Ever since market leader Star Plus announced the third edition of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, there has been a shake-up in the Hindi general entertainment genre. The return of KBC in late January, with a new anchor in Hindi movie superstar Shah Rukh Khan, resulted in the removal of a bunch of familyoriented drama serials from the 9-10pm Monday-Thursday slot. While Star Plus is seeking to revive its magic, distancing itself from the nearest … [Read more...] about Mixed fortunes for Hindi entertainment
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Local content still in its prime
Local productions and Korean and Chinese dramas continue to monopolize eyeballs during prime-time on the major free-to-air broadcasters across much of the Asia-Pacific. But Big Brother is still going strong, Idols are popular and game shows are hot in many markets. Most US series are still relegated to late night or daytime slots on the leading networks. But if Steve Macallister, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Buena Vista International Television (Asia Pacific) has his way, that … [Read more...] about Local content still in its prime
Taboo TV
Whether you agree with it or not, the importance of adult content simply can’t be ignored. Just ask Sony, whose refusal to let its Betamax video-cassette be used by the adult entertainment industry is seen as the largest contributory factor to their loss of that particular format war. As for the TV content industry, the old adage that ‘wherever adult content goes, TV content will follow’ still rings true. From VHS to VCD, from DVD to downloads; now VoD and mobile offer … [Read more...] about Taboo TV
To market, to market
Maria Brown Managing Director, Programming & Acquisitions - Asian Food Channel Asian Food Channel (AFC) acquired, repackaged and reformatted a number of Asian titles which were well received across the region. Our unique platform and format places food-based content in the right context, with shows like Singapore’s Yummy King and $2 Wonderfood having done well as part of a pan-Asia programming strategy. Trends in food programming can be quirky and do not always follow larger programming … [Read more...] about To market, to market
ATV greets the future as it celebrates the past
With handsome new headquarters rising in Tai Po, four new HD channels on the way, and a recently-formed subsidiary ramping up drama production and expanding into artist management and live shows, Asia Television Limited (ATV) has its eyes firmly on the future. Chief Executive Chan Wing Kee underscores the upbeat mood at the company when he declares, “ATV will continue its success by focusing on Asia and breakthroughs in creativity. Our vision is to integrate Greater China and international … [Read more...] about ATV greets the future as it celebrates the past
The Death of Primetime?
A word of advice for budding techno-preneurs – if you’re planning to invent a new technology that can revolutionize the way people watch TV, try not to incur the wrath of Madison Avenue and the world’s multinational marketers by selling your device on the strength of its ability to skip television advertising. Such was the mistake made by firstmover manufacturers of PVR or DVR (personal or digital video recorders), who in attempting to be extremely user-friendly, proved to be … [Read more...] about The Death of Primetime?