ITV

Tag: Philippines

  • The human side of business

    The human side of business

    SINGAPORE: While the talk of High Definition and digital training remained the buzzword for the major part of the day, there were also a few presentations that focussed on people who make these changes possible. Though, not too many attended these sessions, a few who made it added the human dimension to it.

    So how can broadcasters survive in the rapidly changing world where they can perish at the very next moment? How do managers, policy makers, programmers understand the real needs of people in the developing nations? Also, the huge media boom in the Asia Pacific region has brought in certain manpower and human resource issues which were discussed.

    In all, the afternoon session on the training needs of the media and entertainment industry across the world emphasised the need of training individuals to deal with change. Moving away from traditional methods of face-to-face training, the experts present offered many solutions – like distance or e-learning with the help of CDRoms, training by societies and engineers, self training for broadcasters. The session also turned out to be pretty interesting with live demonstrations.

    Broadcast Electronics Inc, USA’s Charles W Kelly, set the tone when he said, “If we ask the viewer what do they want – more resolution on the TV screens or better writers, the answer is obviously better writers who can write newer concepts and bring in fresh programming.” So, if there are 100 channels why do they all look the same? The answer perhaps lies in capacity building of people involved in the industry and training them.

    Here the panelists discussed the need of training writers who can change the face of television. This is again related to the lack of trained human resources, because of which channels have to bank on amateurs; which in the long run takes a toll on the business.

    There are training needs to be met at the senior level. Say for example, how does an executive from the radio industry make a transition to the television industry or the other way round.

    Drawing on his experiences from the Philippines, SBETP president Armand Ursal said, “It is very essential to train broadcast engineers to adapt to the changing technology needs. Also, when they have to deal with things like digital radio, and TV, it can take its toll.”

    I think engineer training is very important for the coming of age of the broadcast industries in all countries. Also, the manufacturers have to be brought into the loop to understand consumer demands.”

    Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia programme officer Rukmini Vemraju emphasised the need for face-to-face training along with interactive. Marcel Gomez, Programme Manager, AIBD, Malaysia said, “We can help TV professionals across the world transit to the interactive world with the help of CDs.”

    Gomez, who has been involved in the project of developing such CDs gave live demonstrations to the people present. He said, “We develop instructional, interactive CDs on topics like how to develop your writing skills, learn news reporting etc. A rather expensiive exercise wherein we get experts from across the world to develop such content.”

    The final word came from Charles W Kelly, who summed up the whole session. “TV is not just an investment but also a responsibility, and we as an industry have to continue to keep learning to adapt to the rules, so that we are able to address the real needs of the people.”

  • Celcom and NSS launch SecretSMS

    Celcom and NSS launch SecretSMS

    BANGALORE: Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad and NSS MSC Sdn Bhd today launched a revolutionary product called SecretSMS. SecretSMS is a simple software that encrypts SMS messages thereby offering security and privacy.

    Starting today, over 2 million Celcom subscribers with smart phones will be able to enjoy a whole new SMS experience, especially those seeking to keep their text life private, states an official release.

    SecretSMS is derived from a backbone technology called XMS (Xecure Message Service) that was developed by NSS. NSS is proud to partner with Celcom to introduce the SecretSMS to the market. Research statistics reveal that this product will appeal to the youth population who use messaging as their primary means of communications, the release adds.

    Text messages that are stored in the phones are readily accessible. Anyone can have access to your phone if it is left unattended. Some personal or sensitive messages might even get read by the wrong person without prior permission, which could eventually lead to unnecessary misunderstandings or even mishaps.

    SecretSMS transmits and stores sensitive messages that are accessible with a password known only to the mobile owners. SecretSMS is powered by 128-bit encryption that encrypts incoming and outgoing SMS’s in the transmission process. To read the encrypted messages, users have to key in the valid password. Hence, mobile users have complete control over their privacy in the SMS communications.

    XMS technology is set to penetrate the global market particularly in the US, UK, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka where NSS is already in talks with the local mobile operators and financial institutions, as per the official release.

     

  • MGM Channel to launch in India on Zee’s Dish TV

    MGM Channel to launch in India on Zee’s Dish TV

    MUMBAI: MGM Networks, a division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., has announced a string of breakthrough distribution agreements in key Asian markets. The MGM Channel will roll out in India, the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia.

    Debuting this month, the MGM Channel will be available on Zee’s Dish TV platform.

    MGM Networks executive vice president Bruce Tuchman said, “We are very excited to begin our newest chapter in the booming Indian market with this launch. Having previously seeded demand in India through a co-owned, co-branded channel with Zee TV, we are now launching a wholly MGM-owned, exclusively MGM-branded network in order to more fully mine the opportunities abounding in this dynamic market.”

    In the Philippines, Sky Cable, the country’s largest MSO, has just commenced the roll out of The MGM Channel as part of its new digital “Platinum” package offering. In Vietnam and Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City Television and Phnom Penh Municipal Cable and Optical Television, respectively, have entered into distribution agreements with MGM Networks and recently introduced The MGM Channel to their customers.

    The MGM Channel’s launch into India and these new Southeast Asian markets are the latest milestones in an aggressive roll-out of the channel across Asia. Starting with its debut in South Korea in 2002, The MGM Channel followed up with a series of launches in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Macau, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. MGM Networks also launched a second branded channel in South Korea, called MGM Plus, following the successful launch of its first Korean network.

    “Our success and growth in Asia mirrors our success and growth elsewhere around the world. Over the last five years, MGM has increased its channel interests from approximately 25 countries and territories in a handful of regions to over 110 across Europe, Latin American, Africa, and Asia and the Pacific Rim,” added Tuchman.

    In Southeast Asia/Greater China, The MGM Channel is produced and distributed by MGM Networks through a strategic alliance with CNBC Asia Pacific. In South Korea, the channel is operated through a joint venture with leading local media companies, Skylife and Taewon Entertainment.

  • CASBAA, PCTA sign anti-piracy agreement

    CASBAA, PCTA sign anti-piracy agreement

    MUMBAI: The Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) and the Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) have signed an agreement reinforcing their partnership to promote and protect intellectual property rights in the pay-TV industry.

    CASBAA CEO Simon Twiston Davies said, “Our commitment to support the growth of the domestic market in the Philippines and to protect its viability in the face of rampant piracy gains strength with our partnership with the PCTA. Through cooperative efforts, CASBAA and the PCTA aim to attain real results in the coming months.”

    CASBAA and the PCTA plan to jointly organize a Philippine Pay-TV Summit this year in order to raise industry and public sector awareness on intellectual property issues for cable, satellite and broadband markets in the Philippines.

    They have also agreed to work with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) on an educational training scheme designed to help law enforcement and government officials as they work to combat piracy.

    PCTA President Antonio Selda said,”We at the PCTA have long been vocal in the campaign against all forms of copyright infringement. Signal theft, in particular, has a negative impact on the industry in the long-term. Legitimate cable operators are finding it difficult to survive in this climate, and the industry as a whole stands to suffer if piracy continues. Increasingly piracy stunts the industry’s growth in terms of programming and technological development. The number of illegal cable connections in the Philippines is close to overtaking the number of legal subscriptions.”

  • ‘Clients want better research insights, high quality data and speed’ : Tim Balbirnie – Synovate Asia Pacific CEO

    ‘Clients want better research insights, high quality data and speed’ : Tim Balbirnie – Synovate Asia Pacific CEO

    The world of market research in India is growing. Both channels and advertisers are seeking more clearer understanding of the consumer and his/her evolving media behaviour.

    One firm that helps in this regard in market research firm Synovate. Indiantelevision.com’s Ashwin Pinto caught up with Synovate Asia Pacific CEO Tim Balbirnie for a lowdown on the company’s activities and how it adds value for clients.

    What are the ways in which Synovate is helping add value to your offerings?

    We are finding an increasing number of clients are looking towards our online capabilities. We are expanding our global panel, ViewsNet, to facilitate the increasing demand for online research. More and more, we find clients appreciate our assistance with brainstorming workshops as a complement to the report.

    How much does the media and entertainment sector contribute to your revenue stream?

     

    Our media division makes a significant contribution to our revenue. However, we do not break up our revenues by division or indeed, area of specialisation.

    The media sector is important because it is very high profile within the overall research industry. It is also challenging work to conduct from a sampling and analysis perspective.

    Could you give me an idea about the time and effort involved in conducting major studies like Synovate Pax?

    It is significant. It is an ongoing effort to continue enhancing a media currency survey like Synovate Pax. Synovate has invested 10 years; a lot of time and energy; and intellectual rigour in ensuring the survey delivers accuracy, representativeness and meets the needs of major media owners, specialists and agencies across the Asia Pacific.

     

    We are using sophisticated data collection techniques to collect information from the most affluent segments of the population in Asia. In less developed markets this has its own challenges.

    How is Synovate able to work within tight deadlines without compromising on quality?

    As with all service industries, clients are – quite rightly – demanding more. They want better insights, high quality data and speed. Synovate is putting a great deal of emphasis on technology to help us deliver high quality work with faster and faster turnaround times.

     

    We now have a global chief information officer who is seizing this opportunity to drive the group forward from a technical perspective. Synovate is focussing on support services which had previously been regarded as back office functions and utilising those services as a way to deliver all the benefits of our global scope, reach and scale to clients.

     

    One of the things we will not do, regardless of deadlines, is compromise on quality. All Synovate offices have implemented quality control standards of the highest degree. Nothing we do will negate the need for maintaining these standards.
    ‘Moving customer loyalty to the centre of your business strategy requires a well thought-out plan. Our customer relationship architecture provides that guidance’

    What recent additions have been made to your product portfolio as far as the media and entertainment sector is concerned?

    Over the past 12 months we have added the ‘Media Atlas’ survey in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Bangkok. This study shines the spotlight on local media consumption and is being welcomed as a valuable alternative to information that has been in the marketplace for decades.

     

    This is also being introduced in the Philippines. Over the coming months further markets will be added. We have also introduced ‘Media Brand Values. This measures the relationship between C level executives and their media of choice.

     

    In addition, our ‘Young Asians’ survey looks at the media consumption as well as attitudes, brands of choice etc for eight to 24 year olds across the region, including India, and kicks off its second year later this month. This survey, given the importance of youth across Asia, is attracting much interest among clients.

    Have you acquired any research firms in Asia recently to add to your repertoire?

    Less than six months ago, we acquired Market Equity in Australia, a large independent firm. That acquisition, coupled with Aztec Information Services which was acquired in March 2005, has made Synovate a top five player in the Australian market. Australia is an important market to many of our regional clients. So it is a real benefit to now have a seamless Synovate regional operation throughout the major markets.

     

    Market Equity re-branded to become Synovate in December 2005. We also completed the purchase of the Filter Group, a youth marketing research company late last year.

    Could you talk about the kind of out of the box solutions that Synovate’s customer Loyalty practice division offers clients?

    Moving customer loyalty to the centre of your business strategy requires a well thought-out plan. Our customer relationship architecture provides that guidance. This blueprint is customised for each client, and built from a solid, proven framework.

     

    We work with every business in a different way. How we work with a company depends on its goals and where it is in building its own customer relationship architecture. We have some solutions that are starting points addressing aspects of loyalty such as customer, organisation, event, brand, market, employee and reputation.

    Could you give me an idea of what advertising development research entails? How does Synovate work with media planners and FMCGs in this regard?

    At Synovate our philosophy is to integrate media measurement into brand and advertising tracking. This allows our media expertise to be of direct value to major advertisers.

    In what way have clients’ needs and expectations from Synovate grown in the past couple of years?

    Not too long ago, research companies were just producing data. Now we are doing so much more for clients – analysing, consulting and so on. I believe that we are an increasingly vital part of marketing.

     

    The research industry needs to move towards this model across the world. The way we are approaching this at Synovate is to work harder and better at understanding our clients’ needs and the analytics before we start a project. This understanding then carries all the way through the project and beyond.

     

    We are building our consultancy skills – investing in people that have both marketing and research backgrounds to drive this throughout the organisation.
    ‘We understand that everything revolves around business. Pretty graphs are not worth it unless they can be translated into actions – actions that improve business’

    How does Synovate move beyond just providing reports that contain lots of data?

    To move beyond just the data, Synovate is working more and more on client workshops, brainstorming and consulting. We are working to make our service more than a report. We want to help clients make their reports meaningful and help improve their marketing and business strategies. The bottom line is – well – the bottom line!

     

    We understand that everything revolves around business. Pretty graphs are not worth it unless they can be translated into actions – actions that improve business. We are all about applying the theory of research to real life in the business world.

    Often marketers tend to not define precisely what they require when they buy research. Also they have unrealistic expectations at times. How does Synovate cope with this difficulty?

    Again, we are working harder and better at understanding our clients’ needs and the analytics before we start a project. This is a two-way process.

     

    We understand clients better and they understand us. This understanding then carries all the way through the project and beyond. Our clients in general tend to have a clear understanding of what it is they need to know or find out.

    As per Synovate findings what role will new media play in the media consumption landscape?

    New media is without doubt influencing the decisions of advertisers who are seeking additional methods of communicating with their target audiences in an era where the consumer is increasingly in charge of media choices.

    Speaking of which, one issue that is coming up more and more is that of media clutter. With the multiplying of media options, the efficacy of research activity in tracking ever-more complex variables are being put under the scanner. Your comment?

    We have several tools which allow us to track consumer media pathways in real time. Mobile phones provide an excellent method because they are the one device which people carry with them day and night, and which allow us to interact with respondents to find out their media and advertising exposure across the day.
    ‘Market research industry across all of Asia Pac is still growing quickly. Growth in some markets is running at 15-20 % & most markets are above market predictions. A lot of this growth is linked to China, but more & more India is gaining sway’

    What kind of growth can we expect in the market research business in India and Asia?

    Historically, we have always achieved double-digit growth in the Asia Pacific region. I am confident we will maintain these levels of growth for the foreseeable future.

     

    Indeed, the market research industry across all of Asia Pacific is still growing quickly. Growth in some markets is running at 15-20 per cent and most markets are above market predictions.

     

    A lot of this growth is linked to China, but more and more India is gaining sway. I was at a seminar on regional forecasts the other day and the talk was of ‘China plus One’. Companies and investors don’t want to put all their eggs in the one basket.

     

    So they are investing in China and somewhere else in the region. Increasingly that ‘somewhere else’ is India. So as foreign investment increases in India, marketers will invest more and more there too. I see the country as a growth engine for Synovate – not our only one, but a significant one.

    What are the plans as far as India is concerned? How important a market is it as far as Asia is concerned?

    India is very important to us. We will continue to develop and grow our business there. As I mentioned India is becoming a significant market and a major consideration for most MNCs.

    Have you signed any recent deals with any Indian television channels to do research on their behalf?

    We work with several large media players in India. Synovate has a fully-fledged team in India to service media clients covering the entire genre of print, television, magazines and of course internet.

     

    Since its inception, the media research division has done a lot of work in the areas of image and brand tracking studies, positioning studies, and of course on Synovate Pax. This study is the barometer to measure the media consumption habits of the affluent in India.

    There have been reports that WPP is looking to acquire Synovate. Has anything progressed in this area? Is consolidation in the market research arena something that you expect to see this year?

    It is certainly flattering to be the object of our competitors’ attentions.

     

    But, despite some discussion last autumn, the fact is that no one has made a serious offer to buy us and that continues to be the case.

    Finally what does the future hold for Synovate?

    It’s a very bright future. Certainly, there are challenges from other industries which see research as a good thing to be in, but the demand is increasing significantly year on year. The nature of research is also changing.

     

    So while the core people skills will always be in demand, the focus will shift to more technologically based solutions such as online surveys, which are already with us.

     

    Our belief has always been to stay one step ahead of the competition – we believe this has helped drive our success in the past and will continue to do so in the future.