Top Stories

KUALA LUMPUR: Astro has unveiled its plans for Astro B.yond, which will offer customers innovative services that will be introduced in phases, starting with the first-ever HD broadcast in Malaysia. The first HD service launches on December 18, with further …

LOS ANGELES: Larry Tanz, the co-founder of Agility Studios and former CEO of LivePlanet, has been named president of Vuguru, to build out the recently funded joint venture between Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company and Rogers Media. Tanz comes to Vuguru after co-founding and serving as …

LOS ANGELES/TORONTO: E1 Entertainment has struck a series of deals with Disney Channels for Finn on the Fly across a number of territories, including the U.S., U.K., Spain, Portugal, Asia and Japan.  Produced by Amaze Film + Television, the series …

SYDNEY: XYZnetworks’ The LifeStyle Channel has signed Matthew Hayden, who retired from the Australian cricket team earlier this year, for a new six-part series, to debut in mid-2010.  Matthew Hayden’s Home Ground will spotlight the cricketing legend’s family, love of the outdoors and …

SAN FRANCISCO: CBS Interactive has created its own premium in-house ad network, discontinuing the use of third-party ad networks for display advertising across all of its websites worldwide.  The CBS Interactive Premium Ad Network is powered by CBS Interactive’s ad-serving …

HARRINGTON PARK: Janson Media has sold the cooking series Chefs A’ Field: Kids on the Farm to Ho Chi Minh City Television of Vietnam. Each half-hour episode shows viewers why thoughtful agricultural practices make a difference in how foods taste and hold …

ISTANBUL: Global Agency‘s hit reality format Perfect Bride, which has been licensed and optioned in 19 territories, drew in millions of viewers in India with its grand finale this weekend.  Perfect Bride has now become India’s first wedding reality show …

MEXICO CITY: The TV Azteca telenovela Pasion Morena (Morena) has debuted on Telefe in Argentina, where it achieved strong ratings in its first week. The 180×1-hour novela tells the story of a talented fashion designer who has taken the New …

HOLLYWOOD: Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) has extended its trial license program with DVD kiosk operator Redbox through at least June 30, 2010, bringing customers new-release titles such as Up in the Air and The Lovely Bones. Redbox and PHE signed …

MONTEREY: Recessionary and competitive pressures have contributed to a "significant" decline in broadband subscriber additions in Western Europe, according to a new report from SNL Kagan.  The top 10 fixed broadband providers saw an average of less than 1.4 million …