Hong Kong, 4 March 2008 – The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) will host two high-powered industry forums in New Delhi on March 17th and March 18th designed to encourage the further development of India’s fast-moving digital video communications market.

The March 17th “invitation-only” roundtable “Advanced Video Communications: Convergence=Choice” will be keynoted by Smt. Asha Swarup, the Secretary for the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in India, and focus on increasing the deployment of digital services for India’s 76 million pay-TV subscribers.

Other participants will include Jawahar Goel of Dish TV, Deepak Shourie of Discovery Networks India and Jaggi Panda of cable MSO Ortel. Among the crucial issues covered during the invitation-only briefings for senior industry executives and government officials will be means to increase the quality and variety of content from which Indian consumers can choose, and the affect of current regulatory practices on investment in new infrastructure.

“This a unique period of development for India’s communications market, when decisions need to be made quickly and transparently,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA. “CASBAA, with its mixture of domestic and international expertise, intends to make a substantive contribution to this process.”

Meanwhile, on March 18th CASBAA will host the India Satellite Forum – “New Horizons, New Challenges” for satellite services, a conference designed to explore ways to develop additional satellite capacity over India if increasing demand for DTH, broadband, cable TV and VSAT services is to be met effectively.

The India Satellite Forum will be staged at The Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi as the international satellite industry’s first-ever public forum in India. Senior executives drawn from telecoms carriers, pay-TV platform operators and content providers, as well as government bodies such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), will be among the participants.

Featured speakers on Tuesday March 18th will include:

– Sujata Deb, Managing Director, Time Broadband
– Ravi Mansukhani, Managing Director, INCablenet
– Vikram Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Sky
– Amitabh Kumar, Director Corporate Affairs, Zee Networks
– Dr. N Bhaskara Rao, Chairman, Centre for Media Studies
– Prashant Gokam, Partner, Spectrum
– D.P. Vaidya, President, VSAT Association of India (VSAI)
– N. Sampath, Managing Director, Intelsat India
– R.N. Choubey, Advisor (B&C), TRAI

The high-profile satellite industry event will include panel discussions on DTH business opportunities, India’s satellite market demand and supply, and prospects for growth in delivery of network services via satellite.

“In recent years, India’s vibrant communications industry has demonstrated exceptionally strong demand for satellite services but this has not been matched by adequate supply. The international industry is looking forward to greater cooperation with Indian market players, so that together we can ensure that India has access to all the satellite capacity it needs,” said Anjan Mitra, Executive Director, India for CASBAA.

“The objective of the India Satellite Forum is to give industry leaders the chance to analyze and share their insights on the latest development of the India satellite services market,” said Twiston Davies. “India should be the leading Asian market for satellite communications with huge opportunities for every sector.”

For more details about the two events as well as registration, please visit:
The CASBAA’s “Advanced Video Communications” roundtable –
The India Satellite Forum

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About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chello Zone, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES NEW SKIES, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, Hong Kong Cable TV, INX Network, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Spectrum Value Partners, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.

For enquiries, please contact:
CASBAA
Helen Shek / Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

CASBAA’s submission to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on practices and policies of trading partners in the Asia-Pacific that deny adequate and effective copyright protection to the television broadcast content of CASBAA’s member companies.

Please click here for Full Article.

Hong Kong, 22 January, 2008 – The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia today launched its ‘Mobile TV in Asia’ report for CASBAA members, exploring some of the factors for the commercial success of mobile video TV services in the Asia Pacific.

Commissioned by the CASBAA Mobile TV Committee, the report was written by digital research agency Tomorrow to provide a strategic and comprehensive analysis of mobile TV development across the region.

“Although mobile TV services could be a huge revenue source for broadcasters and advertising agencies, there are many issues that still need to be addressed before getting the industry onto the right track,” said CASBAA Mobile TV consultant Mike Walsh.

According to Datamonitor research quoted in the report, the number of mobile TV subscribers in Asia could hit 76.3 million in 2012 out of 156 million globally, up from an estimated 15 million in Asia today.

Meanwhile, the CASBAA report lists 10 key success factors[1] for mobile TV services, citing industry data and insights from senior industry figures, along with case studies demonstrating Asia Pacific opportunities and challenges.

According to the report, developing a feasible business model for mobile TV will require, “a healthy ecosystem . . . . . reliant on the integration between content providers, network operators and device manufacturers, as well as government regulation.”

“Following the CASBAA Mobile TV CXO Summit of December last, the ‘Mobile TV in Asia’ report is part of CASBAA’s commitment to demystify the mobile sector and its potential as a new revenue source,” said the CASBAA CEO Simon Twiston Davies.

“The mobile TV industry is passing new milestones all the time and CASBAA will continue with its efforts to bridge the knowledge gap between content providers and carriers,” added Twiston Davies.

The executive summary of the Report is attached and for a preview video of the same Report, please click on this link to view.

The 10 essentials for the commercial success of mobile TV in any new market

1. The network
2. Ease of use
3. The ecosystem
4. Devices
5. Coverage
6. Revenue
7. Regulation
8. Content
9. Advertising
10. Lifestyle

###

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chello Zone, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES NEW SKIES, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, Hong Kong Cable TV, INX Network, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Spectrum Value Partners, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.

For enquiries, please contact:

CASBAA
Helen Shek / Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, 22 January, 2008 – The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia today released its “Thailand in View” market report for CASBAA members, providing an up-to-date overview of the pay-TV industry in Thailand, as well as the opportunities and challenges in terms of regulatory and political factors.

Thailand in View provides an in-depth study of the country’s pay-TV environment, plus a regulatory and stakeholder analysis, along with key contacts of Thailand cable TV industry and a draft of the Broadcasting Bill 2007.

According to the report, Thailand’s pay-TV penetration remains relatively low compared with other Asian markets, with just 14.3% of 18.7 million Thai TV households.

Meanwhile, according to CASBAA, there are several issues in the Thai market that need to be addressed before further substantial growth can be achieved, including widespread signal theft and a regulatory environment that permits unlicensed operators in the provinces.

There is also room for significant pay-TV advertising growth. As of now, the Thai government has only given tacit approval for pass-through, non domestic pay-TV advertising, while privately owned pay-TV operators at this time cannot carry any domestic advertising at all, which has suppressed the willingness of industry players to further invest in this sector. The industry hopes that recently-passed broadcasting legislation will unambiguously pave the way for lifting the advertising ban.

“Thailand should have a far more robust pay-TV market given its population, GDP, level of entertainment consumption and the maturity of the advertising industry,” said CASBAA CEO Simon Twiston Davies. “The pay-TV industry is optimistic on progress towards giving Thailand a modern regulatory system. With the Broadcasting Bill 2007 now passed by the National Legislative Assembly, we look forward to having a licensing regime established for all pay-TV operators and further development of the market in Thailand.”

###

About CASBAA –
www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chello Zone, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES NEW SKIES, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, Hong Kong Cable TV, INX Network, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Spectrum Value Partners, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.

For enquiries, please contact:

CASBAA
Helen Shek / Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

MDA Public Consultation on the Policy and Regulatory Framework for Mobile Broadcasting Services in Singapore

Submission by The Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA)

January 17, 2008

This submission is made on behalf of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA). CASBAA is an industry association with members and activities in 15 Asia Pacific markets; many have regional headquarters located in Singapore. The Association is dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region and represents some 125 corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organizations include AETN International, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels, Bloomberg Television, CNBC Asia, Discovery Networks Asia, ESPN Star Sports, HBO Asia, Intelsat Asia Pacific, Globecast, Media Corp News, Microsoft, MGM Channel, MTV Networks Asia, Motorola, Nokia, Qualcomm/MediaFLO, SES New Skies, Sony Pictures Television, Starhub Cable Vision, Zonemedia, Celestial Pictures, ChinaEntertainment Television, Chung Hwa Telecom, National Geographic Channel Asia, NDS, PCCW/Now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, STAR Group, Time Warner, Turner Broadcasting, TVB Pay Vision, and Walt Disney Television.

CASBAA and its members wish to congratulate the MDA on its timely and comprehensive examination of policy and regulatory issues which must be considered in order to facilitate launch of mobile broadcasting services in Singapore. MDA’s openness in considering the issues and its thoughtful consultation paper demonstrate an outstanding approach to regulatory governance.

CASBAA’s member companies work in an industry which is rapidly converging, both commercially and technologically. Pay-TV content is today available to consumers in Asia through distribution platforms using cable, satellite, proprietary broadband, internet, and mobile telephony. The distinctions between the “broadcasting” and “telecommunications” industries are rapidly blurring, and are likely to virtually disappear within the next decade. New business models are rapidly evolving, as industry players gain a surer knowledge of consumers’ desires, and willingness, to purchase content over various transmission platforms. It is, therefore, no surprise that the industry favours a regulatory regime that is open, transparent, even-handed, technologically neutral, protective of creative freedoms, and flexible enough to permit evolution of new business models.

MDA’s proposed approaches are by and large supportive of those goals; we share the belief expressed in MDA’s announcement that a “market-driven, light-touch and proenterprise regulatory framework” will attract more players into the Singapore market and facilitate development of this fledgling sector. However, we believe there is good reason, and ample room, for MDA to go even further than it proposes. “Even lighter touch” regulation will greatly facilitate rapid growth of new services and – applied in a technology-neutral fashion – will provide an appropriate framework for further development of existing services. In any case, we fully support MDA’s desire to rapidly resolve the remaining questions and adopt a formal policy framework so that industry players will proceed quickly to roll out additional mobile television services in Singapore, and allow consumers to choose which of many competing offerings they favour. In this way, Singapore will continue to develop its communication markets as a regional leader, new content markets will be stimulated, and consumers will enjoy – if they wish – the benefits of content services anytime and anywhere.

The following comments are keyed to the sections in MDA’s Consultation Paper.

Technical Issues:

Our Association endorses MDA’s overall approach to the technical issues considered in this consultation, which aims to leave as many decisions as possible in the hands of market players.

In particular, we believe that MDA is wise to:

a) refrain from mandating any particular technology standard for mobile broadcasting in Singapore;

b) leave quality-of-service issues to be settled by the marketplace, rather than by regulatory intervention. (Market players have a clear interest in assuring picture quality, customer service, etc. in order to provide a competitive package to consumers.)

While we do not believe it is strictly necessary for MDA to provide any minimum network coverage requirements either, we understand the government’s legitimate interest in using available spectrum efficiently to provide a nationwide service. We believe MDA’s proposed approach to mandate only outdoor coverage requirements is appropriate.

Licensing framework:

Our overriding goal is to see a transparent, predictable and market-friendly process put in place as quickly as possible so potential operators and investors can assemble and rapidly implement a commercially viable business plan. Singapore’s potential market for these services is small, and MDA’s consultation paper rightly notes that demand for mobile TV services is uncertain. This makes investing in a mobile broadcasting service risky; rapid roll-out of mobile TV services will only be achieved if the licensing framework is in reality market-driven and pro-enterprise. We believe that certain aspects of the MDA’s proposed framework should be adjusted to improve the system’s market-friendly orientation.

• We believe that the attractiveness of the tender for multiplexes will be increased if the duration of the license is straightforward, clear, and as lengthy as possible. MDA proposes a 10-year license, extendable to 15; we would propose that this be simplified into a 15-year license. Appropriate conditions on service roll-out can be attached to the tender to assure that frequencies are utilized, but the large investments necessary to create a mobile broadcasting system can better be justified with a longer licensing term.

• Similarly, we do not see the desirability of limiting the term of the “niche” broadcasting licenses to 5 years, and we believe that such a duration is too short. A 10-year (or even 15-year) license duration would be more market-friendly. This point is valid for all delivery platforms; MDA should take the opportunity of its examination of these mobile TV issues to extend the standard validity of all niche licenses (whether for delivery over mobile, or other, platforms).

• A related problem is created by the dual-tier licensing system. A “niche” operator whose business is successful will become ineligible to retain its niche license if it grows past the limit of 100,000 subscribers; if the operator has substantial foreign investment it may have to arrange divestment of those shares in order to meet the requirements of Part X of the Broadcasting Act and thereby qualify for a Nationwide Subscription TV License. The only alternatives would be to avoid bringing in foreign investors from the very beginning, or to limit the system’s subscriber growth to keep it under the 100,000 ceiling. Neither of these options is desirable, in the context of MDA’s stated intention to attract investment and grow this industry. We believe that Part X of the Broadcasting Act should be amended, and its restrictions on foreign ownership – which are vestiges of an earlier media age – should be relaxed. (We recognize this may not be achievable in the context of this consultation, and we do not advocate delay of roll-out of the licensing framework to achieve this “lighter touch.” However, we believe this is a worthy goal for MDA to pursue, and one that will become increasingly necessary as the technological convergence and commercial fragmentation of the media industry continues.)

• We believe the proposed requirement that 65% of the multiplex capacity be used for video is too high. To stimulate development of this nascent industry, the number of constraints imposed on market players’ business models should be as low as possible; no one knows what kind of product mix might make commercial sense for a multiplex operator. Recognizing government’s desire to see mobile broadcasting licenses used for mobile TV services, we would suggest that, at most, a 50% requirement might be adopted, with provisions for MDA to grant waivers of this rule upon a justified application from a license-holder.

• We appreciate the good intent behind MDA’s proposal to waive license fees for five years. However, following the five-year period, MDA proposes to apply the 2.5% (of revenue) licensing fee that is applicable to other broadcasting licenses. We believe this is another area where the advent of mobile broadcasting suggests a re-examination of MDA’s overall policy is warranted. The 2.5% fee is among the highest in Asia, and is high by comparison with the fees leveled by comparable developed-country jurisdictions;1 the prospect of its imposition after five years will weigh down the business planning of potential licensees. We believe the fee is simply an additional tax imposed on the various segments of the broadcasting industry, as we see no indication that the level of this fee is associated with any calculation of the cost of administration of the licensing system. In today’s market, broadcasters are competing with many different networks (wired and wireless) for providing entertainment products to consumers, and it is preferable that taxation for all be handled through the overall corporate tax system, rather than through high license fees.

• Likewise, we do not believe that a “lump sum money bid” should be included in the evaluation criteria for a possible tender. Inclusion of such a criterion will tend to turn the tender into an auction, and benefit incumbent players who have the deepest pockets. We believe the Singapore public will be better served by making it possible for a wide range of potential entrants to compete in this tender; the tender exercise should be seen as a way to stimulate new services and vibrant competition, not as a cash cow.

• We are concerned at the ambiguous nature of some of the criteria for the “beauty contest” (comparative tender) selection mechanism proposed by MDA. It is important, to facilitate participation by a range of potential investors, that the benchmarks to be used be fully transparent and susceptible to objective analysis. We would urge MDA to make whatever criteria are adopted as “hard” and quantitative as possible.

Market Structure Issues:

We see no reason to object to the number of multiplex licenses MDA proposes to issue, nor to its plan to require that licensees make access available on fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions. (The latter condition is likely to favour entry of additional services, which would be a competitive benefit.)

We warmly support MDA’s proposal not to limit advertising revenue earned from mobile TV services. Indeed, we believe that the proper mix of advertising and subscription revenue across all broadcasting platforms is best determined by market actors, and we urge MDA to relax the advertising revenue constraints imposed on all Singapore subscription television operators. The current restriction of advertising to 25% of total revenue is the tightest such restriction in Asia, and we are unaware of any theoretical foundation for it (other than protection of incumbent competing media interests, which goes against the goal of technology and platform neutrality in regulation).

Regulation of Content:

In general, our Association supports creation of a level playing field with respect to content regulation across all platforms. This means that like kinds of content (linear subscription channels, VOD content, etc.) should be regulated in the same fashion whether delivered on cable, satellite, broadband or wireless platforms. Such regulation should be founded on clear, published codes of practice that are developed by the industry or with substantial industry participation. It appears to us that it is MDA’s intention to achieve a similar outcome. We note that MDA plans to use existing licensing mechanisms and existing codes of practice to regulate mobile broadcasting. We believe that in the context of MDA’s processes, which are efficient when compared to many other regulators, the proposed licensing approach will not represent an undue burden to development of content for mobile platforms.

However, we also believe that there is scope for lightening the regulatory burden across all types of platforms. The requirement for ex ante approval of channels (and “significant” changes in channel content) is an anachronism in the internet age; we would suggest that it be replaced with a system of filing of proposed channel lineups for public scrutiny which would be implemented 14 days later unless there was some objection from MDA or the public. (If the present system of requiring ex ante approval is retained, we would question why such a long approval time (60 days) is required for minority language content. A 30-day period, as is required for “sensitive” news and information channels, should be adequate for full MDA review.)

On other points:

• We support MDA’s proposal not to impose public service broadcasting (PSB) or must-carry requirements on mobile broadcasting. Imposition of such requirements would burden the nascent industry, and MDA wisely notes that minimizing such burdens will improve the likelihood of development of viable business models.

• We do not object to MDA’s proposal to require advertisements on mobile services to meet existing requirements (voluntary SCAP codes and MDA codes).

In conclusion, we wish to thank MDA for its trend-setting and open-minded approach to these regulatory issues, which starts from the very logical base that if private investment is desired, to stimulate the development and commercialization of new technologies and business models, the regulatory framework must be pro-enterprise and “light touch.” Singapore, with its small market size, needs such an approach if it is to assume a leading role in these convergent industries. MDA is to be congratulated for the vision and flexibility it has applied to these issues. Our Association remains ready to support this vision with further exchanges of views and information, if that is judged desirable.

Hong Kong, 18 December, 2007 – CASBAA has launched its first Asian Satellite Services Report for members, highlighting key aspects of regulatory effectiveness for the Asia Pacific satellite industry.

The Report was commissioned by CASBAA and researched, written and reviewed over a six-month period by a CASBAA panel of experts and senior executives.

The CASBAA Asian Satellite Services Report provides an overview of the regulatory environment in 21 jurisdictions across the region, serving both as a top-level guide and an advocacy tool for stakeholders. The Report also contains up-to-date satellite, DTH and VSAT data, as well as base indicators such as population and GDP data.

According to CASBAA, the much sought after Satellite Services Report offers an important regulatory environment index for its members and related industry players. “One of the key conclusions is that markets with an ‘Open Skies’ policy benefit greatly from increased business and overall market values afforded by free and open competition,” said Simon Twiston Davies, the CEO of CASBAA.

The CASBAA Satellite Services Report is a companion to the online CASBAA Asia Pacific Satellite Industry Directory housed at www.casbaa.com as a downloadable PDF file designed for members.

“Meanwhile, the CASBAA Satellite Industry Committee is working on two satellite industry related events for 2008: the India Satellite Industry Forum on March 18, as well as the annual Satellite Industry Forum in Singapore on June 16,” added Twiston Davies. “The coming year is shaping up very positively for our satellite industry members.”

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About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES New Skies, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Chello Zone, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, HiT Entertainment, Hong Kong Cable TV, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.

For enquiries, please contact:

CASBAA
Helen Shek / Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, 17 December, 2007 – Themed “It’s all about Content”, the four-day CASBAA Convention 2007, organised by the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) which ran from October 30 to November 2 was a great success.

For those of you who were not able to participate in the Convention or had missed some of the presentation sessions, you can now view the speaker presentations online on the Convention page under the News & Events section on the CASBAA website or visit this address: http://www.casbaa.com/c3f_convention.asp?menu_class=3&leftmenu=6

This year’s CASBAA Convention included leading Asia-Pacific and global speakers such as and among others:

* Joong Soo Nam, President & CEO of KT Corporation
* Andy Kaplan, President of International Networks of Sony Pictures Television
* Bob Zitter, CTO of HBO
* Peter Mukerjea, CEO of INX Asia
* Tony DaSilva, COO of Sun Direct
* Jason Krikorian, Co-Founder of Sling Media
* Laureen Ong, COO, STAR Group
* Michael Kelley, Advisory Partner, US Entertainment Media & Communications Practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers
* Harri Männistö, Director, Watch New Experiences, Multimedia of Nokia
* Dan Glickman, CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America

“The Association once again thanks its members, sponsors, partners and media for their continuous support and contributing to the great success of the Convention,” said Simon Twiston Davies, the CEO of CASBAA. “We look forward to seeing you next year!”

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES New Skies, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Chello Zone, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, HiT Entertainment, Hong Kong Cable TV, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.

For enquiries, please contact:

CASBAA
Helen Shek / Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, 12 December, 2007 – A Mobile TV CXO Summit, jointly organised by the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) and the Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) was held in Hong Kong on December 3rd.

The highly interactive Summit successfully connected 40 senior content owners, mobile communications carriers and service providers in an informal and innovative environment allowing participants to brainstorm on how best to nurture the growth of mobile TV in Asia.

Participants included Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Turner International, Bloomberg Television, Discovery Networks, Granada International and Walt Disney Television. Regional and international mobile network service providers and technology specialists such as SwissCom Mobile, Telia Sonera, MediaQuest, PCCW, StarHub, Smartone, Hutchinson Telecom, CSL and 3 Hong Kong, along with Nokia, Qualcomm, Irdeto, NagraVision, NDS, Speedcast, ITSun, Dada Asia, IMG, MIH and PricewaterhouseCoopers were also among the Summit participants.

According to a summary of the series of meetings in groups of 10 during the day, “ultimately mobile TV could be a huge revenue source for network operators, TV content owners, technology services providers and advertising agencies.

“Nevertheless, the jury is still out. There are many issues that still need to be addressed before getting a clear direction on the future development of mobile TV in Asia.”

The event opened with an introductory presentation based on a report for CASBAA Members by consultant Mike Walsh, which highlights “Ten essential items for a successful Mobile TV platform in Asia”. This was followed by four tightly moderated roundtable sessions during which three topics were debated: The mobile TV business model; Content creation & management and Marketing & monetizing mobile TV.

During the Summit, it was widely agreed that two major challenges remain before securing mass consumer adoption of mobile TV services: “User experience and Content”.

According to the summary: “Although the capability to deliver content is there, user experience is very much dependent on technology being able to provide better networks with higher video quality and resolution; better devices with larger screens; longer battery life and affordable handsets across a widely varying Asian landscape.”

Content is the other critical factor and much debate took place as to what genre of content will work in Asia. Some saw News and Sports as driver genres, while others claimed that experience shows that “entertainment drives as much as 80% of take up.”

Content localisation is also a key factor as content preferences differ from market to market and is “very much driven by consumer lifestyles”. Thus, a well thought out and highly targeted marketing plan is central to launching mobile TV services successfully.

“We believe we achieved the objective of the Mobile TV CXO Summit, which was to provide a high octane, low burn interactive platform for industry players. However, it remains clear that network operators and content providers have yet to agree on what kind of business model works,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA.

The Mobile TV CXO Summit was organised by CASBAA and the MEF to engender the much-needed conversations necessary for the growth of mobile TV in Asia.

“We have made a start. That’s all. There is much work to be done,” said Twiston Davies.

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES New Skies, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Chello Zone, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, HiT Entertainment, Hong Kong Cable TV, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.

About MEF – www.m-e-f.org
Since 2000, MEF has established itself as the leading global trade association for companies large and small across the mobile entertainment value chain.

MEF’s membership base spans the entire range of mobile entertainment activities, including music, film, TV and video companies who create and package content; publishers, retailers, service providers and technologists who sell and deliver content and network operators who get the content to the end users.

For enquiries, please contact:

CASBAA
Helen Shek/ Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, 26 November 2007 – The Asia Pacific pay-TV industry has greeted an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) decision on the preservation of C-band spectrum for satellite TV services in Asia as “a long-awaited positive outcome on a contentious issue”.

According to the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA), the November 16th decision taken in Geneva, Switzerland by the United Nations-led ITU World Radio Conference (WRC) recognized the central role that broadcasting — and in particular pay-TV services — plays within the Asian communications market.

While acknowledging the new development of terrestrial Wimax broadband services as important, the WRC meeting concluded that the uninterrupted use of C-band in Asia was essential to preserve quality broadcast communications. The WRC also gave Asia Pacific satellite system operators assurances that any future IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) networks will be fully protected from interference.

“The interference-free operation of C-band satellite services is essential for mainstream satellite TV and cable TV platforms, mobile communications, Internet delivery and disaster recovery communications,” said Simon Twiston Davies, the CEO of CASBAA, which represents 128 Asia Pacific satellite and cable TV providers across Asia.

Long-term and detailed trials have shown that the operation of wireless systems such as Wimax within the range of 3.4 – 4.2 GHz C-band spectrum have repeatedly “wiped out” the ability of satellites to function across the entire band and caused the widespread disruption of transmission signals.

The landmark decision by 191 UN member states at the WRC will now allow for further development of new markets and services for satellite services.

“This much welcomed international endorsement provides our industry the assurance of a secure future for much anticipated market growth and services developments in the years to come,” said Twiston Davies. “This positive outcome demonstrates the serious recognition of the importance of C-band for the broadcasting industry and satellite operators,” he added.

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES New Skies, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Chello Zone, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, HiT Entertainment, Hong Kong Cable TV, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity Partners, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.
For enquiries, please contact:

CASBAA
Helen Shek / Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, 12 November 2007 – The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) today announced the results of its 2007 Annual General Meeting elections in Hong Kong to the CASBAA Council of Governors, the CASBAA Board of Directors and the CASBAA Chairmanship for 2008/2009.

Marcel Fenez, Global Managing Partner, Entertainment and Media Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers was re-elected for a two-year term as Chairman of the Association.

Newly elected to the CASBAA Board of Directors (the CASBAA management Board) were Tom Keaveny, EVP and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Asia; Todd Miller, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Asia of Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and Anthony Tse, President, China Entertainment Television Broadcast.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia; Peter Jackson, CEO of AsiaSat; Sompan Charumilinda, Executive Vice Chairman, TrueVisions and William Pfeiffer, CEO of Celestial Movies retain their seats on the CASBAA Board. Ian Carroll, SVP and GM, Turner International Asia Pacific was re-elected for a second two-year term as a CASBAA Board Director.

Stepping down from the CASBAA Board of Directors are Nic van Zwanenberg, Regional Director, Distribution and Business Development, BBC Global Channels, James Ross, Regional Director, Granada International and Tom Choi, Co-founder & CEO, Asia Broadcast Satellite.

Also elected for two-year terms to the CASBAA Council of Governors, the Association’s most senior advisory body, were:

Stephen Ng, Chairman, President and CEO, HK Cable TV

Christine Leo-McKerrow, SVP, BBC Global Channels, Asia

Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports

Mike Reynolds, President, StarHub

Sue Taylor, VP and GM, NDS

Surh Dong Koo, President & CEO, KDB SkyLife

Alexander Muller, Managing Director, TV5MONDE Asia

Andrew Jordan, Vice President & General Manager, SAT-GE

Mark Patterson, CEO, GroupM

Craig Harvey, Director Media Research, Synovate

Michelle Guthrie, Managing Director, Providence Equity Asia

Nick Pibeam, Managing Director & Founder, ITSun Limited

Paul Brown-Kenyon, COO, MEASAT

and

Gregg Creevey (Individual)

Retaining seats for the second of two-year terms on the CASBAA Council are:

Christine Fellowes, MD Asia, Comcast International Media Group; Craig Zimbulis, President and COO, Anytime; Gabriel Pimentel, President & CEO, Mabuhay Satellite; Hugh Stephens, SVP, International Relations & Strategic Policy, AP, Time Warner; Ian Barnard, President, MIH Asia; Jeanette Chan, Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Jeremy Pink, President & MD, CNBC; Juno Henares Chuidian, VP, Program Packaging and Merchandising, SkyCable; Malcolm Spry, EVP, VNU Global Media Services, AGB Nielsen Media Research; Nigel Francis, Partner, Minter Ellison; PJ Wong Founder, Chairman and CEO, iMediaHouse; Susan Ho, Head of the Creative, Media & Tech Industries Team, Standard Chartered Bank and Thierry Raymaekers, Director, Marketing Asia Pacific, Irdeto.

Patron members of the Association receive an automatic seat on the CASBAA Council of Governors. The full list of member representatives can be found at http://www.casbaa.com

According to Mr Fenez, during 2008 the Association will focus on the increasing impact of mobile technologies and the further development of pay-TV advertising. He also noted clear signals from the CASBAA Council of Governors that the Association should step up initiatives in India and China, while continuing to engage with the regulatory authorities in multiple markets and promote industry development in Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea and India among others.

“The next 12 months promise to provide a banner year for the pay-TV industry across the region and CASBAA’s role will be to support industry growth where ever it can,” said Mr Fenez.

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA represents some 128 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Genesis Networks, Granada International/ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Group, MediaFLO Technologies, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SES New Skies, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Chello Zone, Al Jazeera, Amarchand Mangaldas, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific, Celestial Movies, Deutsche Welle, ESPN STAR Sports, Hallmark Channel, GMA Network Inc., GroupM, HiT Entertainment, Hong Kong Cable TV, Irdeto, KDB Skylife, Lovells, Measat, MGM Networks, Microsoft Corporation, Minter Ellison, National Geographic, Network18, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, ProtoStar, Providence Equity Partners, PT Direct Vision, SAT-GE, Tandberg Television, Tata Sky, TBN, Ten Sports, TFN Media, TimeWarner, TV5MONDE, Viaccess and Zee TV.

For enquiries, please contact:

CASBAA
Helen Shek / Carmen Mak
Marketing Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9943
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com