News

ABC International forges new content deal with Indonesia

ABC InternationalOn the back of its recent China content deal the ABC has announced it has has struck n agreement with Indonesia’s largest media company, the MNC Group, to extend the reach of the Australia Network television service.

The deal is similar to the new partnership between the Australia Network and the China’s Shanghai Media Group, and will see a month of dedicated Australian coverage on three of MNC’s free-to-air channels during May titled ‘Window on Australia’. Australian news will also have its own three-minute daily feature on MNC’s breakfast, midday and afternoon news bulletins and special features will be broadcast across all channels during the month.

CEO of ABC International Lynley Marshall said the deal meant Australian news would reach a significant number of Indonesians in their own language on their own channels. “We are working now with Indonesian crews to create content that will appeal to Indonesian audiences on topics such as Australian science and technology ingenuity, business and food sustainability,” said Marshall.

“This unprecedented access to local Indonesian media is the result of a mature and trusted partnership between the Australia Network and MNC that has developed over many years,” Marshall said. “Over past months ABC International has extended the reach not just of the Australia Network but also Radio Australia and our digital brand Australia Plus, with a range of syndication partners which includes MNC as well as Detik.com, Tempo.co, Antara, Fajar TV, Jawa Pos, and Kompas.com and TV.”

Managing director of the MNC Media Group, Nana Putra, said: “Window on Australia, which will be broadcast on our channels in May, will provide opportunity for Indonesian audiences to get to know and understand our Australian neighbours.

“This co-production strengthens our friendship with one of the region’s most trusted and respected media organisations, the ABC and its Australia Network. We are delighted to continue to work with our Australian partner on projects of mutual interest and we look forward to seeing Window on Indonesia broadcast soon in Australia,” Putra said.

MNC has an audience share of 68 per cent in Indonesia and an estimated reach of 102 million people. The Australia Network has been rebroadcast on MNC’s Indovision channel for seven years.

Window on Australia will be formally launched at a reception in Jakarta in early May jointly hosted by MNC and the Australia Network.

Earlier this month, ABC International and its Australia Network announced a long-term partnership with China’s second biggest broadcaster Shanghai Media Group that will see the public broadcaster sell programming into the world’s biggest ­television market.

A media report in News Corp’s The Australian today question the details of the China deal.

“On April 17th we made a joint announcement with the Shanghai Media Group regarding an arrangement that will deliver wonderful opportunities for Australian media, Australian business and for our Chinese partners.  That statement stands and we are currently engaged in on-going discussions regarding its details”, said an Australia network spokesman.

Nic Christensen 

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.