Reed MIDEM Calls Off AMAZIA

PARIS, May 27: Reed MIDEM
has canceled AMAZIA 2008, its new content market for Asia, which was due to
take place for the first time in Hong Kong from November 17-20.

Reed MIDEM’s chief
executive, Paul Zilk, noted: “Reaction to the AMAZIA concept has been very
positive, with enthusiastic support coming from the different industry
segments, our partners and clients. However, many television companies, who are
vital to the success of AMAZIA, have expressed reluctance about attending
AMAZIA and other television events taking place in Asia during the same time of
year. It is likely that the presence of television content buyers and sellers
would be diluted at AMAZIA. In this context, and given our commitment to
providing a premium quality experience, we cannot risk disappointing our
clients. This is why it has been decided to cancel AMAZIA.”

AMAZIA had shored up
significant industry interest, with SPTI, Lionsgate, MGM, Endemol, Dori Media
Group, Televisa Internacional and Telemundo Internacional, among other
distributors, previously confirming plans to attend. The new event, however,
was scheduled within weeks of two key Asian media conventions; CASBAA, targeted
at cable and satellite channels and platforms, taking place in Hong Kong from
October 28 to 30; and the Asia TV Forum, slated for December 10 to 12 in
Singapore.

—By Irene Lew