MUMBAI: The Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa) has announced eight new memberships for the regional multi-channel television industry body. The memberships have been drawn from the pay-TV platforms, content, technology and service provider sectors.

The new members are Ten Sports, pay-TV platforms Austar of Australia and Orbit of Dubai and Eurosport Asia, along with public policy consultancy APCO, investment bank Macquarie, satellite industry consultancy Euroconsult of Paris and Canadian law firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon.

Casbaa CEO Simon Twiston Davies says, "The new participation of pay-TV platforms such as Austar and Orbit speaks of a recognition that our industry needs a clear a voice when addressing regulatory issues.

“The memberships taken out by Ten Sports and Eurosport indicate the appetite for new investment in Asian content, while the memberships signed by APCO, Euroconsult and Blake, Cassels and Graydon are an unequivocal vote of confidence in the future of Asia’s pay-TV market. The Patron membership taken out by Macquarie Bank is also a vote of investor confidence in our industry as well as the Association.”

Meanwhile, in late 2005 billing specialist Comverse, satellite services provider Satlink, news channel Al Jazeera, food channel AFC, Taiwan-based cable operator China Network Systems, investment bank Standard Chartered and subscription satellite radio provider Worldspace India also joined Casbaa.

“Our industry is increasing its reach and the issues we face are becoming more pressing, while the need to upgrade the information flow becomes ever more critical. Working together with the common goal of improving the communications environment is a key objective" adds Davies.