8 September 2003
As predicted in a previous ABI news item, News Corp has sold its entire 8.1 per cent stake in Sky Perfect Communications Inc, a Japanese satellite broadcasting firm, to three Japanese companies – Fuji Television, Sony Broadcast Media and Itochu Corp, the three largest shareholders in Sky Perfect. Their equity stake increased to 12.7 per cent each with the purchase of Sky Perfect shares held by a News Corp subsidiary.
SkyPerfecTV has made losses for the past seven years. Japan’s 20 per cent cap on foreign investment in broadcasters is also a deterrent.
Even so the sale may damage Murdochs attempt to be a player in one of the biggest broadcasting markets. But News Corp has probably not given up on the important Japanese broadcasting market.
Meanwhile comes the news that Fox International Channels will launch in the UK in 2004. The new channel will compete with Sky One. Jason Thorp has been appointed vice-president.
8 September 2003
The Al-Jazeera satellite channel says that the new site has been provided, so that a larger number of people can get access to news items that Al-Jazeera provides. In addition the site will offer more in-depth analysis of developments and varied interests.
Al-Jazeera added: “Those responsible for the site seek to have it cover news selected with accuracy from many sources dealing with politics, economy, culture, science and information in a comprehensive manner. Special attention will also be given to our correspondents in the various parts of the world.”
8 September 2003
The BBC has joined forces with China’s leading media and internet services company, Sina, to launch a unique mobile phone service – teaching English to up to 200 million Chinese mobile phone users.
The BBC is the first international educational content provider to use mobile technology in this way in China. Busy Chinese learners will now have a convenient way to learn spoken English whilst on the move. They will receive a daily text message on their mobile containing an English phrase together with the Chinese translation. They can then log onto Sina.com to listen to and read a longer dialogue, and to read explanations. Users can choose from three strands to suit their needs: Language and Lifestyle, Work and Sport.
China is the world’s largest single mobile telephone market
8 September 2003
We reported earlier that a ban had been placed on popular Urdu-language programming from India being shown on Pakistani cable.
Now, with the border dispute with India still festering, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has entered the fray. Chairman Mian Javed claims that there might be some exceptions but that the majority of people in Pakistan support a ban on display of Indian television channels through cable networks.
The authority has finalised a list of television channels for distribution through the cable system. Those channels that are not part of the eligible list are banned in Pakistan, said Mr Javed. The grounds for banning appear to be copyright and cultural issues, a code of ethics, and public needs. Indian entertainment, said Mr Javed, is much more liberal and according to Pakistani views creates cultural distortions.
5 September 2003
English-language programming from EuroNews – the international news channel operated by European public broadcasters – has gained carriage on cable in the Republic of Ireland.
Already available on Irish domestic terrestrial channels RTE1, Network 2 and TG4 for a number of hours every day, this new carriage agreement gives the Lyon-based channel access to 1.2 million homes in the Republic.
Philippe Cayla, Chairman & CEO of EuroNews, said “EuroNews already has a good following in Ireland; we are pleased the channel is now available 24 hours a day and are sure our new Irish subscribers will appreciate EuroNews’ unique editorial concept.”
