Indovision and 'Star TV' plan to cooperate in marketing
Indovision and 'Star TV' plan to cooperate in marketing
JAKARTA (JP): Indovision Group is planning to collaborate with
the Hong Kong-based Star TV in the field of marketing,
distribution and technical operation.
"We have recruited local television partners to invest in this
project," said Peter Gontha of Matahari Lintas Cakrawala group
which owns Indovision, "it's cheaper than having to install more
transmitters throughout the country."
Peter was referring on Thursday to the digital broadcasting
system which is more advanced compared to the current analog
system. The new system gives rise to the need to launch a new
satellite.
Indostar-1, the name of the lightweight satellite to be
launched at the end of this year or early next year, will be the
second in the world to use the Direct Broadcast Satellite system
after the first one launched by the United States.
Indovision and Star TV are planning to launch an additional 15
channels via the Palapa C1 satellite, which is now in orbit, by
mid this year.
Through this cooperation, Indovision customers will be able to
access 15 additional channels in addition to the already
accessible CNN, TNT Cartoons Network, Discovery, ESPN and HBO.
When asked about the possible danger of foreign culture
influence through unselective broadcasting made possible by the
government's open-sky policy, Peter asserted that strengthening
the root of indigenous culture is more important than banning the
influx of foreign cultures.
A channel in Bahasa Indonesia is among the new services that
will be available to Indonesian and regional viewers, he said.
"Maybe we'll play old as well as new Indonesian films," Peter
added.
Rally SIregar, a representative from RCTI said that many local
programs have actually gained more prominence among viewers, such
as the serial Si Doel.
"We don't see Indovision as a rival because we are looking at
a totally different market segment," Siregar, said.
David Dennis, Indovision's chief executive director, said that
his company intends to develop a strong and close partnership
with existing local terrestrial partners, referring to RCTI,
SCTV, Indosiar, TPI, and TVRI. (14)