Bangkok--31 Aug--Total Quality PR
Looking to streamline operations and facilitate the expansion of its two channels — AXN ASIA (Ch.19, UBC), the leading international action and adventure cable channel and ANIMAX ASIA (Ch. 67, UBC), the first 24-hour cable and satellite TV channel exclusively dedicated to Japanese animation programming. — SPE Networks Asia has undergone a re-organization exercise in recent months. New hires as well as the promotion of key personnel took place as a result to reflect its commitment to boost the channels’ profiles in the region.
In the last three months, activities were buzzing internally, as the organization moved to consolidate the functions of programme and brand marketing under the two channel brands — AXN and Animax. In the past, staff from Programming, Marketing and Creative Services reported to their respective functional heads. A period of transition in recent months sees personnel being re-organized to report to two head honchos — Ms. Wong Yan-Jong for AXN and Ms. Betty Tsui for Animax.
Three key personnel were promoted, and experienced professionals were hired for key positions as part of the process to ensure each channel has a solid structure to carry out upcoming major branding and programming initiatives to propel the channels’ profiles in the region.
The AXN Team
Ms. Wong Yan-Jong, previously the Director of AXN Programming, has been promoted to Executive Director overseeing the programming of AXN Asia, as well as the added responsibilities of managing the functions of marketing and creative services. The enlarged portfolio will allow her a bird’s eye view of the brand, ensuring consistency in strategy planning right through to the execution of on-air and off-air activities.
Within the new AXN team, Mr. Kartik Budhraja has been promoted from Senior Producer to Associate Director of Creative Services. He leads a team of producers for various feeds including East Asia, Taiwan, Korea and India.
The Animax Team
As the organization continues to aggressively increase the profile of Animax in the region, Ms. Betty Tsui, Vice-President of Animax Asia, will similarly oversee the critical functions of programming, marketing and creative services, as well as conquering new markets to expand the channel’s reach.
The Animax brand was given a new look and image in June 2006, and in its effort to ensure a smooth execution of the revamp, two significant additions were made to the Animax team — Ms. Judy Chow is the new Marketing Director; while Mr. Garry Hui joins as the Associate Director for Programming. Together, they will spearhead the move forward for the new Animax, identifying programmes and marketing initiatives that will connect and interact with today’s youths.
In addition, Ms. Tracy Wong was promoted from Senior Producer to Associate Director of Creative Services, overseeing on-air activities for Animax across all feeds, including the launch of the new on-air branding. Prior to February 2006, Tracy was the Senior Producer for AXN East Asia feed, where she showcased her creativity through various on-air campaigns that garnered numerous awards, including two Gold awards at Promax Asia 2005.
The Network Distribution Team
Finally, a new Affiliate Marketing Manager has also been hired to take care of affiliate marketing — Shyanne Chao joins SPE Networks Asia from StarHub, and will be dealing with cable partners around the region.
About AXN
Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programming, AXN is a leading international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in 50 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and is part of Sony Pictures Television International’s diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.
AXN Asia is available to more than 38 million households 24-hours daily throughout Asia in Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, South Korea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Maldives, Mongolia and in hotels and VIP compounds in China. AXN can also be seen in 40 million cable television households on time-block basis in China. More information about AXN Asia can be found online at www.axn-asia.com , www.axn-india.com , www.axn-taiwan.com and www.axntv.co.kr .
About Animax Asia
Launched on 1 January 2004, Animax Asia is the first 24-hour cable and satellite TV channel exclusively dedicated to Japanese animation (anime) programming, featuring the most engaging and cutting edge programmes from top animation studios and producers in Japan. Animax now reaches over 25 million households across Asia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Animax Asia is broadcast region-wide from Singapore via five dedicated, highly customized services for Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Philippines. Animax Asia is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. More information about Animax Asia and its programme line-up can be found at www.animax-asia.com , www.animax-taiwan.com , www.animax-hk.com , www.animax-sa.com and www.animaxtv.co.kr .
For more information as well as pictures, please do not hesitate to contact:
Tom Van Blarcom / Ruthaiwan Tanwongwan
Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Tel: 0-2260-5820 Ext. 114 Fax: 0-2260-5847-8
Mobile: 0-6633-8171 Email: [email protected]
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