the story so far in Australian broadcasting: the Nine network is fighting hard to regain its ratings crown after losing to Seven in 2007; pay-TV viewing is growing at the expense of the free-to-air broadcasters; and most sections of the media, except online, are having to contend with the slowing Australian economy. The highest interest rates since 1996 and record fuel prices have combined to push consumer confidence to a 16-year low. That’s been reflected in a 15 percent slump in … [Read more...] about Economic headwinds slow Australian media
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Home grown fare reigns Down Under
Australianprogramming of all stripes is dominating the ratings among the free-to-air networks in Australia this year, boosted by a raft of new local dramas, infotainment and reality shows. Production is starting to benefit from a producer rebate of 20 percent of the budget, introduced in July 2007 by the Australian government, which applies to series of up to 65 episodes, telepics, short-form animation and documentaries. However producers argue the incentive won’t achieve its full … [Read more...] about Home grown fare reigns Down Under
Nat Geo & Fox’s blossoming bouquet
hong kong-based senior vice president marketing Sonia Jackson makes for a convenient comparison with some of the brands she oversees: cosmopolitan and well-travelled, she has been with the Fox family longer than many of the channel brands have existed. Born of Latin American parents, educated in the UK, Jackson has worked in many different regions at offices in London, Brazil, Spain, Portugal; including a stint in Tokyo. While some markets carry the maximum channel bouquet, Portugal now boasts … [Read more...] about Nat Geo & Fox’s blossoming bouquet
IPTV in practice – the Korean experience
According to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), there were 1.345 million pre-IPTV (TV portal) service subscribers as of February 2008. In addition, telcos decided to make a large investment of 1.5 trillion KRW (US$1.5 billion US dollars) in 2008 on network, platforms, set-top boxes, and content for the commercialization of IPTV. In 2007, the Electronics and Telecommunications Institute (ETRI) ‘IPTV Industry Outlook Report’ forecast that the number of subscribers would surpass … [Read more...] about IPTV in practice – the Korean experience
Endemol’s Asian expansion
Seoul – Endemol is opening an office in Seoul, South Korea, headed up by managing executive business development Far East / digital media Ryan Lee. It is also anticipated Endemol will relocate its Southeast Asia HQ to Malaysia - from its current Bangkok location. Speaking at the BCWW 2008 Exhibition & Conference, being held at COEX 3-5 Sept 2008, senior licensing manager commercial & creative affairs Maarten Meijs said that Endemol gameshow format 1 versus 100 has been one of the first … [Read more...] about Endemol’s Asian expansion
IMG in 20-year joint venture with CCTV
Beijing/New York - IMG Worldwide and China Central Television (CCTV) formed a 20-year joint venture to develop and promote sporting events and content across the China landscape. The CCTV-IMG Sports Management Company, headquartered in Beijing, will own and produce a range of live sporting events and programming in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau for TV and other platforms, following the Olympics in Beijing. The alliance will combine IMG's experience handling sporting events with CCTV's reach … [Read more...] about IMG in 20-year joint venture with CCTV