Buyers Briefing: Airin Zainul, Media Prima

Name: Airin Zainul

Title: Group general manager, ntv7 & 8TV, Media Prima Berhad

Ahead of the ATF market in Singapore, TBI spoke to key buyers in the region about their acquisitions strategy

TBI: Describe the profile of the channels for which you are buying?

AZ: 8TV and ntv7 are the number one and number two Chinese channels in Malaysia. 8TV is synonymous with youth and urban Malaysians, entertaining young urban Malaysians aged 15-29 and Chinese viewers with reality, light entertainment and variety shows made locally by 8tv, along with popular international titles. ntv7 offers feelgood programming to families and urban Malaysians, focussing on the 25 to 45 year olds, bringing families together through its highly rated local award winning daily Chinese dramas.

TBI: What is the mix of acquired and original content?

AZ: About 50-50.

TBI: In terms of acquisitions, which distributors do you work with – is it the large US studios, the European distribution groups or local Asian distributors?

AZ: All of the above.

TBI: What have you acquired recently — what acquired shows are performing well for you?

AZ: Huge reality shows, from international formats from China including The Voice of China, Dad, Where Are We Going?, The Brain, I Am A Singer and Sing My Song.

TBI: What is the cycle when it comes to acquisitions?

AZ: Buying is all year through and we review and submit acquisitions for approval on a monthly basis.

TBI: What are you looking for at the moment in terms of acquired programmes?

AZ: Big reality shows.

ATF 2014 Buyer Profiles

Devi Noviana, RCTI (Indonesia)

Palakorn Somsuwan, Bangkok Broadcasting & TV Co (Thailand)

Joy Olby-Tan, MediaCorp (Singapore)

Ieng Kimsreng, Cambodian Broadcasting Service