To each his own

MANILA, Philippines - Driven by recent advancements in intercontinental broadcasting technology, Filipinos across the globe will now enjoy a more specialized TV viewing experience as ABS-CBN Global brings a dedicated feed of The Filipino Channel (TFC) for each of the high-concentration Filipino markets starting June 2010.

“At the heart of ABS-CBN Global is its commitment to bring our Kapamilya abroad closer to home through well-thought-of and relevant content. With more than 15 years of bringing Philippine news and entertainment, we are ushering in another milestone to align with our TFC subscribers’ preference with regard to the way they want to enjoy our programs,” says ABS-CBN Global Content head Ned Legaspi.

This month, the seven TFC signals will cater to the following regions: USA, Canada West, Canada East, Middle East, Europe, Australia and Asia Pacific, which includes Japan.

The move is expected to delight not just TFC subscribers but also TFC advertisers. As new technology allows for specialized program or commercial insertion, advertisements targeted to a specific geographic market will be seen only in that particular region. For instance, TV commercials or program plugs for Australia will no longer be seen in Japan and vice versa. Japan will receive the same signal as the Asia Pacific region. However, Japan-specific on-air promotions will not be shown in the rest of Asia Pacific. Programs can also be aired at a later time to match the viewing needs of other regions. As such, content is filtered and customized to meet the cultural nuances of subscribers’ host countries.

“The further segregation of TFC feeds will enable our advertisers to reach out to our kababayan in a manner that is relevant to them. This also poses an opportunity for our clients to enhance their campaigns to match the behaviour and psyche of their target audience,” adds ABS-CBN Global head of sales Jon Gatbonton.

Additionally, in the Middle East and Australia, TFC has replaced the audio channel DZMM with the audio-video channel DZMM Teleradyo, a broadcast innovation that is already being implemented locally. Compared to the original audio channel, Teleradyo is a fusion of three multi-media platforms namely radio, television and the Internet. Spontaneity and timeliness are maintained while the on-screen presentation of different information boxes features interesting and useful information. Reach is also optimized with the vast network of the Internet. DZMM Teleradyo is aired live and in real time, providing venue for interaction between the subscribers and the radio anchors in Manila.

According to ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez, “We hope that this latest development will help TFC subscribers get the most out of our service. Expect ABS-CBN Global to remain at the forefront of bringing innovative products and services to Filipinos around the world.”