In an effort to streamline operations and facilitate the expansion of its two channels AXN ASIA and Animax ASIA SPE Networks Asia underwent a re-organization. In the last three months, the organization moved to consolidate the functions of program 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 heads Wong Yan-Jong for AXN and 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 some upcoming major branding and programming initiatives to propel the channels profiles in the region.
Wong Yan-Jong, previously the director of AXN Programming, has been promoted to exec 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 birds 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, 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.
As the organization continues to aggressively increase the profile of Animax in the region, Betty Tsui, vp of Animax Asia, will similarly oversee the critical functions of programming, marketing and creative services, as well as conquering new markets to expand the channels 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 Judy Chow is the new marketing director; while Garry Hui joins as the associate director for programming. Together, they will spearhead the move forward for the new Animax, identifying programs and marketing initiatives that will connect and interact with todays youths.
In addition, 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 Feb. 2006, Wong 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.
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.
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 Internationals diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Ent. 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.
Launched in 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 programs from top animation studios and producers in Japan. Animax now reaches over 25 million households across Asia, 24 hours a day, seven 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 Ent. company. More information 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.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
