Paramount Executive Beverley McGarvey Advocates for Diverse Content at Asian Academy Creative Awards Keynote

Beverley McGarvey, president of Network 10 and head of streaming for Paramount in Australia and New Zealand, delivered the opening keynote at the Asian Academy Creative Awards National Winners Conference in Singapore on December 3. Addressing the regions media industry, she celebrated the vibrant diversity and dynamic energy of Asia-Pacific content while stressing the growing importance of strategic deal-making in a complex media environment.

McGarvey, who also chairs the Asian Academy Creative Awards, shared insights from her role as a judge in one of the events 40 categories, noting the record participation of 340 judges this yeara 30% increase over 2024. She remarked on the wide-ranging representation across genres and markets. The diversity has been remarkable this year, she said. Every genre and every market has been showcased.

Drawing from her experience in English-language markets across Australia, the U.K., Canada, and the U.S., McGarvey highlighted the youthful focus of many Asia-Pacific productions. There are numerous shows centered on younger characters, telling stories that resonate with younger audiences, she observed. In contrast, content in many English-language markets is trending older, which isnt the case here.

The conference set the stage for the Grand Awards Gala on December 4, featuring 331 national winners from 16 countries vying for the Golden Goddess trophies. Notable nominees include Jacob Elordi for Prime Videos The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Cate Blanchett for Apple TVs Disclaimer.

McGarvey emphasized that while creativity is essential, successful content increasingly depends on strategic negotiations and rights management. A great idea alone doesnt make a great showexecution is key, and that often starts with the deal, she said. She noted the evolving complexity of rights in an era of multiple platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Using examples from Paramounts recent Australian productions, McGarvey illustrated flexible approaches to release windows and platform strategies. NCIS: Sydney streams on Paramount Plus in multiple regions, airs on CBS in the U.S., and later on Network 10 in Australia. Conversely, the local version of Ghosts debuted on Paramount Plus before airing weekly on free-to-air television, leveraging cross-platform promotion.

She further highlighted collaborations between technology and content platforms. Network 10 recently partnered with LG to provide live streaming through electronic program guides, accommodating viewers who no longer rely on traditional terrestrial antennas. McGarvey also pointed to the revamped Big Brother format, which now includes live TikTok streams and YouTube availability, engaging younger audiences and drawing them into broader network offerings.

Despite the complexities of modern media distribution, McGarvey returned to a core principle: A well-executed show will always find its audience. Great stories and compelling characters endure, even if success isnt immediate.

The National Winners Conference continues on December 4 with panels covering generative AI, copyright, platform strategy, and deal-making. The 2025 Grand Awards Gala at Capitol Theatre marks the seventh edition of the Asian Academy Creative Awards.

Author Commentary: Strategic Creativity Shapes Asia-Pacific Media

Beverley McGarvey’s keynote at the Asian Academy Creative Awards National Winners Conference underscored a clear message: creativity alone is no longer enough. While Asia-Pacific content thrives on youthful storytelling and diverse genres, success increasingly hinges on strategic deal-making, rights management, and cross-platform execution.

Her examples, including NCIS: Sydney and the local version of Ghosts, illustrate how flexible release strategies can maximize audience reach across streaming, free-to-air, and international markets. Partnerships with technology platforms, such as LG’s live streaming integration and TikTok/YouTube expansions for Big Brother, demonstrate an industry rapidly adapting to changing viewer habits.

McGarvey’s observations also highlight a generational shift in content focus. Unlike many English-language markets trending toward older demographics, Asia-Pacific productions are capturing younger audiences, reflecting a vibrant and evolving media landscape. The 30% increase in judges and broad representation across genres signals growing engagement and recognition for this regional creativity.

Ultimately, the takeaway is clear: great ideas must be matched by strategic execution. In a complex environment of multiple platforms and emerging technologies, strong stories and compelling characters remain the foundation—but reaching audiences now demands careful planning, innovative distribution, and savvy partnerships.

Sources:

• Paramount Exec Beverley McGarvey Champions Content Diversity at Asian Academy Creative Awards Keynote