TV programme distribution in Asia - Lightning International

Biography


James Ross launched Lightning International in May 2011.


Background


James Ross - Lightning International

Ross was part of the launch team for Bloomberg Television in the Asia-Pacific region in 1996. Initially as TV and radio anchor, then Programming Director and later as Media Marketing and Distribution Director, he built a strong Asian presence and distribution for the channel.


In 2006, after 10 years with Bloomberg, Ross was appointed Regional Director for Asia for the U.K.’s biggest commercial broadcaster, ITV. The role involved establishing ITV’s Asian-based business, including developing a profitable syndication unit, launching ITV formats in China and India, and creating the ITV Granada TV channel. In addition, Ross created the production partnership ITV Studios Asia, which launched in early 2011.


Prior to Bloomberg, Ross was a broadcaster and producer for BBC and commercial radio in the U.K.




Further Details:


Content creation and management

  • Launched ITV formats as shows in China such as: Saturday Night Takeaway (Hunan TV), Who Dares Sings (Jiangsu TV), and Surprise Surprise (Shandong TV). In India, launched I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (Sony Entertainment Television) and in Korea Popstar to Operastar. (TVN/CJ Media).
  • In 2010 created ground-breaking development deal to debut 3 new ITV formats on Hunan TV each year for three years. Formats to be distributed globally by ITV. First shows now in development.
  • As Bloomberg TV Programme Director in Tokyo, managed news coverage, and oversaw network operations. Responsible for the expansion of local programming from Asia from 1 to 10hrs per day.
  • Launched Bloomberg Malaysia daily live news shows for ASTRO in English, Bahasa, Tamil & Mandarin.
  • For BBC Radio produced and anchored regular travel-consumer reports for BBC Radio 2, London News Radio etc. Managed and produced weekly “BBC Local Radio Travel Programme” for 22 stations.

Channel Development

  • Launched ITV Granada, entertainment and drama TV channel for Asia/Middle East. Built distribution network across region, including in Hong Kong (Now TV), Singapore (Starhub/Singtel Mio TV), Malaysia (ASTRO), Taiwan (MOD) etc.
  • Launched Bloomberg TV Asia-Pacific in 1996, as part of a team of three. He began as an on-air anchor and as Programme Director, later becoming responsible for Bloomberg TV’s business operations as Media Marketing and Distribution Director, developing a comprehensive network, leading to Bloomberg TV being available in as many households as BBC and CNBC.


Distribution and Business Operations

  • Overseeing a team of 10 at ITV, Ross was responsible for overall strategy, programme and format sales, business development, acquisitions, channel and co-production opportunities.
  • Secured new clients for ITV finished programming in Philippines, Malaysia, Korea, China, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam etc, and also with pan-Asian broadcasters, including Star TV/Fox etc.
  • Built revenues for ITV from new media platforms; Signed multiple-hour Video on Demand deals with Singtel, KT Corp, Chunghwa Telecom, PCCW, Sohu.com etc.
  • Delivered revenues over target - In 2010 exceeded budget by 20%
    • .
  • As Bloomberg’s Media Marketing and Distribution Director, was responsible for managing all commercial relationships with cable, satellite and terrestrial stations throughout Asia.

Brand Visibility and Awareness

  • Created strong visibility for the ITV brand with broadcasters, internet and telecom clients across Asia.
  • Managed ITV’s trade advertising, promotions and marketing initiatives aimed at growing the brand from zero in Asia to a level (within the industry) to rival BBC and other competitors.
  • Built Bloomberg Television brand across Asia-Pacific region, giving it a strong presence, for both trade and consumer audiences.
  • Managed marketing/PR for Bloomberg's media products including Television, Radio, Magazines and Internet presence. Developed new programme for product launches, including events etc.
  • Managed Bloomberg’s external Public Relations firm. and co-ordinated ad sales representatives.

Industry Participation:
  • Ross was on the Board of Trustees for the Asian TV Awards 2004-2006, on the CASBAA Board of Directors 2001-2011, and currently sits on the advisory board for The Asia-Pacific Media Alliance.