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
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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
Encore for Music Matters
Opening this year’s conference, John Kennedy, Chairman and CEO, IFPI (International Federation of Phonographic Industry) issued a call to arms against physical and digital piracy, which he said posed a threat to the future of the global business worth 20 billion dollars. “We are engaged in a fight for survival,” said Kennedy. “More music is being consumed than ever before. It is the most popular product in the consumer industrialized world. We must make sure this precious … [Read more...] about Encore for Music Matters
Virtual world offers revenue reality
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but not when it involves copyright infringement and intellectual property piracy. Seeing one’s cheaply copied content, or consumer products, for sale on a market stall in Southeast Asia or Greater China may be encouraging evidence of brand popularity – but it more often indicates an ongoing erosion of licensing revenues. Which is one reason why TV brand-holders are increasingly exploiting ancillary rights in the digital marketplace. … [Read more...] about Virtual world offers revenue reality