Star China appoints Yin replacement

Broadcaster Star China Media has appointed a replacement for FremantleMedia’s new recruit, Vivian Yin, in the shape of a company veteran.

Yin has left the business to become CEO of FremantleMedia China, resulting in Iris Xia being named deputy general manager.

Xia has been with Star TV Group and Star China for eleven years working on global formats sourcing, programming, channel operations and original programme development.

Within that time she spent five years producing live entertainment programmes and music concerts. Before Star, she worked at Shanghai Media Group.

At Shanghai-based FremantleMedia China, Yin has replaced Yu Le, who is moving to Australia with his family. She has already begun her role, reporting into FremantleMedia Asia managing director Paul O’Hanlon.

In further news, Star has renewed its retainer with The Format People, Michel Rodrigue’s consultancy. He will work closely with Xia to carry out programme initiatives, while providing consultancy and carrying out rights negotiations.

Star China made headlines last year when its talent format, Sing My Song, became the one of first Chinese-developed shows to gain international distribution when ITV Studios Global Entertainment picked it up. A local version was subsequently made in Vietnam on VTV3.

Driven by Yin, Star also worked up local versions of Got Talent, The Voice and So You Think You Can Dance. It also recently remade MBC’s South Korean factual entertainment show Infinite Challenge.

“I am very pleased to announce that Iris Xia will take over as the GM of Star’s global division,” said Tian Ming, CEO, Star China. “Iris has been a long-time, dedicated production and programming team member.

“Our company has enjoyed being at the top of the ratings with The Voice of China and several other international Formats. Last year we ventured outside China with our own original format and I am confident Iris will bring Star to the next level both within, and outside of, China.”