Hong Kong-- It could take the Star Group a further four fiscal years to return to its previous peaks in profitability after a painful 2006/2007, according to Media Partners Asia. The pay TV company's operating income in the year to June 30 plunged by almost 30% to $US91 million. "Going forward, we don’t believe that STAR’s story will substantially unravel further but it will likely lose its leadership in the Indian TV entertainment space this year," MPA reports. MPA predicts Star's … [Read more...] about A long road to recovery for Star Group
Pay-TV
Foxtel sees surge in subscribers, profit and ratings
Sydney- Dominant pay TV platform Foxtel posted a pre-tax profit of $A76 million in the year ending June 30, up from last year’s maiden $A4 million profit, as revenues climbed to $A1.42 billion. Total subscriber base, including wholesale customers, reached 1.44 million, up 12.4%, and more than 16% have taken the Foxtel iQ PVR. Around 45% of subscribers sign up for the platinum package, and less than 5% opt for the lowest-priced package. In the year to June 30, subscription television … [Read more...] about Foxtel sees surge in subscribers, profit and ratings
Gina Brogi promoted to Senior VP, Fox Worldwide Pay Television
Los Angeles – Gina Brogi has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Worldwide Pay Television for Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. Brogi takes on expanded responsibilities for the distribution of the studio’s film and television product to the division’s existing pay television clients, as well as to new and emerging clients worldwide. She will also be instrumental in developing new subscription pay TV business models as the pay TV business continues to evolve. … [Read more...] about Gina Brogi promoted to Senior VP, Fox Worldwide Pay Television
Celestial Movies debuts on TELKOMVision in Indonesia
Hong Kong- 24-hour Chinese-movie channel Celestial Movies has launched on TELKOMVision’s cable and DTH satellite pay TV services in Indonesia. That extends the channel’s reach in the country, making it the only Chinese movie channel available on all four major pay TV platforms. In July, Celestial Movies began to fully localize the channel for Indonesia with all movies subtitled in Bahasa Indonesia and all on-air promotions dubbed in Bahasa Indonesia. Celestial Movies is now available … [Read more...] about Celestial Movies debuts on TELKOMVision in Indonesia
Seven loses court case against News, PBL and Foxtel
Sydney- The Federal Court has rejected the Seven Network's court action alleging anti-competitive conduct caused the demise of its C7 pay TV sports service in 2002. Seven had sought damages from News Limited, Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd, and Foxtel, among others. Justice Ron Sackville described the legal costs incurred by the parties of "A$200 million (US$175.2 million) and counting" as bordering on the "scandalous." Costs will be determined in September. Sackville said that even if the … [Read more...] about Seven loses court case against News, PBL and Foxtel
Ads, not subs, new focus for M2B
Singapore – Pay TV firm M2B World is revamping its business model, aimed at advertising revenues accounting for 60-70% of overall revenues. This is a departure from the company’s current subscription-based model which sees M2B charge S$30 (US$20) per month for niche content like Korean drama, anime, and some movies-on-demand. M2B World Asia Pacific recently inked a five-year partnership with major fashion programming provider Videofashion Networks. The deal promises Made-for-Asia … [Read more...] about Ads, not subs, new focus for M2B
