The Buzz to light up the region - The Buzz - Product/Service Evaluation

Business Asia, Nov, 2002

Leading regional news network CNBC Asia Pacific is about to get a splash of colour in its program mix, with new information show The Buzz set to air in early 2003.

The Buzz, created and produced by First Charlton Communications (FCC), is a series of fast-paced programs dealing with different Asian business themes. The shows--which are all only 60 seconds long--aim to entertain and inform with a mixture of facts, fun and glamour.

FCC executive producer and creative director Esther Cvejic says The Buzz aims to highlight interesting topics that may not necessarily be covered by the traditional business media.

"It's serious content, but it's presented in a lively manner," Cvejic said. "We're putting some personality into our coverage--it's business with a smile."

Cvejic said that in these tough economic times globally, The Buzz's "bright personality" will bring some good news to the forefront of executives' minds throughout the region.

"The best thing about The Buzz is the positive business messages we are highlighting," she said.

The first series of The Buzz will cover such uniquely Asian-related topics such as: wellness centres and organic therapies; Oriental sports such as Sumo; Asian beach culture; the booming pearl export industry; the famous "Bollywood" Indian movie sector; and more. The Buzz will screen in between CNBC Asia's current line-up of programs, alternating topics from hour to hour and from day to day.

Filming is set to start shortly in locations around Asia. Shooting should be complete by the end of November, with an air date of the first half of next year.

CNBC Asia Pacific beams to more than 20 million homes in Asia, and can be seen in all the major markets including Japan, China and India.

FCC is also the publisher of Business Asia Magazine with Overseas Trading. FCC chairman Peter Charlton said The Buzz adds to FCC's growing list of television production successes.

"In the two short years we've had a television production division, we've managed to have several successes, including advertising campaigns for the Australian Tourism Commission and Axiss Australia" he said. "The Buzz builds on this early success and bodes well for the future. The feedback for our productions have been excellent, with clients praising our ability to get the job done on time and on a modest budget."

For more information, visit www.charlton.com.au, or phone 612 9955 6299.