ESPN to Establish Production Center in Singapore

Strategic Insights -

Singapore has been transforming into a major broadcasting hub, offering favorable conditions for media companies to set up operations in the country. ESPN, a leading sports network, has announced plans to open a production center in Singapore next year, citing favorable tax treatment, good facilities, and a central location as reasons for the move. This decision follows the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore's recent announcement that licensed operators will be allowed to provide satellite up-link and down-link facilities from Singapore.

Key Takeaways:

  • ESPN Asia, a division of Connecticut-based ESPN Inc., will move some satellite signal-relaying functions to Singapore by the second quarter of next year.
  • The move is expected to bring more international broadcasting companies to Singapore, following in the footsteps of Asia Business News, MTV, and Discovery.
  • Singapore has been actively promoting itself as a broadcasting hub, offering favorable tax treatment and good facilities to media companies.
  • The new production center will enable ESPN to reach out to markets in Indonesia, China, and India, where there is a growing demand for international sports content.
  • The establishment of ESPN's production center in Singapore comes as the country is introducing new regulations for the broadcasting industry, including guidelines on censorship and programming mix.
  • The new agency, the Singapore Broadcasting Authority, will regulate content over a broad range of information services, including radio, TV, and computer information services.
  • The agency will also individually license broadcasting services with a major impact on society, regulating their program mix and content.

Statistics:

  • ESPN's programs reach about 125 million households in about 120 countries.
  • ESPN Asia is keen on reaching out to markets in Indonesia, China, and India.
  • The network offers 24-hour viewing of international and local sports in 11 languages.
  • Singapore has attracted several international broadcasting companies, including Asia Business News, MTV, and Discovery.

Sources:

  • "ESPN to Set Up Individual Production Centre in Singapore," The Straits Times (Singapore), August 29, 1994
  • "New Broadcasting Rules to Govern the Airwaves," The Business Times (Singapore), August 25, 1994
  • "Singapore Moves to Position Itself as an International Broadcasting Hub," The Straits Times (Singapore), August 22, 1994