Business news channels in Asia: Strategies and challenges

Abstract

This paper focuses on two international business channels, Asia Business News (ABN) and CNBC Asia, from their launch problems to their ultimate merger. ABN and CNBC started out as rivals, but found it difficult to earn enough share of the market to be economically viable. After a period of bitter competition, the two channels merged. This paper examines the strategies adopted by these international business channels. The analysis focuses on market entry timing, content customization and the role of strategic alliances. The main findings are that audiences prefer regional content, that the competitive advantage of being first in the market is difficult to sustain and that strategic alliances are critical. The implications for other content providers and for the audience of these channels are considered.

Notes

Seema Shrikhande is Assistant Professor of Communication at Oglethorpe Univ. This paper is based on my doctoral dissertation at Michigan State University.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Seema Shrikhande

Seema Shrikhande is Assistant Professor of Communication at Oglethorpe Univ. This paper is based on my doctoral dissertation at Michigan State University.