ITV

Tag: expands

  • SPE Networks Asia expands with new hires, promotions

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Networks Asia has promoted 19 personnel from the Asia headquarters in Singapore and from the Taiwan office as well as hired four new personnel into the operations department.

    Out of the 19 promotions, five have been promoted to key positions in the company. Notably, AXN Taiwan director advertising sales and marketing Steven Tsou has been promoted to executive director of advertising sales and marketing.

    From advertising sales, operations to creative services, SPE Networks Asia is looking at big promotions within.

    SPE Networks Asia general manager Ricky Ow says, “The recent promotions are in line with the big plans of SPE Networks Asia. It represents our drive to gain a bigger footprint in key Asia markets. Our colleagues have shown exceptional talent and dedication in shaping both channels into top TV brands that have massive appeal. We have a very capable team and their promotions are in recognition of their contributions to the company.”

    One of the key reasons behind these promotions is to maintain AXN’s current market position as well as increase the stronghold of Animax across the region.

    AXN Taiwan has gained five promotions. In his position as AXN Taiwan director advertising sales and marketing, Tsou contributed efficiently to three departments — advertising sales, marketing and distribution. He established and strengthened the AXN brand, met the group’s target revenue and maintained its 99 per cent market penetration in the country. Besides being a key player in the successful launch of Animax Taiwan in 2004, he also developed and oversaw the sponsorship of local production Taiwan AXN Xtreme, which was held in Taipei in 2003 and 2004.

    While from programming in AXN Taiwan former programming manager Taiyi Liu will lead the programming of AXN and Animax in her new position as senior programming manager. Having joined AXN Taiwan since 2000, Liu has contributed to AXN’s viewership growth with excellent programming strategies that meet Taiwan viewers’ needs.

    On the operations front at the company’s headquarters in Singapore, Simon Wong has been promoted to the position of director operations from his previous position as associate director operations. Since joining SPE Networks Asia in 2000, Wong has demonstrated leadership skills in the operations department and he was one of the key people who contributed to the launch of Animax in 2004. He has facilitated the restructuring and running of network presentation, content services and post production for both channels; designed and rebuilt the post production facility of the company.

    Eric Tan, previously the account director advertising sales, has been promoted to senior account director. Having moved from the print media industry in 1999, Tan successfully grew the company’s client base and built the advertising sales network. He was a key figure in the advertising sales team, which persevered to break new grounds in increasing the channels’ advertising revenue.

    The AXN marketing team too has gained three promotions. AXN marketing manager Tay Ying Hui, who looked after the East Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Hong Kong, has been promoted as senior marketing executive. Hui was instrumental in executing and overseeing the marketing communications of AXN since 2002 and led the brand team since January 2005. She has been a contributing factor in organising and executing five out of the seven AXN Challenges held in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Hong Kong.

  • UTV expands Toons division

    MUMBAI: UTV is ramping up its animation division – UTV Toons. In its endeavour to continually grow this business and provide the Indian market with quality animation, UTV has deployed multiple licenses of Autodesk 3ds Max 8 software, which is the latest offering from Autodesk.

    Designed to meet the present and future demands of increasingly complex 3D production environments, 3ds Max 8 software will allow UTV to increase the overall productivity of its animation division by 20 – 30 per cent.

    Over the next three months, UTV plans to expand its Toons division to house 200 animation technicians at its facility in Mumbai. Additionally, the company expects to migrate at least 80 per cent of all future projects to 3ds Max 8.

    Coming in close on the heels of their $10 million outsourcing partnership with US-based BKN New Media Inc., this deployment takes on added significance for UTV as it highlights the company’s commitment to the global market and growing its international profile as well.

    In addition to this UTV Toons is also currently executing projects such as Tripping the Rift, a popular animated sitcom in the US, Magic Cellar for the South African Broadcasting Corp., and Freej the first animation project funded by Dubai’s media city.

    UTV Toons animation and new media vice president Jyotirmoy Saha said, “Although we have been using 3ds Max for a while now, we felt that it was absolutely necessary for us to expand our facilities in order to service our current and future projects. We chose 3ds Max 8 in addition to offering a 30-40 per cent improvement in rendering time, as it also comes equipped with enhanced features such as advanced character development, modeling, texturing and scripting tools. This coupled with the high level consulting and domain expertise that Autodesk Media and Entertainment offers, is a compelling reason to partner with them.”

    “We’re delighted that UTV Toons has selected 3ds Max 8 software. UTV has always been a quality conscious customer, keen to deliver the best to the Indian and global markets. Having begun our association with them in 2002, we have witnessed their business grow over the years and rise to an impressive leadership position. We foresee a long standing relationship with UTV and look forward to partnering with them in their long term growth plans,” Autodesk Media and Entertainment regional sales manager – animation and desktop video, South East Asia and India said Raman Madan.

  • Market research firm Ipsos expands Asia Pacific network

    MUMBAI: Ipsos, which claims to be the world’s third largest survey-based market research group, has extended its network to include two new offices in the Asia Pacific region.
     

     
    The firm recently opened start-up offices in the Philippines and Hong Kong. This brings up the number of Ipsos office locations in Asia Pacific to 14.
    The two new offices are under the direction of the Executive Director of Ipsos in Asia Pacific, Steven Altman. The Philippines office is managed by Iposos senior director Lou Ramoran who was a former director of AC Nielsen. The Hong Kong office is being looked after by the GM Alice Page. Page had previously set up ‘Incepta Marketing Intelligence’s offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

     
     
    Ipsos CEO for the Asia Pacific region Richard Mecchi said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of these two new country offices. Ipsos in the Philippines increases our coverage in the important southeast Asian market. Ipsos in Hong Kong will incorporate the luxury division, working closely with Ipsos in Paris, focussing on high net worth individuals and a range of products and services specially designed for this market.”
     
     
    Founded in 1975 Ipsos is owned and managed by research professionals. In 2004, Ipsos generated global revenues of 606 million euros. The Ipsos Group has offices in more than 40 countries internationally. In the Asia Pacific region it now has dedicated offices in Japan (Tokyo and Osaka), Korea, Taiwan, China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu), the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia (Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne).

  • Rainbow Media expands internationally

    MUMBAI: Rainbow Media which owns and manages American networks – AMC, Fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and WE: Women’s Entertainment has announced that it will expand its distribution arm internationally.

    The aim is to to take its content globally for the first time in its 25-year history.

    Rainbow Media states that it helped revolutionise American cable television with the development of niche oriented linear networks such as AMC, Bravo, WE, IFC and fuse. It then went on to further expand the niche oriented concept by producing a varied array of original VOD programmes for Mag Rack and sportskool.

    Most recently, Rainbow expanded to a third tier of niche-oriented content with the launch of Voom HD Networks, whjich it claims is the largest and most diverse suite of high definition (HD) channels in the world.

    The expansion into the international marketplace will focus on channel development and programming sales and licensing, all in an effort to broaden the audience of Rainbow’s original content, maximise the value of the Rainbow brands, and fill a large and lucrative international content void, especially in the area of HD programming.

    Rainbow Media senior VP business development Glenn Oakley will supervise this expansion for the company. He will lead the newly created Rainbow International division.

    Rainbow Media president and CEO Joshua Sapan says, “Throughout Rainbow’s history, we have prided ourselves in creating popular and highly valuable original content that has been at the forefront of television innovation, from cable to VOD and now HD. Our new distribution arm will leverage our experience in all aspects of high definition, programming and channel operations, providing viewers around the world with great value.

    “With Glenn leading us into the international marketplace, Rainbow International will bring extensive network operation experience, vast programming assets and incredible stability to new global ventures. This is particularly exciting news for those in the HD space, where we are already hearing a tremendous excitement about VOOM and our HD content. Most important, Glenn will ensure the continued audience growth of each of Rainbow’s valuable brands.”

    Oakley leads the company in new areas of business. The a 24-year cable industry veteran is responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities and market development, in addition to negotiations and deal structuring for Rainbow.

  • Internet radio firm Club 977 expands into Asia via Asiasat

    MUMBAI: Asian satellite service provider Asiasat and Music Media Enterprises Europe have signed a new lease agreement for the use of C-band capacity on AsiaSat 2 to broadcast Club 977’s two Internet radio streams, Club 977 The 80’s Channel and Club 977 The Hitz Channel.
     
     
     

    Club 977 is based in Minneapolis, US.. Started its first broadcast in 2000, Club 977 now has over five million listeners tuned in to the stream each month from the Internet. Club 977 currently offers two Internet radio stations with a third and fourth channel scheduled for launch in the third quarter of this year. Club 977 The 80’s Channel (www.club977europe.com), the world’s most listened all 80s Internet station, plays the best 80s Pop, Rock and Retro Music whilst Club 977 The Hitz Channel (www.club977hitz.com) plays the best US Top 40, R&B, Hip Hop and Rap music taken directly from the charts.

    Music Media Enterprises Europe director Henk van Meer said, “We see a high demand for music and radio content from Asian audience. We have chosen Asiasat 2 for our Asian expansion because of its unparalleled coverage, established neighbourhood and penetration, enabling us to reach numerous cable and FM rebroadcast stations, and cellular sites in the region.”
     
     
     

    Asiasat CEO Peter Jackson said, “We are delighted to add these new radio services on Asiasat 2. Broadcasters and content providers appreciate the power of AsiaSat 2 in terms of its footprint coverage and audience access. Our effort to bring in more new television, radio and mobile content into this region to satisfy the tremendous demand here will continue”.

    Club 977 is available on Asiasat 2 in C-band with the following reception parameters:
    Transponder: 9B
    Frequency: 3960 MHz
    Polarisation: Horizontal
    Modulation: QPSK
    Symbol Rate: 27.5 Msym/sec
    FEC: 3/4

  • Turner expands wireless biz in India; Lobo to head

    MUMBAI: In a move to expand its wireless and emerging technologies business in India, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. has appointed Troy Lobo to head the Wireless & Emerging Technologies division in the capacity of associate director.

    Lobo joins Turner in mid-July and will be based in Mumbai. He will look after all aspects of Turner’s wireless business in India, including the distribution and integration of wireless activities for Turner’s TV channels – CNN International, Cartoon Network and Pogo. Troy will have a dual report to Turner International India managing director Anshuman Misra and to Turner Broadcasting System International Inc vice president, Wireless & Emerging Technologies Mitch Lazar.

    “Troy joins us with a wealth of sales experience across different industries and I am pleased to welcome him aboard. The wireless segment has immense potential, and with Troy’s in-depth experience and understanding of the telecom industry, he will be a true asset to both the new wireless business and our organisation,” says Misra.

    “With the exponential growth of mobile users in India, this is one of the most exciting and emerging markets for Turner’s wireless content distribution efforts. We want to ensure that our content is available anytime and anyplace, in an interactive and easy-to-use format, on as many platforms possible. Troy’s mandate will be to explore and expand the business opportunities that the wireless space offers across India,” said Lazar.

    Prior to joining Turner, Lobo worked with Hutchison Max Telecom in Mumbai heading the direct sales function as sales manager corporate where he also handled trade and direct sales for them.

  • Discovery Education expands school product line in the US

    MUMBAI: Discovery Education which deals with digital video and multimedia learning materials from the broadcaster has added over 250 new video, DVD, and CD-ROM titles to its Discovery School line of educational products.

    This brings the total collection to over 1,000 titles in the US.

    Supporting more than 25 core-curricular, K-12 subject areas, Discovery School products offer a wide selection of high quality, engaging, and interactive titles to support classroom activities.

    Discovery Education executive VP Steve Sidel said, “These new Discovery School titles represent some of the very best that Discovery networks has to offer. It has been specifically developed to meet the classroom needs of today. And as with all Discovery School products, they also include complete lesson plans correlated to national standards for easy integration into teachers’ existing curriculum.”

    In addition to all-new and updated titles in history, math, health, and
    literature Discovery Education has added four new video series covering science, geography, and social
    studies:

    One title is The Jeff Corwin Experience. This allows teachers to turn science into a lively field trip. 2004 Emmy Award-winning host Jeff Corwin gives students an up-close look at animals in their native habitat, while teaching a respect for nature rarely seen in programming of this type.

    The National Parks title sees Discovery bringing the screen to life exposing the magic and wonders found across the US. From the majesty of Yellowstone to the wonder of the Everglades, teachers and students can take a virtual field trip to America’s national parks.

  • ESPN expands John Skipper’s portfolio

    MUMBAI: ESPN’s executive vice-president for advertising sales, new media and consumer products John Skipper has now been given added responsibilities for ESPN/ABC Sports customer marketing and sales.

    ESPN and ABC Sports president George Bodenheimer and ABC Network Operations and Administration president Alex Wallau have announced this decision.
     
     
    In his new role, Skipper will be handling ESPN ABC Sports customer marketing and sales apart from his current responsibilities wherein he oversees ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine and the company’s ventures in emerging media, including ESPN Broadband, ESPN Enterprises, SportsTicker and ESPN Mobile. Skipper will continue to report to Bodenheimer with respect to his prior responsibilities, and to Bodenheimer and Wallau with respect to ESPN ABC Sports customer marketing and sales.
     
     
    The move unites Skipper and ESPN ABC Sports Customer Marketing and Sales president Ed Erhardt to manage all sales activity across the spectrum of ESPN and ABC Sports media assets, including television, the Internet, radio, print, wireless, broadband, video games and other businesses. Erhardt will report to Skipper.

    It also streamlines the company’s operations under Bodenheimer, who recently assumed added responsibility as co-chair of the Disney Media Networks group.
    “Two of the most dynamic sales executives in our industry working more closely together will maximise the value our premier collection of assets brings to advertisers. John’s record of success speaks volumes about his abilities, and Ed and his team have written the book on marketing across multiple platforms. They have a combined 50 years of experience in all forms of traditional and emerging media, and their continued leadership will strengthen our company,” Bodenheimer said.

    Both Skipper and Erhardt will continue to be based in New York.