A unique showcase for transforming the TV business in a brand-rich world
Hong Kong, 10 October 2006 – Tagged “From Bandwidth to Brandwidth”, the CASBAA Convention 2006, to be held from 24 to 27 October, is poised to shed light on using advancements in digital technologies to maximise the value of newly-available communications bandwidth for sophisticated brand development, innovative marketing and premium content.
“Broadband and the multimedia revolution present immense opportunities for pay-TV platform operators, content providers and telcos of all types in Asia,” remarked Marcel Fenez, Chairman of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA).
As Asia’s foremost broadcast industry event of the year, the Convention opens on 24 October with the CASBAA Technology Showcase 2006, focussing on the products and technical solutions revolutionising the world of pay-TV. This day-long session will feature presentations from the developers of global wireless, high definition, broadband and interactive technologies.
On the opening day of the Convention, 25 October, the CASBAA Pay-TV Piracy Survey 2006 will be unveiled. This fourth annual study conducted by Standard Chartered Bank in collaboration with CASBAA and its member organisations, reveals pay-TV piracy estimates for 2006-2007. John Medeiros, the CASBAA VP for Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, will look at the value of cooperation between government and the pay-TV industry and review government efforts to address the worsening problem of pay-TV piracy.
With regulation a crucial element for the broadcast industry, Kip Meek, Senior Partner for Competition & Content, OFCOM (UK) and Chairman of the European Regulators Group, will consider the need for regulatory supervision and effective governance and cast light on the relevance of a converged regulatory model to Asia. Mr. Meek will explore challenges and opportunities arising from the emergence of new media, technological innovations and the increasingly blurred distinction between carriers and content providers.
The following day, 26 October, Charlie Ergen, Co-founder & CEO, EchoStar Communications (US), will present delegates with the realities of operating one of the world’s most advanced Direct-to-Home satellite TV services and look at market opportunities in Asia Pacific, including how industry players can focus on ¡®brandwidth¡¯ rather than ‘bandwidth’ in their business operations today.
On the final day of the Convention, 27 October, Irwin Gotlieb, Global CEO of WPP’s Group M in New York, will discuss the future of advertising and of media in the changing landscape, providing insights into effective strategies and tactics for pay-TV operators.
“This year’s programme will offer delegates fresh perspectives on branding and the opportunities it provides in this new paradigm of abundant bandwidth and technological advancements. To make immediate and enormous strides towards becoming a digital leader, domestic markets should operate in sync with the rest of the world and gain the full benefit of a global marketplace,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA. “Regulators will see the benefits of loosening restraints on industry growth, while industry players will gain insights into the latest business and technology trends as well as the hot issues of today.”
The CASBAA Convention 2006 will be held at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from 24 to 27 October, and is presented by InvestHK, with Star TV and now TV as the official partners.
For the full agenda and further information on the CASBAA Convention 2006, please visit http://www.casbaaconvention.com.
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About CASBAA (www.casbaa.com)
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia 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 110 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include Australia Network, ABN AMRO, AETN International (History Channel), AsiaSat, Astro (Malaysia), Bloomberg Television, Comverse, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Granada, EMC, HBO Asia, IBM, Macquarie Bank, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, Turner International Asia Pacific, UBC (Thailand), Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Anytime, BBC Global Channels, BBC World, Celestial, CMS TNS, ESPN STAR Sports, Eurosports, Hallmark Channel, Intelsat, Irdeto, Harmonic, Lovells, MEASAT, Motorola, National Geographic, Paul Weiss, Playboy TV, Seagate, Sky News Australia, Standard Chartered Bank, Starhub, Synovate and TimeWarner.
For further information, please contact:
Liza Ng / Sovanna Fung
iPR communications
Tel: +852 3178 9010 / 2131 8962
Fax: +852 2131 8955
Email: lizang@iprcomm.com.hk
sovannafung@iprcomm.com.hk
Rebecca Kennedy / Katie Wong
Communications, CASBAA
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com