Local

MediaCorp TV launches new offerings this season that are more interactive & consumer-generated.

Channel U’s ongoing "Super Band" competition have seen high involvement from their viewers via forums, smses etc. Likewise, "Singapore Idol 2" will roll out new interactive features like "Singapore Idol-On Demand" (which offers never-before-seen video footage, gossips, full audition clips) & podcasting.

View it on : http://www.singaporeidol.com/singaporeiod.htm

Channel U is also releasing "Uncut", which will showcase the best interstitials from polytechnic students. Students will undertake all aspects of directing, producing, filming and editing based on a different theme each month. The interstitials will then be broadcasted from April to Oct. The winner will be awarded a half year attachment with MediaCorp TV. In October, viewers will get to vote for their favourite interstitial online and all works will be judged by a panel of professionals.

After dabbling into the digital arena with "Superband", MediaCorp is taking further steps to experiment with the interactive platform. "Singapore Idol 2" will see the first presentation of interesting 'behind the scenes' snippets delivered online.

MediaCorp also dives into another 'first' - having consumer generated content. By facilitating that, it encourages further interaction on-air and also via voting.

All these efforts point towards the maximization of TV where new platforms are explored for revenue & content creation.To actively engage the digital-saavy generation, traditional programming will have to be reinvented. Empowering the youths with the power to effect an outcome will attract, engage and instill ownership. We await greater integration and innovation of digital channels with traditional programming.

Video-on-demand has finally hit Singapore both via the mobile phone and the TV set.

MediaCorp rolls out its online broadband television where at a basic subscription cost of $10.90/ month, you can view 5 programmes from Channel 5, 8 & Channel U each.

There is also a pay-per-view model or subscription model that subscribers can opt for viewing of premium programmes like “Singapore Idol” & “SuperBand”.

View it on: http://mobtv.sg/default.aspx

Starhub and M2B World has newly launched a series of similar “TiVo” (TV on demand) services lately. The service allows viewers to record TV shows via a set-top box and on-screen TV guide. M2B even allows internet surfing, checking of emails, shopping, travel booking and video streaming.

View it on:
http://www.m2btv.com/about.html
http://www.starhub.com/cabletv

This worldwide video-on-demand wave will provide new challenges for advertisers to reach an audience who can now skim pass advertisements at a click. Google's video service http://video.google.com/ is now in beta testing. With these changes, we will see more integrated brand-content programmes and product placements. Innovative ways of creating a brand experience will also emerge.

Moove media are increasing rates for Orchard Road Superbuses with effect from 1 June 2006. The rates will increase from S$3,400 to S$5,500. This 60% rate increase is due to strong demand.

Advertisers are showing keener interest in the outdoor medium, as shown by the 9.6% increase of outdoor adspend from 04 to 05. The media owners are also reflecting that via their rates. The rate increase usually begins with the prime areas, and is likely to be extended to the rest of the areas, as in the case of other outdoor formats like bus stop shelters.

SPH launches ST701, a new online recruitment search portal. This is an effort to move into online classified advertising, so as to augment its position as a market leader in print classifieds.

ST701 offers job advertisers the option to extend their newspaper recruitment ad to the online recruitment platform at a minimal cost. View it on : http://www.st701.com/

For many years, SPH's recruitment powers have lagged behind that of JobStreet and JobsDB. With Singaporeans being increasingly net-saavy, online classifieds are now a 'must'.

The traditional media players are now combining their content prowess with new digital channels. All these efforts are in hope of capturing the attention of Singapore netizens, especially the emerging generation. SPH is also trying to drive more commercial elements online, beyond subscription charges of "The Straits Times Interactive".

MediaCorp, TNS and the 4As convened a meeting on 11 May with the view to reaching a resolution on the issue of payment for TV ratings.

The 4As is calling for transparency of the contract cost between MediaCorp and TNS. The 4As's stand is that it is open to consider co-payment provided the transaction is transparent.

The 4As are now negotiating actively to agree on co-payment, hopefully reaching a conclusion by mid-June.

Photos credited to media owners