MUMABI: Asia Television Forum (ATF) and Asia Film Market and Conferences (AFMC) will hold Reed exhibitions from 1 December to 3 December 2004 at Singapore.

ATF& AFMC attract the top buyers from more than 11 key Asian markets including India and China.

The forums have benefitted from the relentless growth of burgeoning Asian economies like India and China, as well as renewed interest in rich, diverse and creative content by the East, informs an official release.

Reed Exhibitions Singapore, vice president, Michelle Lim said, "We have expanded the scope of this year's event to broaden and deepen the content offered. In addition to buying, selling and distribution activities at the marketplace, Reed Exhibitions has launched the Media Financing Forum, which explores financing and co-production issues, in order to provide a matchmaking platform for independent production companies to meet potential investors."

Companies participating in the event for the first time include Buena Vista International Television, CBS/ Paramount International Television, Lions Gate Intertainment, NBC Universal and Sony Pictures.

The spokesperson from Buena Vista International Television, Asia Pacific, the distribution arm of Walt Disney Television International, Asia Pacific, commented, "We are excited about participating at the ATF for the first time. We recognise that ATF is a market that has continued to grow from strength to strength in regional and international standing. We are committed to providing the best content and service to our Asian clients and the unique value proposition offered by ATF enables us to accomplish both."

A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004 to 2008) projects that the spending in Asia/Pacific [to acquire media content] will increase from $13.3 billion to $17.3 billion in the five-year period, growing at a 5.4 percent compound annual rate, informs the media release.

CABLEready USA director of programme marketing and a first-time participant at ATF, Sabrina Sanchez said, "Asia and Pacific Rim are regions where programme sales have flourished in recent years. ATF makes doing business with Asian television companies convenient by bringing together people from the entire region to one place."

BKN New Media, Managing Director Ben Heng, adds that they believe Asia has been under-served and that the region has great potential.

The new highlights and features at ATF&AFMC, reflecting the current and latest trends in the media industry, have till date brought about a 30 per cent increase in new participants. Some of the country pavilions present at the event include Australia, Canada, China, France, Spain and Singapore.