The Asian market crisis could turn out to be a boost for the beleaguered MIP-Asia, taking place Dec. 9-12.

In the past, many broadcasters and distributors involved in the Asian tv business have charged that MIP-Asia was somewhat of an ineffectual market, primarily questioning why it was scheduled so close to mipcom.

However, because of budget restrictions, many of the small to mid-size Asian broadcasters who were not able to attend either mip-tv or mipcom this year will be depending on MIP-Asia for programming.

‘I know that last year it [MIP-Asia] didn’t have great attendance, but this year with the economy it has really been brought back into focus,’ says Natalie Yuen, head of television sales Asia for Southern Star in Sydney.

‘I know even before mipcom I tried to find out where everyone was going to be and most of the broadcasters are going to at MIP-Asia.’

Marcia Goh, programming manager, National Geographic Asia, also believes that budget issues have definitely played a role in how much the smaller broadcasters will depend on MIP-Asia this year, but adds that mip and mipcom still offer greater variety than their Asian counterpart.

‘I would think that in these difficult times it might be more cost effective for Asian broadcasters and agents,’ says Goh. ‘But in terms of products, I would think that the two majors, mip-tv and mipcom, offer a greater variety and give buyers a jump on the new products, as well as the fact that a lot more independent European and American producers are there.’

Event organizers Reed Midem Organization contend that they were pleased with last year’s attendance at MIP-Asia and that they expect numbers for this year will at least equal last year, and may in fact increase slightly.

To date, 366 buyers from 42 countries have registered, including 101 acquisition executives from 77 new buying companies. More than 225 exhibiting companies have registered. Last year, the market closed with 303 exhibiting companies and 2,136 participants.

This year, MIP-Asia takes place in Singapore for the first time, moving the venue from Hong Kong where it has been for the last four years.

Although somewhat dejected at the lack of revenues generated from the Asian territories, some Canadians are making the trek to Singapore in the hopes that some sales can be achieved and to show a vote of confidence to their Asian clients.

Already slated to participate are Alliance Atlantis Communications, CHUM City International, Cinar Films, Nelvana, Crescent Park Communications and Great North Communications.

A version of this article also appeared in Brunico’s RealScreen.