channel, run by Guangdong Southern Media Group (GSMG), had failed to meet the minimum 90% requirement for its program content and had aired advertisements in breach of its license, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT). "This practice has severely … [Read more...] about Nine Chinese digital TV channels cautioned
Entertainment Right’s Postman Pat to debut in China on CCTV
Entertainment Rights Distribution Limited (ER), media group specializing in children and family programming, characters and brands, has clinched a deal with China Central Television (CCTV), to launch pre-schooler's show Postman Pat on Chinese television for the first time this year. CCTV licensed all 80 x 15 minute episodes for its children's block CCTV-kids, bringing the Postman Pat brand to 96% of China, as the show reaches an audience in excess of 600 million, including 367 million children. … [Read more...] about Entertainment Right’s Postman Pat to debut in China on CCTV
Hurray! for Beijing TV Media
Beijing-- Chinese mobile music distributor Hurray! has signed an exclusive agreement with Beijing TV Media to create interactive services for the broadcaster's channels and TV programs. Beijing TV is one of the top five TV networks in China, operating one national channel and twelve local channels, reaching 250 million viewers. QD Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hurray!, said, "This event is a breakthrough for us in developing new distribution channels and gaining access to TV and … [Read more...] about Hurray! for Beijing TV Media
New Chinese HD docs screening in Japan
Tokyo- NHK's satellite HD channel is screening four two-hour New Chinese documentaries by young Chinese directors, depicting the lives of ordinary citizens in contemporary China. Airing April 23--26, the docs are A Man Like Mao, directed by Chen Weijun, profiling the entertainer who performs as a Mao Zedong look-alike; Let's Dance Together (by Yang Lina), examining a group of middle-aged Chinese exhibiting Western dancing steps at a Beijing park; Pedalling Fathers (Li Xiaofeng, Ji Kai), looking … [Read more...] about New Chinese HD docs screening in Japan