MUMBAI: The Asia Television Forum (ATF) which takes place in Singapore from 7-9 December 2011 has announced that Dick de Rijk will deliver a keynote.

He created formats like ‘Deal or No Deal‘. In collaboration with MIPFormats, the keynote session by Rijk will focus on the creative process of developing and producing original reality formats that appeal to a variety of viewers in as many different cultures. The formats industry today holds great commercial potential but to harness commercial success, producers and broadcasters alike must also be able to anticipate the strategic potential of multi-territorial developments of a hit show.

Using his latest game show format, "You Deserve It", as an example, Rijk will analyse the makings of a hit reality show - packaging, game play and promotion. ‘You Deserve It‘ is a new studio-based family game show with a reality twist and was recently bought by ABC in the US.

He will dwell on the factors needed to for a reality television show to be a hit. ATF project manager Yeow Hui Leng said, "The ATF is the most important content market in the region, where we present an impressive lineup of international content providers, Asian production companies and TV networks. We want everyone to gain a new perspective on today‘s market and increase their value because of our lectures, which are given by the industry‘s most important players."

In addition ATF in partnership with uniFrance will bring the Soci?t? G?n?rale Private Banking 1st Rendezvous With French Cinema. The film ‘The Artist‘ will be screened. Carole Bouquet will be leading a delegation of actors and directors to this Red Carpet Event. It will serve as a networking opportunity.

There will also be a Spotlight on Malaysia. ATF will present a four-panel discussion featuring executives who together, will open the window into this Asian market.

Also in order to gain first-hand insight into China, the world‘s largest TV market by audience, how its TV industry works, content buying and production as well as generating international collaborations, ATF and CMM-I will bring together two panels to share case studies in cooperation and offer new thoughts on upcoming trends.

One panel ‘Co-producing with China‘, will feature senior producers from the drama, animation and documentary sectors as they introduce recent co-production projects and take part in a discussion on what worked and what did not. The second panel, ‘What do Chinese Buyers Want‘, will see Chinese media executives presenting the content popular with local audiences and international buying trends by Chinese companies across TV and new media platforms. Both panels will be moderated by CMM-I research director, Kristian Kender.

Another highlight of ATF will be the Asian Animation Showcase. In line with the rising animation industry in Asia, ATF 2011 will showcase the latest and most talented animation content from the various Asian countries. A panel discussion led by representatives of ATF‘s Asian animation delegations will offer country-specific insights, future market trends and what they are look for in terms of content import and potential co-productions.

This industry session will also offer extensive business opportunities between Asia animation companies and a wide range of global buyers as well as create dialogues that will spur further cooperation and partnerships, both regionally and globally.

MUMBAI: US non fiction media company Discovery has reported an 18 per cent jump in the revenues for its third quarter, ended 30 September, 2011.

The company?s revenues surged to $1.09 billion while adjusted Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) increased by 15 per cent to $479 million.

Net income from continuing operations increased to $238 million. Discovery also repurchased 9.8 million shares at an average price of $36.30 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $355 million.

Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav said, "The strength of Discovery?s brands and the value of our content to consumers, distributors and advertisers alike were further demonstrated in our third quarter financial results. The appeal of our programming allowed us to continue to take advantage of the sustained health of the global ad market and further leverage existing and emerging distribution platforms worldwide.

"The breadth of our global distribution enables us to capitalise on the increasing penetration of traditional distribution models, while the diversity and appeal of our content allows us to strategically leverage evolving delivery methods. We remain focused on generating sustained financial results while thoughtfully investing in our brands and platforms so that we can take advantage of new and existing distribution opportunities around the globe."

Third jump in revenues by $169 million was led by 19 per cent growth at US Networks and 19 per cent growth at international networks. OIBDA growth was driven by a nine per cent increase at US Networks and a 20 per cent increase at international networks. The domestic results benefitted from significant additional licensing revenues under an extended and expanded licensing agreement.

Third quarter net income from continuing operations, available to Discovery stockholders of $238 million, increased by $77 million compared to $161 million in the year ago period. The current quarter results reflect the strong operating performance partially offset by higher taxes, the company clarified.

Free cash flow was $314 million for the third quarter, a decrease of $32 million from the third quarter of 2010, as the increased operating performance was more than offset by higher long-term incentive compensation and tax payments, as well as lower working capital.