SATELLITE & CABLE: Survivor 2 builds AXN's adventure credentials

<p>AXN Asia is diversifying its programme dimension as part of an </p><p>effort to strengthen its positioning as a variety action and adventure </p><p>family channel. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The channel has won the broadcast deal to air Survivor 2: The Australian </p><p>Outback in Asia during prime time. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Shot in the rugged Queensland outback in Australia over a period of 42 </p><p>days, the first episode of Survivor 2 was beamed live to 14 Asian </p><p>countries. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Survivor series was created by Eco-Challenge founder Mark Burnett, </p><p>featuring reality TV in remote locations. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>AXN is also the offical regional broadcaster for Eco-Challenge, an </p><p>adventure race held in a different remote region annualy. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The channel has set up an online voting poll on the AXN website to track </p><p>on viewers' response across Asia, while promoting the show. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"We hope to get an insight and comparison on the psyche of viewers from </p><p>different Asia countries and cultural backgrounds," said AXN advertising </p><p>and markeing VP Ricky Ow. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Meanwhile, AXN has found that Asian audience prefer Japanese action </p><p>animation in its original sound and language. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>In response to viewers' preference, the channel is now airing Japanese </p><p>animation in its original language, but with localised subtitling. "Over </p><p>the past year, we've received numerous requests from our fans to </p><p>broadcast anime in Japanese," said Mr Ow. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>In another move to diversify its marketing and promotional activities, </p><p>AXN has signed up to sponsor mountaineer and adventurer Khoo Swee </p><p>Chiow's North Pole expedition attempt. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>As the official and website sponsor of Mr Khoo's North Pole expedition, </p><p>AXN will create a special micro site dedicated to the challenge. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>