HONG KONG: Cable News Network, the Atlanta based news and information satellite network, intends to open an Asian production studio early next year.

CNN President Tom Johnson announced the plan at a news conference here, near the end of a weeklong programming and publicity blitz designed to showcase CNN’s commitment to the region. Last Monday, the network began airing a package of Asian news features as part of “CNN’s Asia Week,” at a cost to the network of about $2 million. It concluded with a broadcast of “Larry King Live,” from Hong Kong Saturday. Fastest Growing Market Both moves underscore the network’s effort to strengthen its international news operations and capitalize on emerging opportunities to link up with cable and satellite operators in Asia, the world’s fastest growing market for such services; Altogether, CNN expects to spend 510 million to $15 million on its Asian operations this year.

Mr. Johnson said Hong Kong and Tokyo are the leading contenders as a site for the facility. In addition to communication, transportation and logistical considerations, political uncertainty linked to Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China and Japanese government imposed tariffs on satellite transmissions will bear on the decision, according 10 Peter C. Vesey, vice president of CNN International, and Eason Jordan, vice president in charge of international news gathering. Talks with India Separately, Vesey denied reports last week that Turner Broadcasting was about to reach agreement with India’s government on distribution of the company’s news and entertainment programs in that country. While confirming that “many discussions” have been

Held, Vesey said “detailed discussions have not taken place.” Johnson said CNN “looks forward to further negotiations.”

In the past year, CNN has opened bureaus in Bangkok and New Delhi, bringing its total number of Asian bureaus to six; opened sales offices in Hong Kong and Singapore; and moved onto additional Asian satellites to expand its potential audience.

CNN programming is now beamed to Asian audiences over the Super bird; Arab sat IC, Intelsat F8 and Palapa B2P satellites. Home Box Office and ESPN also broadcast via Palapa, which covers 18 countries.

Article extracted from this publication >>  April 9, 1993