CASBAA rebrands to AVIA as part of new mandate to improve video industry

Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) has rebranded to Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), with its new mandate to make the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific stronger and healthier.AVIA will seek to expand its membership and interests it represents to include video-on-demand companies and telcos. Toolbox, a provider of “TV everywhere” services in Latin America, and the popular streaming service Netflix will be coming onboard AVIA.Additionally, AVIA is re-introducing a category for smaller companies and start-ups to become members, and making it clear that all employees of member companies are members.  AVIA will be focused on three main goals: to be the interlocutor for the video industry with governments across the Asia Pacific region; to be dedicated to reducing video piracy and creating a more sustainable business environment within which established and new video companies can innovate and grow; and to be a leading source of insight into the video industry through publications and reports as well as seminars and conferences.“Our role must be to try and create a better environment for our members to grow their businesses and at the same time provide insight into how the industry is changing,” Louis Boswell, CEO of AVIA, said.Speaking about the new association, president of Turner Asia Pacific, Ricky Ow said “The change allows AVIA to be a better representation of the video ecosystem and members should rightfully expect our industry organisation to have its core focus on key industry issues.”