The Weekly News Update is a weekly roundup of business news from around the Asia-Pacific region, covering Fusion Consulting's core industry practices: chemicals, consumer & retail, financial services, industrial & logistics, information & communication technology, life science and media & leisure. If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested in subscribing, please forward this email to them and copy knowledge@fusionc.com.     2008 Asia-Pacific pay-TV operators survey, 4th edition   Programmers, find out what the major cable, satellite and IPTV platforms in Asia  and Australia think about your channels and support, their programming plans and  their hopes and fears for the future of the industry. This survey targets  programming managers at 50 major carriers in 16 countries across the region,  focusing on the largest players in each country. In cooperation with ContentAsia.  Request more information. Media & leisure

China - SARFT to add 10 more online video licenses Source: China Business News, 31 March 2008 SARFT will issue a "License for Publication of Audio-Visual Programs through Information Network" to approximately 10 companies in April 2008. Three private operators, including video-on-demand sites Joy.cn and 51tv, are expected to obtain new licenses, while the remaining recipients will be State-owned firms. The main reasons behind approval of Joy.cn and 51tv are that they primarily provide video on demand (VOD), thus avoiding copyright issues, and employ appropriate content monitoring. Joy.cn is already engaged in content-based cooperation with 300 film and television production agencies, as well as more than 30 satellite and local television stations nationwide, including TVB, ATV, EMI, and Huayi Brothers. China - Baidu partners with radio stations Source: China Economic Information Service, 28 March 2008 Baidu.com has set up a free "radio ally" with 15 radio stations in China to provide online radio programs. According to CCIDnet.com, by accessing the hyperlink list.mp3. baidu.com/radio/index.html, netizens will be able to enjoy real-time music programs on the 15 radio stations, including China Radio International. Baidu will support its partners with MP3 related search data, including rankings, special data analysis, as well as selected netizens' comments. The search engine is expected to expand its partnership to more radio stations, and provide such services as download, program order, and program parade to netizens. Korea - BCC Introduces Digital Broadcasting Law Source: KBS World News, 28 March 2008 Korea's Broadcasting and Communications Commission (BCC) has announced a new law to introduce digital broadcasting services by 2012. Under the special law, broadcasters will stop transmitting analog TV signals by the end of 2012 so they can start digital broadcasting. To that end, the law also requires the BCC to form a digital broadcasting promotion committee. The committee, to be headed by the BCC chief, will establish mid- and long-term plans for digital services. Digital broadcasting promises to deliver high-quality, interactive and diverse media to meet the needs of demanding TV viewers. View an example of our experience in this industry. Back to list of articles.  Visit our website to sign up for free intelligence on Asian markets.

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