Turner to merge its Japan operations

Turner today announced that from April 2013 it will consolidate its three existing Japan entities into one under the new ‘Turner Japan’ brand. The plan aligns the company’s Japan management under one General Manager, Tom Perry, with responsibility for Turner’s kids, entertainment and news distribution business in Japan.

Steve Marcopoto, President, Turner International Asia Pacific, Limited, said: “This important and timely corporate reorganization is the next step in the development of our thriving and admired Japan business. As a leading foreign player in the Japanese cable and satellite channel industry, this positions us optimally to take on future growth opportunities and further increase efficiency.”

Turner’s business in Japan started in 1984 when CNN launched with Japan Cable Television, Ltd, while Cartoon Network launched in 1997, initially as a joint venture but then run through the wholly-owned entity Japan Entertainment Network K.K.. Three years ago, Turner acquired Japan Image Communications Co. Ltd., bringing the Mondo TV and Tabi Channel channels into the Turner portfolio. Today, Turner has more than 100 staff in Japan supporting the business of these networks and brands.