Hong Kong, 24 June 2013 – The Asia-Pacific’s premier multichannel TV industry association, CASBAA, today announced the dates and theme of its flagship event, the CASBAA Convention 2013. Taking place from 21-24 October 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the 20th edition of the Convention will celebrate the continually evolving broadcasting industry with Change is ON THE AIR.

“We are looking to shake things up this year for the CASBAA Convention,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “While the core values of CASBAA remain the same, to inform, represent and connect, we are looking at new and different ways to improve our biggest event of the year. With this year’s theme, not only are we recognizing that our industry is in a constant state of flux, but that CASBAA, too, is changing to meet the needs of our membership.”

Chief among the key differences to the Convention in 2013 is the expansion of actual conference sessions from two days to three days with more emphasis on discussion, networking and the exchange of information than in previous years. Plenary sessions will continue to anchor each day with keynote speakers highlighting a variety of topics relevant to the various segments of the multichannel TV industry that CASBAA represents.

Outside of these plenary sessions will be a completely new feature of the Convention, three themed content “tracks” running concurrently during each day. Each “track” will focus on an aspect of the broadcasting industry that consistently generates buzz, news and discussion: content, technology and marketing. Delegates will have the option of customizing their Convention experience by being able to pick and choose which “track” they wish to attend based on the topic that most interests them.

“The watchword for this year’s agenda is flexibility,” added Slaughter. “We have created a schedule that will enable delegates to maximise their time at the Convention to their best advantage, whether attending keynote events, specific tracks in the schedule, networking or seeing what Hong Kong has to offer as a destination.”

Rounding out the Convention will be a host of additional features to enhance the delegate experience including a Delegates Matching Tool (an online service to faciliate the coordination of meetings between attendees), exhibition space, a variety of informative breakfasts and lunches, networking cocktails and the always popular Convention-ending party.

Supporting the CASBAA Convention this year are sponsors Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, MEASAT, Playboy Plus Entertainment Inc., Time Warner, Turner International Asia Pacific and TV5MONDE.

For more information, please visit www.casbaaconvention.com.

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About CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across geographic markets throughout the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA and its members reach over 445 million connections within a regional footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content via industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

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For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung
Associate Director, PR & Communications
CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, 21 June, 2013 – A CASBAA spokesman commented on the favorable evolution of the situation in Vietnam’s pay-TV market in recent weeks. Following a period of confusion after new pay-TV regulations came into force on May 15, most international TV channels (including major global news channels) have been restored to all pay-TV platforms in Vietnam (subject to appropriate commercial contracts and operational arrangements).

John Medeiros, CASBAA’s Chief Policy Officer, commented “the situation with respect to availability of international TV channels in Vietnam has vastly improved.” Medeiros observed that “after the initial period of confusion, the Vietnamese government made clear that it did not want to see foreign TV channels (and specifically not the international news channels) dropped from the country’s pay-TV systems. This positive and welcome intervention from the top levels of the government has made a real difference. The translation requirement for live news channels has been removed; we further understand that the remaining difficulties affecting the news channels are now being ironed out in negotiations between them and their distribution partners, and also that a substantial number of additional international channel licenses for entertainment channels have been issued since May 15th, with more on the way.”

Medeiros noted that a number of provisions of the pay-TV regulations remain to be implemented, and said “going forward, it will be important to make sure that the government’s positive policy is consistently carried out by all ministries and agencies (and is not reversed in the future), especially since a number of core international channels are still awaiting licenses.”

But the overall message remains very healthy, Medeiros said. “Vietnam has made it clear that it continues to be open to trade and investment, and that it intends to be an active and constructive player in the Southeast Asian economic area, and this is a very good thing.” He concluded that “CASBAA is pleased and grateful that the government has taken into serious consideration our expressions of concern and recommendations for solving these implementation problems related to the new pay-TV regulations.”

Background for the media:

Vietnam has an active and competitive pay-TV marketplace. More than a half-dozen major multichannel program distributors using the entire range of modern TV technologies are competing to serve the nation’s 5+ million pay-TV households. Cable, satellite, Telco IPTV, digital terrestrial and mobile platforms are all available to urban consumers, and major new investments are being made to expand and upgrade network capabilities. Content for these systems is provided by a mix of domestic and international media firms, which tailor different content offerings at price points for consumers with different needs.

(More market information can be found here: http://www.casbaa.com/publications/country-reports)

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About CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across geographic markets throughout the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA and its members reach over 445 million connections within a regional footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content via industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung
Associate Director, PR & Communications, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

CASBAA Thailand in View 2013

(Bangkok, 6 June, 2013) – Asia-Pacific’s premier multichannel TV industry association turned the spotlight on the “land of smiles” with CASBAA Thailand in View 2013, recently held on 30 May at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

“From what we have heard at the Forum, Thailand is poised to make a jump forward in the broadcasting industry in the not too distant future,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “With TV penetration standing at nearly 100 percent, cable and satellite TV penetration has reached nearly 64 percent and is poised for continued growth with a number of recent positive developments initiated by the government.”

Attracting over 200 delegates, speakers and media, attendees at Thailand in View 2013 heard from a host of influential guests from across the broadcasting industry and members of the government including H.E. Grp. Capt. Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Government of Thailand, Natee Sukonrat, Chairman, Broadcasting Committee; Vice Chairman, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, Sompan Charumilinda, Executive Vice Chairman, True Visions, Robert Gilby, MD, The Walt Disney Company South East Asia, Supinya Klangnarong, Commissioner, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, Niphon Naksompop, Chairman, Satellite Television Association Thailand, Adrian New, MD Asia-Pacific, Chelsea Football Club, Joe Welch, SVP, Government Affairs, Asia, News Corporation and many others.

Opening the event, H.E. Grp. Capt. Anudith Nakornthap said, “Thailand’s television industry has witnessed explosive growth and fundamental change with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. Supported by recent changes in broadcast laws and adoption of coherent regulations, the Thailand media landscape is undergoing major changes as a new generation of competitors arises to serve the growing demand of the Thai consumers.”

The Forum programme covered a range of relevant topics that have been making news in Thailand recently including digital terrestrial licensing, advertising, content, sports broadcasting rights, regulations and technology.

“It is an important time for the industry. Planning and coordination are needed at both the national and international levels with the digital landscape already beginning in Thailand resulting in more channels and giving new opportunities to new players,” added Natee Sukonrat. “Cable and satellite TV are still very important in the industry and, with their unique characteristics of reaching those in urban areas and providing superb premium content, future viewers will have more choices.”

In conjunction with the Forum, CASBAA also released an updated Thailand in View country report with the most up-to-date information on country’s exciting pay-TV market and containing important TV industry data and regulatory information. Download the Executive Summary athttp://www.casbaa.com/publications/country-reports?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=110&category_id=3.

Thailand in View 2013 was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor True Visions and by Sponsors Conax, Irdeto, Nielsen and Thaicom.

For more information please visit www.casbaa.com.

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About CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across geographic markets throughout the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA and its members reach over 445 million connections within a regional footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content via industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

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For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung
Associate Director, PR & Communications
CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

CASBAA TV Upfronts – The KL Screenings

Kuala Lumpur, 4 June 2013 – CASBAA AD organised its ninth TV Upfronts in the region and the second in Malaysia on May 28, 2013 in Kuala Lumpur. The Upfronts promote multichannel TV as an ideal platform for marketers to reach their target demographics and the KL event attracted over 100 guests representing advertising agencies, clients, broadcasters and media.

“A chance for the media buyers and networks to come together, CASBAA’s TV Upfronts provide a unique opportunity for pay-TV broadcasters to unveil their hottest content and bespoke and localized advertising solutions,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA.

As a regional initiative, CASBAA’s TV Upfronts have been held in key markets throughout the Asia-Pacific. Highlighting this year’s KL session were English audience insights from Henry Tan, COO of the event’s “in-market” partner ASTRO and guest speaker Lee Risk, Commercial Director, Media Consumer Choices, GFK Asia on how technology purchasing trends are influencing media consumption.

Also presenting were representatives from AETN All Asia Networks, BBC Worldwide, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, FOX One Stop Media, NBCUniversal Networks, Sony Pictures Television, Malaysia, and Turner Broadcasting Systems Asia. Among media agencies and advertising clients in attendance were Baba Products, BMW Malaysia, Carat Media Services, DiGi Telecommunications, L’Oréal Malaysia, Maxis, Mindshare, OMD, P&G, Petronas, Starcom Mediavest Group, Vizeum Media and many others.

For the invited guests, the The KL Screenings serve as an ideal forum to learn about new content opportunities with case studies providing flexible options for the planning and development of marketing campaigns. The presentation of trends and data also allow attendees to better understand target groups and demographics.

“I am pleasantly surprised with the emphasis and flexibility the networks/broadcasters have shown to incorporate branded content/engagement,” said Nishant Mehta, Communications Planning Director, Omnicom Media Group Malaysia. “This opens up more avenues for us to conceptualise relevant and insightful engagement with consumers/viewers”

The day ended with an exclusive ASTRO key client cocktail and dinner where additional Upfront materials were presented to a select group of top-level decision makers and leaders in the media buying community.

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About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across geographic markets throughout the Asia-Pacific. CASBAA and its members reach over 445 million connections within a regional footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content via industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

CASBAA AD is the advertising development division of CASBAA promoting the value proposition of advertising on multichannel/Pay TV. Click here for more information on CASBAA AD.

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For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung, Associate Director, PR & Communications, CASBAA

Tel: +852 3929-1712

Email: desmond@casbaa.com

CASBAA Comments on “Decision 20″ Pay TV Regulations

Hong Kong, 16 May, 2013 – CASBAA commented on Vietnam’s “Decision 20″ pay-TV regulations which came into effect today. As a result of confusion over the regulations, one satellite provider has taken down 21 international channels, and some other pay-TV providers have stopped supplying some international news channels.

John Medeiros, Chief Policy Officer at CASBAA commented in response to media queries that the situation regarding Vietnamese regulation of the pay-TV industry is notably unclear. “Even Vietnamese operators of pay-TV systems cannot be sure how the regulations will be implemented, much less international channels.”

He went on to say that “the government at the highest levels has expressed its intention not to exclude international channels from Vietnam. And indeed, some changes to translation requirements for news channels were introduced, in order to remove operating burdens on them. However, there seem to be roadblocks in implementing this policy. Overall, the licensing regulations on the books remain restrictive in their effects. No licenses have been issued to international channels of any genre in the last six months. Contracting requirements for editing of news channels remain problematic.”

CASBAA, and the international Pay-TV industry, intend to remain in dialogue with the Vietnamese authorities. John Medeiros said “we regret that the effect of the regulatory process as of today seems to restrict access of numerous international channels to the Vietnam market. Consumers everywhere else in Southeast Asia enjoy the opportunity to view a wide mix of domestic and international television, and we hope that the government will see its way clear to allow Vietnamese citizens to join their ASEAN neighbors.”

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia. Spanning 18 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 445 million connections through a footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung
Associate Director, PR & Communications, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2013

An Industry in Transition

Singapore, 13 May 2013 – CASBAA’s annual Satellite Industry Forum will take place on 17 June 2013 at the Shangri-La, Singapore. The Association’s comprehensive forum on the thriving satellite market in the Asia-Pacific will examine An Industry in Transition this year, highlighting key issues top-of-mind with stakeholders in the region.

“CASBAA has again assembled an incredibly diverse group of guests and speakers for our annual Satellite Industry Forum 2013,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “Representing the total value chain of the satellite industry, our panel of leading international executives will share their collective experience and knowledge across a wide range of topics and issues.”

Tackling the big issues for satellite operators and users in the Asia Pacific region, this year’s Forum will delve into the worries about spectrum access, market access and regulatory regimes and identifying growth markets and future trends in the region. Additional panels will explore emerging satellite technologies and how they will change the face of the industry, the booming launch services sector and an entire session devoted to the dynamic and complicated Indian market.

Opening the proceedings this year will be Keynote Speaker Gwynne Shotwell, President, SpaceX. Joining her on the day will be David Ball (CTO, NewSat), Thomas Choi (CEO, Asia Broadcast Satellite), Steve Collar (CEO, O3b Networks), Yvon Henri (Chief, Space Services Department, ITU), Huang BaoZhong (EVP, APT Satellite), Osamu Inoue (Director of the Board & Group President, Space & Satellite Business Group, SKY Perfect JSAT), Sameer Kanse (Global Head, Tata Communications Media Services), Tarun Katial (CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network), Ted McFarland (Regional VP, Business Development, GEO Satellite Communications, Orbital Sciences), Deepak Mathur (SVP, Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, SES), Serge Van Herck (CEO, Newtec), Bill Wade (President & CEO, AsiaSat), Bill Weller (VP, Marketing & Sales and Government Relations, SSL) among many others.

Partners for the CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2013 include Supporting Sponsor JSAT and Sponsors Arianespace, AsiaSat, Eutelsat, Marsh, MEASAT, MHI Launch Services, SES, SSL and SpaceX.

For more information about the CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2013 please visit http://www.casbaa.com/events/events-calendar/details/363-satellite-industry-forum.

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About CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia. Spanning 18 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 445 million connections through a footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

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For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung
Associate Director, PR & Communications
CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

THAILAND IN VIEW 2013 – CHANGING THE DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

(Bangkok, May 2, 2013) – CASBAA returns to Thailand to host an in depth forum examining the multichannel TV industry in the country with Thailand in View 2013, 30 May at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.

“We are turning the spotlight again on the vibrant multichannel TV market in Thailand,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “With a thriving broadcasting industry brimming with opportunity and possibilities, Thailand is an emerging market with a promising future and this forum will explore the potential and examine the pitfalls of broadcasting in the country.”

With over 22 million TV households in Thailand, multichannel TV’s 65% household penetration translates into 14.3 million households or 45 million people (source Nielsen). Cable and satellite TV penetration has tripled over the last three years, due in part, to the government’s decision to allow advertising on pay-TV and local cable and falling satellite dish prices.

In the news, the ongoing English Premier League rights negotiations, digital terrestrial TV broadcasting licensing and the ongoing battle with the NBTC’s “must-carry” rule over sporting events have dominated the headlines recently.

Built around current issues affecting the country now, Thailand in View 2013 has created an agenda that is both topical and timely with panels including:

• The Neighborhood is Getting Crowded — Digital Terrestrial Licensing and its effects on the CabSat Ecosystem
• It’s about the Money, Money, Money — Advertising on CabSat TV in Thailand
• Meeting Diverse Demands — New Content for Thailand
• Driving Take-Up of CabSat Platforms in Thailand – Is Football Really the Key?
• Thailand’s New Regulatory Framework – Is it Promoting Growth?
• The Times They Are A-Changing…..and People Watch TV Differently

Lending their expertise and sharing their insights, a local and international roster of industry leaders will spearhead the discussion through keynote addresses, panels and conversations. Guests at this year’s forum include Dr. Natee Sukonrat (Vice Chairman, Broadcasting Committee, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission), Sompan Charumilinda (Executive Vice Chairman, True Visions), Nilufar Fowler (MD, Mindshare), Nadia Hwang (Executive Director, Regional Entertainment Advertising Sales, Turner International Asia Pacific), Adisak Limprungpatanakij (President, Nation Broadcasting Corporation PCL), Niphon Naksompop (Chairman, Satellite Television Association (Thailand)), Adrian New (MD Asia-Pacific, Chelsea Football Club), Jiradej Nusthit (SVP, Chief of Strategic and Corporate Planning, Cable Thai Holding), Sinthu Peatrarut (MD, Media Client Leadership Thailand, Nielsen), Wannee Ruttanaphon (President, Media Agency Association of Thailand (MAAT); Chairman, IPG Mediabrands), Thinakorn Thianprathum (GM, Me Television Co., Ltd.), Dr. Pana Thongmeearkhom (Executive Committee, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for the Public Interest) and many others.

In conjunction with the Forum, CASBAA will also be releasing an updated Thailand in View country report with the most up-to-date information on Thailand’s exciting pay-TV market and containing important TV industry data and regulatory information.

Thailand in View 2013 is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor True Visions and by Sponsors Conax, Irdeto and Thaicom.

For more information please visit www.casbaa.com.

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About CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia. Spanning 18 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 445 million connections through a footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

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For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung
PR & Communications Manager
CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

DIGITAL AND MUSIC MATTERS 2013 RETURNS WITH BRAND-NEW YOUTUBE FANFEST POWERED BY HP

Highlights

• The YouTube FanFest powered by HP will bring together fans and rising YouTube stars from around the world
• Global industry experts to convene at the week that matters
• Exciting line-up of international music professionals including Johnny Wright and Gurrumul Yunupingu
• Over 50 bands from 20 countries performing at this year’s Music Matters Live with HP

Singapore, 30 April 2013 – Branded Ltd. today announced the return of the award-winning Digital & Music Matters with a brand-new exciting first for Asia – the YouTube FanFest powered by HP – a two-night ‘live’ YouTube showcase in Singapore featuring a roster of 20 established and breakout global sensations giving fans and the digital media industry an opportunity to get up close and personal with the stars who are driving today’s YouTube economy.

The YouTube stars coming to the YouTube FanFest powered by HP have a combined subscriber base of 12.5 million and over 2.5 billion views. With Asia Pacific’s growing fan base for these creators, this is a first-of-its-kind event in Singapore. Part entertainment and part education, the two-night showcase will include ‘live’ performances and ‘live’ debuts of new content from these stars, as well as interactive meet and greet sessions between stars and fans.

“YouTube’s influence on today’s digital consumer is undisputable. Every month, one billion unique users visit YouTube to discover and share content and videos like never before. They have also given birth to the new wave of celebrities, whose influence can be seen across pop culture, politics and today’s marketing campaigns. Our partnership with YouTube and HP helps us to further our vision to bring the best of today’s emerging artists to the delegates of this year’s Digital & Music Matters, and their fans in Asia,” said Mr. Jasper Donat, President of Digital & Music Matters and CEO, Branded Ltd.

“Today, people think differently about media. For the first time an entire generation, who we call Gen C, has grown up with an unmediated relationship with content. They are defined by the Internet, mobile and social networking – and even for this new generation, video remains the most potent way to engage them. The YouTube FanFest powered by HP will be a unique coming together of YouTube creators and their Gen C fans to celebrate the amazing range of quality content available on YouTube,” said Mr. Benjamin Grubbs, APAC Head of Partner Marketing, YouTube.

Mr. Nick Lazaridis, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Printing and Personal Systems Category, HP Asia Pacific and Japan said, “HP is proud to be powering both YouTube FanFest and Music Matters Live this year. HP continues to stand at the forefront of digital technology, paving the way for creative talents to do what matters to them, pursue their passions and unleash their creativity.

“Through this festival, we showcase HP’s suite of innovative Windows 8 products that are forging the link between artistes and audiences, providing them with an immersive audio, visual and touch experience both at home and on the go.”

Dubbed “TED meets SXSW” by Jason Mraz, Digital & Music Matters (www.allthatmatters.asia) was named Trade Conference of the Year at Singapore Experience Awards 2012 and it is the only event in Asia Pacific that brings the entire entertainment ecosystem under one roof.

The eighth edition of Music Matters, the pioneer music industry event in Asia Pacific, will feature a stellar cast of music industry heavyweights such as Johnny Wright (who managed artists including the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson) and Gurrumul Yunupingu, triple-platinum selling artist who has been described by Rolling Stone magazine as “Australia’s Most Important Voice”.

Covering topics ranging from the future of ticketing to how artists can use Social Media to their advantage, top speakers at Music Matters 2013 include:

• Johnny Wright, Manager, Justin Timberlake
• Rob Wells, President, Global Digital Business, Universal Music Group International
• Tan Tong Hai, CEO, StarHub
• Kenji Kitatani, President, AVEX Holdings
• Frances Moore, CEO, The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)
• Nikhil Chandhok, Group Product Manager, YouTube
• Benji Rogers, Owner, Pledge Music
• Chris Lin, CEO, KKBOX
• Axel Dauchez, Chief Executive Officer, Deezer
• Brad Ramsey, Director Consumer Marketing, Google Asia Pacific
• Eric Sheinkop, CEO & Founder, Music Dealers

This year, delegates and budding artists can also look forward to two full-days of mentoring sessions and workshops at the Music Matters Academy with HP, allowing industry experts from the music and entertainment industry to share useful tips and advice to help grow the local talent base, including the members of the Singapore Music Society.

“We want to give back to Asia’s music industry and to help budding artists with a platform to be seen and heard. With so many music industry experts from around the world gathered here for a few days, this is a great opportunity for talent to learn tips and tricks of the trade and network with the Music Matters delegates who can help them open up more opportunities,” said Mr. Donat.

Digital Matters, which returns for the third year, is presented by Windows Azure and produced in association with Movideo and CASBAA.

This year’s Digital Matters presented by Windows Azure will focus on the steady innovation in digital technologies across the music and entertainment industry, which has opened varied and lucrative opportunities to monetise content. Featuring international brands that are key players in the digital realm, including Microsoft, The Coca-Cola Company, YouTube, SingTel and more, who will be sharing ideas on how brands and companies can make use of the latest technology to grow and cultivate their fans, customers and stakeholders.

The powerhouse lineup of digital’s new breed of leaders at Digital Matters presented by Windows Azure include:

• Taras Bugir, Worldwide Managing Director, Media and Cable, Microsoft
• Wendy Clark, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing Communication and Capabilities, The Coca-Cola Company
• Brad Ramsey, Director Consumer Marketing, Google Asia Pacific
• Chris Jaques, Chief Executive Officer, M&C Saatchi
• Susana Tsui, Regional Vice President, OgilvyOne Worldwide, Asia Pacific
• Tony McGinn, Chief Executive Officer, Movideo
• David Loiterton, Managing Director, APAC, Omnifone
• Jeff Whatcott, Chief Marketing Officer, Brightcove
• Simon Joyce, CEO, MCM Media

The week that matters concludes with a three-night music festival, Music Matters Live with HP, featuring over 50 bands from 20 countries across seven venues in Clarke Quay, Singapore, including Burma’s first all-singing, all-dancing, all-girl group Me N Ma Girls. The Fountain Stage will be filmed, and streamed live on YouTube by the keen media students at Singapore Poly.

There will also be country showcases from Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Canada. These artists will perform over 160 shows during the three nights – all for free to members of the public and music lovers.

“Digital & Music Matters has become a prime example of our on-going efforts to enable industry players to add creative content to our burgeoning entertainment scene and is also reflective of our drive towards quality tourism. For example, elements like the Music Matters Live series and the YouTube FanFest offer fresh new experiences that we believe will further catalyse positive developments within the entertainment scene. We are encouraged by the capacity of Digital & Music Matters to innovate, and have no doubt that it will continue to thrive year on year,” said Ms Lynette Pang, Executive Director (Arts & Entertainment, F1& Sports), Singapore Tourism Board.

“We want to help create new stars by supporting upcoming artists and the independent music community. With Music Matters Live with HP, these artists will get the chance to perform to a truly international crowd while at the same time, connect with their fans in this part of the world,” explained Mr. Donat.

Online participants this year can look forward to a dedicated YouTube channel and tune in to the YouTube FanFest powered by HP web experience at www.youtube.com/fanfest and www.youtubefanfest.com , both created by software and services startup CYCLONE.

Digital & Music Matters is proudly supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Media Development Authority of Singapore, and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore. Other key sponsors on board for 2013 are: 88tc88, Accenture, Akamai, AsiaWorld-Expo, Barks, Believe Digital, Blonde Media, BMI, Brightcove, CIMA, Channel [V], Eon, Fender, Fox, Google/ YouTube, Gracenote, HP, ICON, Invest HK, Images in Motion, KOCCA, Windows Azure, Movideo, MPAJ, Omnifone, Pacific Beverages, Samsung, Singapore Grand Prix, Sounds Australia and the Singapore National Arts Council.

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About Branded Ltd.

Branded Ltd. is the organiser of Digital & Music Matters, and Music Matters Live and the YouTube FanFest (both supported by HP). Branded is a leading Asian media and entertainment brand marketing agency. Branded has successfully partnered brands with a number of the world’s leading entertainment attractions including: Walking with Dinosaurs, the Rolling Stones, Coco Lee, Black Eyed Peas, Jamie Cullum, We Will Rock You, James Blunt, ARTHK, Chicago the Musical and even Barney the Dinosaur.

Branded also has unique experience in the media and technology space having been the exclusive sales agent for the CASBAA Convention since 2003. Branded also created the MediaWorks event in partnership with Haymarket (the publishers of Campaign).

For more information on Digital & Music Matters 2013, please visit www.allthatmatters.com For media enquiries, please contact:

Iris Leong
Bite PR
E: iris.leong@biteglobal.com
T: +65 6323 7377

Charlotte Tan
Bite PR
E: charlotte.tan@biteglobal.com
T: +65 6323 7377

Rachel Lo
Branded Ltd (Singapore)
E: rachel@branded.asia
T: +65 9847 8839

(April 2013) The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is one of the most prominent associations of its type and a key defender of the satellite industry in Asia. The region is highly lucrative for satellite, given the demand for pay-TV and other services via satellite. John Medeiros, chief policy officer, CASBAA talks about the challenges facing the organization this year and how it aims to make things better for satellite players across the region. According to Medeiros, the issue of piracy has gotten worse in the region, something that is costing all industries related to it such as DTH, broadcasting, and by extension satellite, a lot of money. The question is whether there is anything CASBAA can do to redress the balance.

Read more at Via Satellite

3 April 2013, Hong Kong/Bangkok/Kuala Lumpur – CASBAA, ABU and UNICEF are calling for entries for the 13th Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award from broadcasters and producers in the region.

Programmes both for children and about children are eligible and can cover any children’s rights issue. Entries can include documentaries that detail the plight of children, dramas that help break down stereotypes and discrimination, or animation that teaches and entertains.

Entries must have been broadcast between June 2012 and May 2013 and must be received by 5 June 2013. The Award will be presented during the CASBAA Convention in Hong Kong in between 22-24 October 2013.

Eligible countries/territories: Afghanistan, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Republic of Korea, DPR Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand , Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

For more information, please visit www.childrightsaward.org. Details on the Convention on the Rights of the Child can be found at www.unicef.org/crc.

Note to editors:

Asia–Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)

ABU is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organizations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the Asia–Pacific region. It provides a forum for promoting the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters and engages in activities to encourage regional and international cooperation between broadcasters. It currently has 250 members from 62 countries. It organizes many activities and projects to promote excellence in broadcasting and to improve programming, skills and technologies of its members, including the ABU Children’s TV Programme Item Exchange.

www.abu.org.my

CASBAA

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia. Spanning 18 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 445 million connections through a footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices.

www.casbaa.com

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For more information about

UNICEF East Asia and Pacific: www.unicef.org/eapro

UNICEF South Asia: www.unicef.org/rosa

For further information, please contact:

Hanizah Hamzah: ABU (Kuala Lumpur), + 603 22822480,hanizah@abu.org.my

Desmond Chung: CASBAA (Hong Kong), + 852 3929 1712,Desmond@casbaa.com

Kritsada Jirathun: UNICEF (Bangkok), +66 2 356 92 49, kjirathun@unicef.org