Aiello hints Dow Jones partnership

Hong Kong - Star Group CEO Paul Aiello has outlined some of his plans for the News Corp-owned TV group, telling CASBAA delegates that synergies with the soon to be launched MySpace China and, potentially, Dow Jones were on the table.

Aiello, appointed Star Group CEO in March, said synergies with the many News Corp companies particularly within the Fox Interactive Media business, which houses social networking site MySpace, with Star's youth music network Channel [V], were already in the works, but he did not reveal specific plans.

"MySpace is a fantastic business, its main growth is coming from the US market and is in the midst of launching in China. We are developing things right now with MySpace, but it is trial and error."

He said delivering mobile content in partnership with the social networking site was one area of focus.

"Star has its own capabilities that may not sit with MySpace, but you have to bounce these ideas around."

Aiello said while the Dow Jones acquisition was yet to close, the company presented exciting opportunities to work with Star.

"Obviously there are certain things that makes sense to look at. On the surface, it's all there for the taking, we have to do it.

"Rupert [Murdoch] gets what it takes to rejuvenate a business and make it grow, he also knows that it doesn't happen overnight. The challenges are enormous, but there may be some dark days," Aiello said.