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Tag: Derek Chang

  • Derek Chang Named president & CEO of Liberty Media

    Derek Chang Named president & CEO of Liberty Media

    MUMBAI: The John Malone-headed Liberty Media Corp has announced the appointment of veteran media, sports, and entertainment executive Derek Chang as its president&  CEO, effective 1  February  2025.

    Chang, a Liberty Media board member since 2021, brings extensive experience from leadership roles at the NBA, DirecTV, Scripps, and EverPass Media, among others. Liberty Media  chairman John Malone, will serve as interim CEO until Chang assumes the role.

    “I am thrilled to welcome Derek as CEO,” said Malone. “His deep industry expertise and leadership make him the ideal choice to guide Liberty’s next chapter.”

    Chang expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating his focus will be on optimising Liberty Media’s portfolio and advancing key assets like Formula 1 and MotoGP.

    Chang will join the Liberty Media board’s executive committee alongside Malone, Dob Bennett, and Chase Carey.

    Liberty Media operates interests in media, sports, and entertainment businesses, including Formula 1 and Live Nation.

  • Leena Singarajah appointed Scripps Asia MD

    Leena Singarajah appointed Scripps Asia MD

    MUMBAI: Media veteran Leena Singarajah has been named as the managing director, Asia, for Scripps Networks Interactive. Singarajah will be responsible for developing and executing the growth strategy for the Scripps Networks lifestyle business across the region.

    Scripps Networks Head of International Lifestyle Channels Derek Chang said that Leena was a consummate professional and widely respected for her deep knowledge of the region and the industry. Her strategic vision, combined with her operational expertise, would be critical to further expand Scripps business across the region.

    Singarajah joined Scripps Networks in 2014 as Head of Distribution and Ad Sales, Asia-Pacific, responsible for developing strategies to continue growing distribution and building our regional and local ad sales business. Since joining, Singarajah has overseen the expansion of HGTV in the region and considerably strengthened the regional and local ad sales businesses.

  • Leena Singarajah appointed Scripps Asia MD

    Leena Singarajah appointed Scripps Asia MD

    MUMBAI: Media veteran Leena Singarajah has been named as the managing director, Asia, for Scripps Networks Interactive. Singarajah will be responsible for developing and executing the growth strategy for the Scripps Networks lifestyle business across the region.

    Scripps Networks Head of International Lifestyle Channels Derek Chang said that Leena was a consummate professional and widely respected for her deep knowledge of the region and the industry. Her strategic vision, combined with her operational expertise, would be critical to further expand Scripps business across the region.

    Singarajah joined Scripps Networks in 2014 as Head of Distribution and Ad Sales, Asia-Pacific, responsible for developing strategies to continue growing distribution and building our regional and local ad sales business. Since joining, Singarajah has overseen the expansion of HGTV in the region and considerably strengthened the regional and local ad sales businesses.

  • Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Singapore: In a recent pay-TV study of viewer behaviors and lifestyle habits in Asia-Pacific, Scripps Networks Interactive found its channel portfolio significantly outranked its competitors in the food, home and travel lifestyle categories. The channels, which include Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, have a highly engaged audience, who have an affinity to lifestyle brands and content. They are more receptive to advertisers, trusting the channels as an authority in the lifestyle ahead of other pay-TV networks.

    “It is without a doubt that our channels offer a unique proposition for clients looking to break through today’s competitive media landscape to form meaningful relationships with their consumers,” said Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive. “The results of the study confirm our audiences are up-scale, affluent, and engaged in both lifestyle programming and its associated products, be that in their kitchen, home or in the holiday they choose.”

    The study, which was commissioned by Scripps Networks in Singapore and conducted by Kadence International, surveyed more than 4,000 respondents, 25-55 year olds who frequently watch lifestyle programming in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Survey highlights include:

    Asian Food Channel (AFC):
    • AFC is 47% more likely to be recognized by viewers for local Asian food and cooking content than its channel competitors

    • 50% of AFC viewers visited a restaurant, city or destination featured during a show as compared to 28% of other pay-TV viewers

    HGTV:
    • 87% of HGTV viewers have performed some form of renovation in the past 12 months as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • HGTV inspires viewers and is their go-to channel for all things renovation, taking the lead when it comes to topics such as “Home Renovations” (47%), “DIY Renovations” (46%) and “House Hunting” (45%)

    Food Network (FN):
    • 91% of FN viewers are willing to pay more for quality ingredients and meals

    • FN has a 31% lead against the nearest competitor channel as being one that presents inspirational cooking content

    Travel Channel:
    • 87% of Travel Channel viewers are likely to travel to a destination featured on a travel show as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • 74% of Travel Channel viewers agree that advertisements are a good way for them to learn about new products

    * This study was conducted between April and June 2016. It combined over 4,000 online interviews and 12 group discussions with 25 to 55 year old lifestyle and general entertainment channel viewers across Asia.

  • Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Singapore: In a recent pay-TV study of viewer behaviors and lifestyle habits in Asia-Pacific, Scripps Networks Interactive found its channel portfolio significantly outranked its competitors in the food, home and travel lifestyle categories. The channels, which include Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, have a highly engaged audience, who have an affinity to lifestyle brands and content. They are more receptive to advertisers, trusting the channels as an authority in the lifestyle ahead of other pay-TV networks.

    “It is without a doubt that our channels offer a unique proposition for clients looking to break through today’s competitive media landscape to form meaningful relationships with their consumers,” said Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive. “The results of the study confirm our audiences are up-scale, affluent, and engaged in both lifestyle programming and its associated products, be that in their kitchen, home or in the holiday they choose.”

    The study, which was commissioned by Scripps Networks in Singapore and conducted by Kadence International, surveyed more than 4,000 respondents, 25-55 year olds who frequently watch lifestyle programming in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Survey highlights include:

    Asian Food Channel (AFC):
    • AFC is 47% more likely to be recognized by viewers for local Asian food and cooking content than its channel competitors

    • 50% of AFC viewers visited a restaurant, city or destination featured during a show as compared to 28% of other pay-TV viewers

    HGTV:
    • 87% of HGTV viewers have performed some form of renovation in the past 12 months as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • HGTV inspires viewers and is their go-to channel for all things renovation, taking the lead when it comes to topics such as “Home Renovations” (47%), “DIY Renovations” (46%) and “House Hunting” (45%)

    Food Network (FN):
    • 91% of FN viewers are willing to pay more for quality ingredients and meals

    • FN has a 31% lead against the nearest competitor channel as being one that presents inspirational cooking content

    Travel Channel:
    • 87% of Travel Channel viewers are likely to travel to a destination featured on a travel show as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • 74% of Travel Channel viewers agree that advertisements are a good way for them to learn about new products

    * This study was conducted between April and June 2016. It combined over 4,000 online interviews and 12 group discussions with 25 to 55 year old lifestyle and general entertainment channel viewers across Asia.

  • Scripps Networks elevates Derek Chang as head of International lifestyle channels

    Scripps Networks elevates Derek Chang as head of International lifestyle channels

    MUMBAI: Scripps Networks Interactive announced the creation of a new international leadership position with Derek Chang being promoted to head of International Lifestyle Channels. In this new role, Chang will be responsible for leading and setting the strategic direction for the company’s international owned and operated lifestyle channels. Current Asia-Pacific managing director Chang,  will continue to report to Scripps president – international, Jim Samples, and will relocate to London in July.

    “Since joining Scripps Networks nearly three years ago, Derek has demonstrated a steady track record of building value for the company. We are confident that he is well suited to unlock untapped potential in the international marketplace,” said Samples.

    UK & EMEA managing director Philip Luff and Latin American and the Caribbean managing director Eduardo Hauser will report to Chang. He will also continue to directly manage the Asia-Pacific operations.

    “We have a world class international senior leadership team driving the growth and expansion of Scripps Networks Interactive’s international business. Derek’s appointment to head up the regional teams headquartered in London, Singapore, and Miami reflects our commitment to building out our lifestyle channel portfolio across the globe,” said Samples.

    Since launching the international channels business in 2009, the International Lifestyle Channels division now distributes seven entertainment brands including Asian Food Channel, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, Fine Living, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel reaching nearly 165 million households in more than 175 countries and territories across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. The company’s lifestyle networks draw from more than 35,000 hours of original lifestyle series produced in the U.S. and around the world.

    Since joining the company, Chang has successfully led the integration of Asian Food Channel into the Scripps Networks fold; introduced and launched HGTV, the company’s third global flagship, across Asia-Pacific and established the channel as the #1 lifestyle channel in Singapore.

    Prior to joining Scripps Networks, Chang was executive vice president of content strategy and development at DIRECTV, where he was responsible for all content acquisition, original productions and programming operations. In addition, he managed DIRECTV’s regional sports networks and its advertising sales business.

  • Scripps Networks elevates Derek Chang as head of International lifestyle channels

    Scripps Networks elevates Derek Chang as head of International lifestyle channels

    MUMBAI: Scripps Networks Interactive announced the creation of a new international leadership position with Derek Chang being promoted to head of International Lifestyle Channels. In this new role, Chang will be responsible for leading and setting the strategic direction for the company’s international owned and operated lifestyle channels. Current Asia-Pacific managing director Chang,  will continue to report to Scripps president – international, Jim Samples, and will relocate to London in July.

    “Since joining Scripps Networks nearly three years ago, Derek has demonstrated a steady track record of building value for the company. We are confident that he is well suited to unlock untapped potential in the international marketplace,” said Samples.

    UK & EMEA managing director Philip Luff and Latin American and the Caribbean managing director Eduardo Hauser will report to Chang. He will also continue to directly manage the Asia-Pacific operations.

    “We have a world class international senior leadership team driving the growth and expansion of Scripps Networks Interactive’s international business. Derek’s appointment to head up the regional teams headquartered in London, Singapore, and Miami reflects our commitment to building out our lifestyle channel portfolio across the globe,” said Samples.

    Since launching the international channels business in 2009, the International Lifestyle Channels division now distributes seven entertainment brands including Asian Food Channel, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, Fine Living, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel reaching nearly 165 million households in more than 175 countries and territories across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. The company’s lifestyle networks draw from more than 35,000 hours of original lifestyle series produced in the U.S. and around the world.

    Since joining the company, Chang has successfully led the integration of Asian Food Channel into the Scripps Networks fold; introduced and launched HGTV, the company’s third global flagship, across Asia-Pacific and established the channel as the #1 lifestyle channel in Singapore.

    Prior to joining Scripps Networks, Chang was executive vice president of content strategy and development at DIRECTV, where he was responsible for all content acquisition, original productions and programming operations. In addition, he managed DIRECTV’s regional sports networks and its advertising sales business.

  • “Carriage fees make the market place beyond reach in India”: Derek Chang

    “Carriage fees make the market place beyond reach in India”: Derek Chang

    Shy and reserved is what you could use to describe him. Open minded is another term. But Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) managing director of APAC operations Derek Chang is far from shy about growing his network of lifestyle oriented content for TV and internet in the region.

     

    Chang has delved in all parts of the media industry with companies such as DirecTV, Charter Communications, The Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, GlobalCenter and TCI Communications/AT&T Broadband.

     

    While SNI has successfully created niche content in the US, it has yet to enter India and Chang is well aware of the restrictions and regulations of the country. His network produces over 2000 hours of original lifestyle programming annual put out on channels Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.

     

    In a freewheeling chat with indiantelevision.com’s Sandhya Sutodia, on the sidelines of Indian Digital Operators’ Summit (IDOS) 2014, Chang spoke about the network’s future plans to grow itself in the country and the region.

     

     

     

    What is the spread of SNI in Asia Pacific?

     

    Scripps Networks owns and operates four channels across the Asia Pacific region including Asian Food Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel and HGTV, which will be launched at the end of the year. HGTV will debut on StarHub in Singapore as the first regional channel dedicated to the growing home and lifestyle category in Asia. Our preparations for the launch of the channel are very simple. Talks are on with distributors to launch it across the whole of Asia along with other operators. Scripps Networks launched HGTV in the US 20 years ago, and the network has grown markedly since then. It is now the number one upscale network for women. We have seen an increasing demand for high-quality lifestyle content all around the world and are excited to continue the HGTV brand’s global expansion, starting with the Asian region.  

     

    How do you market the channels in APAC?

     

    We work with distribution partners to help market our products. They help us market our product and run events in creating interests, on air promotion for our content. I am responsible for designing and executing growth strategies in the Asia Pacific region for Food Network and Travel Channel, both of which are available to viewers in selected Asian markets. My focus is on leveraging the Scripps brand across all distribution platforms in the region as well as managing regional programming and marketing strategies.

     

    Scripps Networks Interactive has ambitious goals to significantly broaden its presence in Asia, including wider distribution of our lifestyle brands and programming capabilities.

     

    How important is the APAC region for the company? What is your model of operation?

     

    We originated in US and that is the most significant market for us. Now we are investing globally and nationally. Right now the US contributes most of the revenue to the company. Asia Pacific is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US based company and contributes a small per cent to the overall international business. Asia Pacific is a small business. We have not set any targets from this market yet. However we see attractive growth opportunities.  In the UK, our channel UKTV is a 50:50 JV with BBC Worldwide. In Canada, we have a partnership with Shaw Media. In some places we work in partnerships and it is not always necessarily a subsidiary of the US-based company.

     

    Are you looking at any such partnerships in India?

     

    We are evaluating our strategy in Asia and in India too. It depends on how we see the potential market and the success model. The potential market has its own characteristics and challenges and we have faith in our brands and content.

     

    Content is what drives the media industry across the world but in India it is not yet content. Are you looking at increasing your advertising subscription?

     

    Yes, we try to increase our advertising subscription wherever we work. With growing demand for high quality home lifestyle entertainment in Asia, we keep looking for better revenues.

     

    How do you view the digitisation drive in India?

     

    It seems to me that India has been talking about digitisation from quite some time. And the industry is addressing all the challenges. Executives with lots of experience pointed out the challenges at the IDOS sessions. Slow work but yet progress is there.

     

    Carriage fees is a factor that is crippling Indian broadcasters? How would you deal with it?

     

    I have not experienced it yet so I would not be able to comment on it well. The hope is that it goes down and that would reduce one of the barriers for us. We have a unique situation here as it increases the investment of programmers and broadcasters and it is a challenge. It makes the market place beyond reach for many. We have to believe that it will come down.

     

    Given the diversity of languages in India, what would be your choice of language when you enter?

     

    The content would be in English and after exploring other markets and if we feel that the content would be attractive to that particular market, we might think of other languages. We have not made any decision about what we want to do in India. We want to see the demographics first.

     

    Tell us something about existing Asian Food and Travel Channels?

    As a leader in lifestyle programming, Scripps Networks Interactive owns the food category in Asia with iconic lifestyle brands such as Asian Food Channel and Food Network. People are drawn here because of the rich food culture, and AFC (Asian Food Channels) is a platform that celebrates all that the region has to offer. AFC has built a strong viewership across Asia and we will continue to fulfill our viewers’ demands with new and exciting original content and initiatives, which is in line with plans to expand our presence in the region.

     

    They will serve the company well as we invest in the channels, work to broaden their distribution on all platforms, and explore new business relationships throughout the region.

     

    Tell us more about the programmes on HGTV?

    HGTV will premiere with a robust line up of top-rated programs about property, hybrid construction, design and extreme spaces. Hit programs such as Property Brothers, Kitchen Cousins and The High Low Project, will entertain and inspire viewers with fresh ideas and authentic stories on how to find and love their own dream home. As a continued commitment to cater to local audiences, Scripps Networks will also produce localised original short-form content exclusively for the launch of HGTV in Asia, based on the popular series, Extreme Homes.