Beverley McGarvey Champions Asia-Pacific Content Diversity at AACA
Beverley McGarvey, the president of Network 10 and head of streaming at Paramount Australia and New Zealand, delivered an inspiring speech at the Asian Academy Creative Awards National Winners Conference in Singapore on Dec. 3. She emphasized the diversity and youthful energy of Asia-Pacific programming while stressing the importance of strategic deal-making in today’s complex media landscape.
McGarvey, who also serves as the chair of the Asian Academy Creative Awards, commended the array of content showcased at the event, noting that every genre and market was well represented. Coming from a background in English-language content, she was particularly impressed by the focus on young people and stories that resonate with younger audiences in the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference set the stage for the Grand Awards Gala on Dec. 4, where 331 national winners from 16 countries competed for the prestigious Golden Goddess trophies. High-profile contenders included Jacob Elordi for Prime Video’s “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” and Cate Blanchett for Apple TV’s “Disclaimer.”
McGarvey also delved into the evolving economics of content production, highlighting the importance of strategic deal-making in today’s landscape. She emphasized the need for comprehensive rights management in an era of multiple platforms and emerging technologies.
Drawing examples from Paramount’s recent Australian productions, McGarvey showcased the company’s flexible approach to windowing and platform strategy. She discussed the varying distribution models for shows like “NCIS: Sydney” and the Australian version of “Ghosts,” demonstrating the need for tailored strategies for each project.
In addition to content partnerships, McGarvey underscored the significance of technology collaborations in reaching audiences. Network 10’s partnership with LG to stream content on the electronics manufacturer’s devices is a prime example of adapting to changing viewing habits.
McGarvey also highlighted Network 10’s multi-platform strategy for shows like “Big Brother,” which includes a live TikTok stream alongside traditional broadcasts. By catering to diverse audience preferences, the network aims to engage viewers across different platforms.
Despite the complexities of modern content distribution, McGarvey believes that great shows will always find an audience. As the conference continues with discussions on generative AI, copyright, platform strategy, and deal-making, the industry looks forward to the Grand Awards Gala on Dec. 4 at the Capitol Theatre.
The 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards marks the seventh edition of the prestigious ceremony, celebrating excellence in content creation across the Asia-Pacific region.
