AsiaPac will drive pay-TV growth

Worldwide Pay-TV Subscribers to Grow 5%, Despite Growing Shift to Internet TV Services in the US, Says ABI Research

Singapore – 19 Sep 2012 – The global pay-TV market continues to grow despite a decline in the North America pay-TV market in 2012. ABI Research forecast that global pay TV subscribers will reach 858.1 million at the end of 2012, a 5% year-on-year increment from 2011. The key growth will be driven by the Asian-Pacific market which is expected to add more than 27 million subscribers in 2012.

Cable TV operators in United States have been facing a continuous decline in pay-TV subscribers. In the first two quarters of 2012, Cable TV operators lost nearly 0.8 million subscribers, although their broadband subscriber base has continued to grow. IPTV, which has less penetration than cable or satellite in the US market, gained around 0.6 million subscribers during the same period.

“As broadband adoption grows, it is likely that pay-TV subscribers are switching to Internet TV services. Internet TV services are cheaper than traditional pay-TV services or even free of charge. Services such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc. are cheaper alternatives for pay-TV subscribers especially in these uncertain economic times,” said Sam Rosen, practice director of TV & video. ABI Research expects that the overall pay-TV subscriber base in North America at the end of 2012 will decline 0.2% from 2011.

China’s Urbanites Watch The Most Online Video

NPD: 18% Of Consumers Watch Online Video Daily On TVs; China’s Urbanites Watch The Most Of All

(August 23, 2012) Online video — helped along by the rise of tablets, better broadband and a flood of content from YouTube, Netflix, Amazon and many others — has seen a huge rise in usage in the last few years; and while PCs remain the most common way to consume it, thanks to consoles like the Xbox, even TV screens are becoming popular for online video consumption.

According to a new study out from NPD surveying 14,000 consumers across 14 countries, some 18% of users are accessing online video on TVs on a daily basis, with some 25% accessing it several times a week, with movies driving much of that growth.

Similarly, it noted that tablets and smartphones are also continuing to see more usage for online video. The fact that overall PCs have a higher penetration than tablets may be the reason why PCs — both laptop and desktop — still prove more popular than tablets and smartphones as a place to watch online video. But as we have seen before, when people do have tablets, some are actually spending more time watching video on them than they are PCs, by as much as 30% more.

TV Upfronts centre stage in BKK

Bangkok, 18 September 2012 – The power of multichannel TV for advertisers continues to be a focus for CASBAA as the Association traveled to Thailand. Presented in association with Campaign Asia-Pacific and local operator TrueVisions, The Bangkok Screenings attracted 160 attendees representing advertising agencies, clients and networks.

“Multichannel TV has never been a better proposition for advertisers in Thailand than it is today,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO, CASBAA. “As viewership increases and penetration grows in the Asia Pacific, multichannel TV is the intelligent choice for marketers to reach audiences and maximize return on investment.”

A showcase for leading networks in the region to screen their upcoming programming, a highlight of The Bangkok Screenings was a keynote address from Wannee Ruttanaphon, President, Media Agency Association of Thailand. Presentations were also made by BBC Worldwide, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, FOX One Stop Media, History, Sony Pictures Television, TNN 24 and TrueVisions.

Agency participants included Carat, GroupM, OMD, Mindshare, PHD, Maxus and MediaCom while attending clients comprised senior representatives from Ford Thailand, Kraft, Toshiba Thailand, DhosPaak Co. Ltd., Charoen Pokphand, Bangkok Airlines and Dusit Thani Bangkok.

“An upfront is like the NY fashion week of the TV industry which lets the industry know what’s “in” and what’s “out” for the season,” said Rathakorn Surbsuk, Trading Partner, GroupM. “It’s great to have a TV upfront in Thailand and I’m sure this will help create new exciting opportunities for clients for the coming years.”

“A very good event; lots of opportunity here,” added Adisai (Eddie) Sirisinha, Marketing Director, Ford Thailand. “I look forward to more of these types of events.”

Thailand’s evolution into an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia has been swift with its national GDP of US $345.6 billion (THB 10.7 trillion) in 2011 expected to soar 7.5% by 2013*. Multichannel TV homes in Thailand are growing at a rapid pace, more than doubling from 3.8 million in 2009 to 10.3 million in 2012**.

Previously hampered by restrictive regulation, pay-TV advertising has been permitted on cable and satellite TV since 2008; today, television is the most powerful advertising medium accounting for 60% of total ad spending in the country.

“The opportunity for multichannel TV ad growth is phenomenal in Thailand,” added Twiston Davies. “Events such as the TV Upfronts provide a platform for networks to unite together to promote the advantages of multichannel TV and to continue the education process for agencies and marketers.”

* source World Bank

** source CASBAA

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About CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia. Spanning 18 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 420 million connections through a footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To find out more, please visit casbaa.com

About Campaign Asia-Pacific

Campaign Asia-Pacific is the region’s leading marketing, advertising and media industry magazine and online network. Delivering all the latest industry news and publishing benchmark research, analysis, marketing sector and platform reports, Campaign offers the region’s decision makers and influencers insights into a fragmented marketing and media environment across multiple markets. To find out more, please visit campaignasia.com

About CASBAA AD

CASBAA AD is the advertising development division of CASBAA, the only authoritative voice for multichannel TV in the Asia Pacific. Supported by the industry’s leading stakeholders, CASBAA AD advocates the value of multichannel TV in Asia. Stakeholders include: A+E Networks, BBC Worldwide, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, FOX One Stop Media, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Television, TrueVisions and Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.

The CASBAA Ad Regional Roadshow provides media buyers with an optimum window on to the dynamic world of AsiaPac Multichannel TV. To find out more, please visit casbaa.com/advertising

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For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung, PR & Communications Manager, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

Adela Chen, Director, Marketing & Communications, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1711
Email: adela@casbaa.com

Fashion One Heads To McDonald’s in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, September 18, 2012 – International TV network Fashion One today announced stepping into 24-hours McDonald’s Restaurants, after striking a partnership with Hot Media to access its exclusive digital channel.

In the agreement, two 60-second videos run across the McDonald’s channel 4 times per hour, featuring exclusive fashion, entertainment and lifestyle content from Fashion One.

With entrée to 85 McDonald’s restaurants, consumers could enjoy content from photography, street style and beauty tips, to designer retrospectives and the latest celebrity trends.

Fashion One CEO Ashley Jordan said, “We are delighted on the collaboration with Hot Media and look forward to showcase fashion in all aspect of life for McDonald’s customers. In additional to the increasing amount of production and activities in the local market, Fashion One will continue our aggressive push into Hong Kong.”

Andy Ann, a founder and director of Hot Media also expressed his excitement in regards to this new content partnership. “Fashion and entertainment has always been key elements for MuteHD, our digital out-of-home network in Hong Kong’s 24-hour McDonald’s. So a partnership with Fashion One just makes sense. Over 70% of our viewers are between the ages of 18-35 years old. Fashion One’s lifestyle content is a perfect fit.”

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About Fashion One

From the world’s premier international Fashion and Entertainment channel, audiences can expect an array of world-class programming, ranging from the latest trends and insights in the fashion industry, to exotic lifestyles and fashion destinations, plus a healthy dose of the latest news from Hollywood. For more information, visit www.fashionone.com.

In Hong Kong, Fashion One is available on HKBN bbTV Channel 754.

About Hot Media

Hot Media Solutions is at the cutting-edge of the Hong Kong digital out-of-home arena. We partner with leading lifestyle locations and develop branded Channels offering a unique reach to an unmatched diversified audience. Our Channels provide Advertisers, Publishers and Agencies the perfect combination of captivity, interactivity and accountability.

For media queries, please contact:

Fashion One
Gorden Li
gorden@fashionone.com
+852 5808 3450

Hot Media Solutions
Christopher Wong
cmw@hotmedia.com.hk
+852 3468 6001

Celestial Tiger Entertainment Expands Content Distribution Business with Lionsgate to All of East Asia

Hong Kong (September 17, 2012) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), one of Asia’s largest vertically integrated independent entertainment companies, announced today that it has expanded its content distribution business with Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, to cover all of East Asia. In addition to representing Lionsgate exclusively in Greater China and Southeast Asia, CTE will now be distributing all Lionsgate television content as well as Lionsgate’s vast library of feature films to Japan and Korea.

Since the formation of CTE, the company’s licensing team, led by Executive Vice President Wendy Reeds, has concluded numerous licensing deals such as all-rights deals (including theatrical rights) for Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment’s upcoming feature films The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Red 2 in Southeast Asia.

The licensing team also concluded several deals earlier this year for Video On Demand (VOD) rights with major platforms in China including iQIYI, Sohu, YOU On Demand and Youku. These deals greatly expanded the presence of Lionsgate’s library in China, tapping into a burgeoning online video market valued at over 2 billion RMB.

“Our licensing business in Greater China and Southeast Asia has grown exponentially this past year and we are excited to now represent Lionsgate’s fantastic slate of television programs as well as Lionsgate’s prolific library, including Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment titles, in all of East Asia,” said Wendy Reeds, CTE’s Executive Vice President, Content Sales and Distribution.

Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture and television program production and distribution, and investments in various entertainment businesses including a stake in Celestial Tiger Entertainment. With the recent acquisition of Summit Entertainment, Lionsgate now brings together two leading young adult franchises – the blockbuster Twilight Saga and The Hunger Games, which have grossed more than US$2.5 billion and nearly US$700 million at the worldwide box office respectively. Lionsgate also produces some of the most critically-acclaimed television series, including the multiple Emmy© Award-winning Mad Men, and the new series Anger Management, starring Charlie Sheen, which achieved the highest ratings for a scripted comedy series in cable history when it premiered in the U.S. this past June.

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Media Contact:
Pauline Poon
Celestial Tiger Entertainment
T: 852 2239 6131
E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a diversified media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company focuses on the operation of branded pay television channels, content creation and content distribution targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television channels including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the most broadly distributed 24-hour Chinese and Asian movies channel in the world; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the gateway to an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; CELESTIAL MOVIES ON DEMAND, Celestial’s subscription Video On Demand service; KIX, the ultimate in action entertainment; Thrill, Asia’s only horror and suspense movie channel; and KIX HD, featuring the best of action with a late-night dose of thrillers in high definition.

As one of Asia’s largest vertically integrated independent entertainment companies, CTE produces original content which complements its channels business. CTE is also the exclusive sales agent for Hollywood studio Lionsgate in Greater China and Southeast Asia, and represents Lionsgate’s television content and vast feature film library in Japan and Korea as well.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE is a joint venture among Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a major Asian entertainment company wholly-owned by Astro, the owner and operator of the leading DTH platform in Malaysia; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

History, Lifetime Chief Nancy Dubuc Elevated at AETN

(September 13, 2012) The cable exec responsible for turning the “Pawn Stars” network continues her ascent.

Nancy Dubuc has been appointed to a newly established role — President, Entertainment and Media, A+E Networks.

The promotion adds A&E and its affiliated brands to Dubuc’s portfolio, which already included History and Lifetime, giving her purview over all content creation, brand development and marketing for the A+E Networks’ portfolio. The appointment is effective immediately and also gives Dubuc will oversight of A+E Networks’ international and digital divisions.

Prasar Bharati to sue TAM

(September 17, 2012) Government-owned Prasar Bharati, the country’s largest broadcaster, had decided to sue the Television Audience Measurement (TAM) agency, citing an alleged inaccurate representation of data on Doordarshan’s coverage, said an official. The legal suit would be filed in India within a week, the official added.

The decision came in the wake of New Delhi Television (NDTV)’s legal action against TAM early this month. The private broadcaster had sued TAM in a New York court over the agency’s rating methods. TAM is a joint venture between Nielsen and Kantar Media Research. A spokesperson at TAM declined to comment on the issue.

The ministry of information and broadcasting recently wrote to TAM for a report on the measures taken to improve the ratings system, by increasing the coverage and third-party audit. It also asked Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to recommend guidelines to set the benchmark for other rating agencies.

India FDI rises to 74%

Till now, 49 per cent FDI was allowed in cable TV and DTH while it is 74 per cent in HITS

(September 14, 2012) In a major decision to liberalise the broadcast sector, the government on 14 September decided to raise FDI cap to 74 per cent in various services of the sector, except the TV news channels and FM radio where the cap of 26 per cent will apply.

The decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will apply to broadcast carriage services providers, including Direct-to-Home, Head-end in the Sky (HITS), Multi-Service Operators (MSOs) and cable TV to bring about uniformity.

Till now, 49 per cent FDI was allowed in cable TV and DTH while it is 74 per cent in HITS.

Six-strikes regime set for US by Y/E

Sep 13, 2012: The United States looks set to go ahead with a graduated response system for ISPs to discourage illegal file sharing, after several delays.

Originally set to launch in December 2011, and then in June this year, the Copyright Alert System is now reportedly set to come into effect at the end of this year, according to the Centre for Copyright Information, the organisation in charge of implementing the system.

The system will cover three-quarters of all American internet users, and is a collaboration between ISPs and the recording and movie industries.

It features a six-stage warning scheme with notices that users have to acknowledge, or face measures such as reduced speeds.

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/315354,us-to-launch-six-strikes-copyright-system-this-year.aspx

No carriage fees for Thailand?

September 11, 2012: Satellite and cable TV operators offering channel-grouping services will no longer be allowed to charge content providers whose channels they air, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission has decreed in its new draft of regulations for broadcasting licences.

Yesterday, the NBTC’s broadcasting committee approved three drafts of three classes of broadcasting licences – for infrastructure, network and service providers – and another set of draft rules to import, produce and distribute set-top boxes to pay-television operators. This was done after the public-hearing process was completed last week.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/TV-operators-can-no-longer-charge-content-provider-30190144.html

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