CReATION: Phoenix TV en route to PRC portal roll-out

In the wake of its recent IPO, Phoenix Satellite Television is preparing to roll-out a China-focus portal featuring "entertainment" as the "prominent feature", according to Phoenix deputy CEO N.K. Leung. Talks have been underway for the past six months between Phoenix and Excite pioneer and co-founder Marc Van Halen. "His contribution is to bring in his expertise, not just on the Internet part, but in terms of design and the creative content - (he) is a vital part of our partnership," Mr Leung said. Phoenix, meanwhile, will be contributing sales and marketing for the yet-to-be-named portal's PRC operations. Ploughing 25 per cent of total proceeds from the 700 million shares sold at HK$1.08 each in the IPO into the station's Internet arm, Phoenix I, Mr Leung noted that the portal would launch independently of the existing PhoenixTV.com website. "What we're looking for is to expand the Phoenix.com website, build up our own community, create our own vertical portals and take this project to the next phase," he said. Going against the dotcom grain by delaying the portal's launch was also a cautious move taken by Phoenix in response to recent volatility on stock markets. "I don't want to sound too pompous in terms of selling the project because we'll still be just as cautious as with any other business concern," said Mr Leung. While citing the portal's strategy as "still underway", he added that the new venture was "actually more concrete than the strategy would imply", with the infrastructure and core staff already in place in the new operation's Beijing headquarters. Broadband adoption rates in China and Hong Kong were also key factors in how soon the Phoenix I Web offering could hit the market.

Sign In

Trouble signing in?

Reset Password: Click here

Contact Customer Support at

Customerservice@campaignasia.com