Kristin Brzoznowski

The number of paying IPTV subscribers in the Asia-Pacific region overtook paying satellite TV ones in 2015, according to a new report from Digital TV Research. The Digital TV Asia Pacific Forecasts report predicts that IPTV will reach 123.5 million subscribers by 2021. China will contribute 78.4 million IPTV subs (nearly two-thirds of the region’s total) by 2021.

SYDNEY: The Australian government is pushing ahead with legislation that would change media-ownership laws, reform that is being welcomed by Ten Network but rebuffed by Seven.

PARIS/SYDNEY: STUDIOCANAL has appointed Elizabeth Trotman, who has held posts at Disney, Warner Bros. and BBC Worldwide, as CEO of Australia and New Zealand.

HONG KONG: Time Inc. and ASN Ltd. have entered into a partnership to develop a Sports Illustrated sports broadcasting and digital network across Asia.

WELLINGTON: Cleverman co-producer Pukeko Pictures has appointed Lisa Chatfield as head of scripted development.

SYDNEY: Seven's new digital channel, 7flix, made its debut yesterday with a roster of first-run U.S. series, including the dramas Once Upon a Time, Grey's Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal.

PERTH: Seven West Media has picked up a 33 percent shareholding in the digital media brand Starts at 60.

SINGAPORE/THAILAND: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has expanded the footprint of the Paramount Channel, bringing it into Asia through a distribution deal with CTH, a major pay-TV operator in Thailand.

MUMBAI: IndiaCast has strengthened the global footprint of Viacom18’s Hindi general-entertainment channel Colors, which is now part of the Sky lineup in New Zealand.

BRISTOL: Through a newly signed collaboration, ESPN’s content will be localized and exclusively distributed by Tencent’s digital platforms in China.