News

Casbaa OTT Summit – Day 2 – Customer retention is key

Singapore, 27 March 2018 – Opening the Casbaa OTT Conference last Wednesday, March 21st, Radha Rahman, Marketing Director, Asia, for Brightcove set the tone for the day from the start as she told delegates “The end game is to win the viewer over and over again. Consumers now have more choice so services need to be different. Viewers are more savvy and viewing habits have changed to include binge watching and increased mobile consumption”.

Topics covering trends in viewership, OTT content strategies, OTT security issues, distribution channels, regulatory practices, business models (both old & new), OTT content measurement, consumer payment options, success factors, and “big data” were also discussed at the full-day OTT Conference; part of the annual two-day OTT Summit.

The conference was designed to take a look at OTT content, business models, regulation and the latest tech. Delegates heard industry experts deliver opinions on issues pertinent to the industry and on how broadcasters, OTT players and telcos are shaping the future of TV.

The theme that viewership and that overall subscription numbers (and retention of said subscribers) is all that counts was supported by Aravind Venugopal, Vice President of Media Partners Asia in his presentation where he stated that “Data consumption, subscriber retention and pricing power have emerged as key drivers in the OTT space with Michael Greco, Vice President, Vindicia later affirming this when he said “Retention should be a key part of your acquisition strategy”. YouGov Managing Director, Stephen Tracy noted that “Lapsed subscribers are more likely to resubscribe when new content becomes available. The most important factors for those considering to subscribe are cost and availability of international content” with Ben Loh, General Manager for tonton having earlier told delegates that “People want to be entertained on their own terms” and that, essentially, “the core business is content /price point and monetisation”. Even Carl Kirchhoff, SportsFix CEO said that “new tech will disrupt existing ecosystems and payment models” before positing whether block chain would be a game changer.

The problems of piracy also surfaced again with stark comments being made by Goh Seow Eng, Managing Director, Home for Singtel, about the need for more united action to combat piracy. Goh warned that content owners who didn’t join the efforts would face negative consequences in contract renewal conversations with the platforms.

The OTT Conference was supported by Presenting Sponsor, Brightcove and sponsors Accedo, APT Satellite, BBC Player, Eros International, Irdeto, Massive, MPP Global, TV5MONDE, Viaccess-Orca and Vindicia.

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About Casbaa

Established in 1991, Casbaa is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. Casbaa is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy, publishes in depth reports and hosts conferences and seminars aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

For media contacts and additional background contact:

(Ms) Kay Bayliss
Manager, Marketing & Communications
kay@casbaa.com
Tel: +852 3929 1724

BBC News Burmese programme will air on Mizzima TV

The BBC News Burmese TV programme will now be available on Myanmar’s newly launched free-to-air digital channel, Mizzima TV. The 15-minute live news programme from the BBC will air on Mizzima TV at 20.45 local time Monday to Friday.

BBC News Burmese – which is also available online on bbc.com/burmese and the BBC News Burmese YouTube channel – will bring Mizzima TV viewers the day’s key international and regional news. Broadcast live from London, the programme also features stories from the UK, that are of special relevance and interest to the audience in Myanmar.

BBC News Burmese Editor, Soe Win Than (Min Htet), comments: “This is a great opportunity for the BBC to deliver its journalism to viewers in Myanmar. There has always been a demand in the country for the BBC’s trusted reporting – and it is particularly important these days when audiences are confronted with a lot of biased or fake news on social media. Our collaboration with Mizzima will benefit those who want to keep abreast of regional and world developments.”

Mizzima, which won the International Press Institute’s Free Media Pioneer award in 2007, has been operating in Myanmar since 2012, producing a newspaper, a business magazine and TV programmes. Mizzima went live as a TV channel on 24 March 2018.

Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Mizzima Group, Soe Myint, adds: “We are happy to broadcast BBC News on the Mizzima TV Channel. We recognize the highest professional standards that the BBC upholds in news and journalism. We trust that the people of Myanmar will welcome our broadcasts of BBC News.”

Burmese-speaking audiences can access the BBC on bbc.com/burmese, via Facebook (which has over 13.3m followers) as well as Twitter and YouTube, and tune in to the daily radio broadcasts, evening (GMT 1330-1415) and morning (GMT 0000-0030) on shortwave. The programme on Modern Farming Techniques, the youth programme, Mobigeno, and the technology programme, Cooltech, are rebroadcast by Myanmar Radio. Padamyar FM rebroadcasts Mobigeno and the English-learning series, The English We Speak. All radio content is available via the website bbc.com/burmese. Daily top headlines from BBC News Burmese are now directly available to users of Yangon-based website, Frontier Myanmar.

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For more information, please contact:
BBC Global News Communications – lala.najafova@bbc.co.uk

Notes to editors:

The BBC attracts a weekly global news audience of 346 million people to its international news services including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel and bbc.com/news.

BBC World Service delivers news content around the world, on radio, TV and digital, reaching a weekly audience of 269 million. As part of BBC World Service, BBC Learning English teaches English to global audiences. The BBC World Service Group operates around the world in 42 languages, on radio, TV and digital.

Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark goes Cashless with Rabbit LINE Pay

180326 - Turner_Release_1

Thai attraction becomes world’s first smartphone cashless waterpark, offering guests speedy payment on the go

Bangkok, Thailand – March 26, 2018

The world’s only Cartoon Network-themed waterpark is set to fulfill its innovative ambitions to become a smartphone-friendly attraction for a cashless generation. Today, it announced a trailblazing partnership with Rabbit LINE Pay, Thailand’s leading integrated payment platform.

Cartoon Network Amazone customers can now use Rabbit LINE Pay’s ‘tap and go’ mobile payment method at all cashier counters throughout the park. With the seamless purchasing experience, there’s even more time for fun on the water slides.

Rabbit LINE Pay, the mobile payment platform, also allows customers to purchase tickets, food and merchandise in advance through Cartoon Network Amazone on LINE GIFTSHOP. Customers will get fast pass tickets using e-coupon to check in at the turnstile, get special discounts and can also manage their costs to maximize a splash-tastic day.

The cashless system minimizes fraud and theft-related risks of carrying cash and credit cards, as well as eliminating the need to queue at top-up counters. Customers simply registers their credit card or bank account with Rabbit LINE Pay. Once done, they can use their mobile phone to scan the QR codes at the gate turnstile, retail, cabana rental and dining outlets.

Liakat Dhanji, CEO, Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark, said: “We are thrilled to be pioneering the world’s first collaboration between Cartoon Network and Rabbit LINE Pay to provide a fast, seamless mobile payment experience. From purchasing tickets to shopping at our retail store, our guests will be able to enjoy an entire day at the waterpark totally cashless. We are excited to set a new benchmark in the industry as the first waterpark in the world to offer such convenience to its guests.”

Clement Schwebig, CFO and SVP of Licensing at Turner Asia Pacific, the company that operates Cartoon Network, added: “Since the very beginning, Cartoon Network Amazone has always been a leader in waterpark innovations. Turner is all about fan-centric experiences and this a great example of putting our customers first.”

Comment from Suraj Pluegboonyachai, Head of Business Development, Rabbit LINE Pay: “Rabbit LINE Pay is the first mobile payment platform providing the total cashless experience to customers starting from the entrance to various store fronts within the water themed park. Not only would we expand customer base to family generation but also leverage digital payment experience for customers. We are committed to develop seamless and better service to serve all customers’ daily lifestyle.”

Quote from Suladda Sarutilavan, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya Office: “On behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, I am excited and supportive of the initiative between Cartoon Network Amazone and Rabbit LINE pay. By creating this innovative smartphone enabled cashless payment platform, it sets a new standard for consumer convenience and the attractions industry. As more foreign and local visitors travel to the Eastern Seaboard Zone, this collaboration fits in with the mandate of the EEC to promote Thailand as a high technology hub for all travelers.”

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For more information about Cartoon Network Amazone, visit: www.cartoonnetworkamazone.com

Photo caption:
From left to right:
Piyawat Pleambier – Representative from Pattaya City
Watcharapol Sarson – Deputy Director Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Pattaya Office
Suraj Pluegboonyachai, Head of Business Development, Rabbit LINE Pay
Liakat Dhanji, CEO, Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark:
Rattanachai Sutthidechanai – Vice President of Pattaya Business and Tourism Association and former President of Pattaya Tourism
(+Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears: Ice Bear, Grizzly and Panda)

On behalf of Cartoon Network Amazone, contact:
Danita Boonchoeisak, Head of Brand Marketing & PR danita@cartoonnetworkamazone.com
Judi Tang, Chief Innovation Officer judi@cartoonnetworkamazone.com

On behalf of Rabbit LINE Pay, contact:
Varadee Vasavananda / varadeev@linecorp.com

About Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark Thailand
Cartoon Network Amazone is Cartoon Network’s first and only fully-branded waterpark. Located in Bang Saray, 15 kilometres south of Pattaya on the Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, the development comprises 10 themed entertainment zones each one offering an array of exhilarating water coasters and attractions. The waterpark also features captivating live and multimedia entertainment that incorporates the latest in interactive technology – bringing fans of Cartoon Network closer to their favorite characters than ever before. Cartoon Network Amazone takes its theme from the lush Amazon Rainforest while infusing the world’s most popular animated series and cartoon heroes including Ben 10, Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and The Amazing World of Gumball. Cartoon Network Amazone is developed by Thailand-based attractions developer Amazon Falls Co. Ltd. under license from Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc.
www.CartoonNetworkAmazone.com / www.Facebook.com/CNAmazone

About Rabbit LINE Pay
Rabbit LINE Pay (RLP), previous named was LINE Pay a mobile payment from LINE, entered in Thailand since 201X. Partnered with Rabbit, the no.1 micropayment and renamed as Rabbit LINE Pay became Thailand 1st integrated offline and online payment platform. In March 2018, mPay (the subsidiary of AIS, the no.1 mobile operator) entered into a joint-venture agreement to create Thailand’s cashless society aiming Rabbit LINE Pay to be the no. 1 mobile payment in Thailand.

More information: https://line.me/th/pay / Rabbit LINE Pay Call Center: (02) 841-5400 (09.00 – 18.00)

AsiaSat Reports 2017 Annual Results

Hong Kong, 23 March 2018 – Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited (‘AsiaSat’ – SEHK: 1135), Asia’s leading satellite operator, today announced financial results for the full-year ended 31 December 2017.

Financial Highlights:

  • 2017 revenue returned to an upward trend with an increase of 6% to HK$1,354 million from HK$1,272 million in 2016, supported by the lease of the full Ku-band payload of AsiaSat 8 during the year, on-going migration from Standard Definition to High Definition broadcasting and increased demand for data services
  • 2017 profit attributable to owners was HK$397 million (2016: HK$430 million). On a like-forlike basis, after excluding a reversal of tax provision of HK$55 million in 2016, 2017 profit recorded an increase of 6%, HK$22 million compared to 2016
  • Proposed final dividend of HK$0.20 per share (2016: HK$0.20 per share). Together with the interim dividend of HK$0.18 per share (2016: Nil), the total dividend for the year 2017 is HK$0.38 per share (2016: HK$0.20 per share)
  • Operational Highlights:

  • AsiaSat enters its 30th year in 2018 with an expanded and upgraded satellite fleet, including the new AsiaSat 9 which became fully operational in November 2017, bringing improved performance to customers and additional capacity to grow company business
  • A lease for the full payload of AsiaSat 4 was secured following successful migration of customers from AsiaSat 4 to AsiaSat 9, the full revenue impact of which will be seen in 2018
  • Overall payload utilisation of the AsiaSat fleet as of 31 December 2017 stood at 69% (126 transponders utilised/leased), compared to 67% as of 31 December 2016 (99 transponders utilised/leased)
  • A “CDN (Content Delivery Network) in the Sky” service developed for the fast-growing mobility markets in remote areas across AsiaSat’s extensive footprint, enabling the company to offer additional IP-based services
  • Planning of the company’s first HTS – High Throughput Satellite under way, to explore potential new mobility-led data opportunities
  • AsiaSat’s Chairman, Gregory M. Zeluck, said, “The Board of Directors remains cautiously optimistic about AsiaSat’s long-term video and data distribution strategies for national and international markets. The Company will maintain its high level of commitment to a diversified video and data customer base with data potentially accounting for an increasing revenue share in the medium term. Despite ongoing pricing pressures, regional demand for video and data services will remain solid, especially with respect to demand for ever higher quality and higher speed video content from the younger middle class population.”

    “The Company will continue to evaluate opportunities to develop its HTS capabilities and strategy. As the Asia Pacific market digests the opportunities presented by the latest HTS solutions, we believe this presents the Company a strategic opportunity to meet increasing consumer demands in the mobility sector such as in-flight broadband services,” Mr. Zeluck added.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:
    Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited
    Winnie Pang, Manager, Marketing Communications
    Tel: (852) 2500 0880
    Email: wpang@asiasat.com

    Read more about “AsiaSat Reports 2017 Annual Results

    Casbaa OTT Summit – Day 1 – Addressing the “Perfect Storm”

    Singapore, 22 March 2018 – Asian video industry association, Casbaa, held its annual OTT Summit, Asia’s OTT industry marquee event, on 20 & 21 March. New to the event this year, which has been expanded to two days, was the OTT Anti-Piracy Seminar on March 20th; sponsored by 21st Century Fox.

    The Anti-Piracy Seminar was designed to broaden the understanding of the problems piracy creates for the industry, to look at what is currently being done to combat the growing threat to legitimate businesses and to explore what else might be done. As the industry’s association, Casbaa is doing more and more to help lead the fight against piracy.

    “Piracy is a critical problem, and is particularly acute in Asia”, said Casbaa CEO, Louis Boswell, at the well-attended afternoon event. “This seminar provides a forum for conversation and debate leading to ever more effective solutions to the problem. As an industry we have to put our best foot forward and make sure the leaders of legitimate video companies all get involved.”

    The seminar looked at the problems of piracy from all angles; from the regulatory loopholes that allow it to flourish, to the increasing enforcement actions that can – and are – being deployed, through the role technology can play in defeating piracy, and finally how the legitimate industry is responding to the threat and making content more available than ever before through a multitude of legal services.

    The OTT Anti-Piracy Seminar was preceded by the OTT Tech Showcase where presentations were made throughout the morning by Accedo, Brightcove, Viaccess-Orca and Vindicia.

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    About Casbaa

    Established in 1991, Casbaa is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. Casbaa is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy, publishes in depth reports and hosts conferences and seminars aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

    For media contacts and additional background contact:

    (Ms) Kay Bayliss
    Manager, Marketing & Communications
    Tel: +852 3929 1724
    kay@casbaa.com

    SIX FLAGS AND RIVERSIDE PARTNER WITH TURNER TO OFFER NEW ATTRACTIONS

    Tuzki-branded Thrill Ride Coming to Six Flags China Parks

    HONG KONG (March 22, 2018) – Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX), the world’s largest theme park company, Riverside Investment Group Co. Ltd., an award-winning tourism and real estate developer, and Turner Asia Pacific, today announced a new partnership that will bring original, branded experiences to Six Flags parks throughout China.

    The first addition – a thrilling, new Tuzki-branded dark ride – is joining the lineup of world class, record-breaking rides and attractions at Six Flags Zhejiang and Six Flags Chongqing, which are scheduled to open in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

    “The Six Flags brand is synonymous with innovative thrills for all ages,” said President of Six Flags International Development Company, David McKillips. “We look forward to working with Turner Asia Pacific to create immersive, content-rich attractions throughout our China parks.”

    Ricky Ow, President of Turner Asia Pacific, said, “We are honoured to join forces with these two best-in-class companies to bring memorable, one-of-a-kind entertainment offerings to China. This is the first time that Tuzki’s loyal fans will be able to really experience their favourite emoticon in such a tangible and authentic way. Together with our partners, Six Flags and Riverside Investment Group, we are excited to offer this immersive, new attraction to park guests.”

    In addition to the new ride, both parks will also feature Tuzki theming and new retail locations offering branded merchandise. The Turner-owned rabbit IP is a household name in China, with millions of Tuzki emoticons exchanged through instant messaging apps every day.

    “This partnership brings together two powerhouse entertainment brands with a long tradition of making people happy,” said Riverside Investment Group Chairman, Zhe Li. “Tuzki is a beloved icon for China’s younger generation and is the perfect addition to the Six Flags family of parks.”

    The agreement between Turner and Riverside Investment Group also allows for other Turner-owned IP from Cartoon Network’s extensive portfolio of characters and shows to be featured inside Six Flags Kids World. Six Flags Kids World – the first park of its kind and designed especially for families with young children – will be built adjacent to both Six Flags Zhejiang and Six Flags Chongqing.

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    Media Contacts:

    FOR SIX FLAGS Media contact:
    Sandra Daniels / +1 972.595.5178 / sdaniels@sftp.com

    Investor Relations Contact: Stephen Purtell, +1 972.595.5083 / spurtell@sftp.com

    FOR TURNER Media contact: James Moore / +852 3128-3720 / james.moore@turner.com

    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.3 billion in revenue and 20 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 57 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

    About Six Flags Zhejiang and Six Flags Chongqing
    The thrilling experience of Six Flags Entertainment, the world’s largest regional theme park company, is coming to China. The theme parks will offer signature Six Flags thrills for guests of all ages including innovative, record-breaking roller coasters, family rides, and water attractions along with world-class shows and special events for the entire family to enjoy. The parks are expected to open in 2020 in partnership with Riverside Investment Group Co. Ltd., an experienced, award-winning leisure and tourism developer. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/china

    About Turner Asia Pacific
    Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout the region, running 63 channels in 14 languages in 42 countries. These include CNN International, CNNj, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, POGO, Toonami, Warner TV, Oh!K, TNT, TCM Turner Classic Movies, truTV, MondoTV, TABI Channel, Tabi Tele, Mondo Mah-Jong TV, and HBO, HBO HD and WB in South Asia. Turner manages the business of Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and oversees commercial partnerships with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. (“Turner Asia Pacific”) is a Time Warner company. www.turner.com

    About Tuzki
    Tuzki is a rabbit emoticon created by Momo Wang in 2006. Outlined in black and white, this rabbit is a youth-oriented character made famous by his expressive and amusing body gestures. The Tuzki emoji package is widely used by young adults across various online platforms such as instant messaging platforms, social media and blogs. There are tens of millions daily shares on global social media platforms, with billions of downloads on WeChat. Tuzki – the milk-drinking, carrot-loathing rabbit – has his own themed restaurant and café in Ningbo, China, and is also the star of an animated series and an upcoming theatrical movie. Tuzki is a Turner-owned IP.

    About Riverside Investment Group Company, Ltd.
    Founded in 1986 and adhering to the “people-oriented” concept, Riverside gradually developed itself from a high-end Garden Community to a platform to integrate culture & tourism industry resources. Its investment projects involve finance, tourism, cultural industry, real estate, media and advertising, etc. In recent years, the group has developed significant modes to cooperate with international leading enterprises and signed the exclusive cooperation agreement with Six Flags Entertainment in the United States. Riverside Group spares no effort to spread the layout of the Riverside Themed Resort rapidly with Six Flags Parks as the core component of the culture tourism project in the Chinese market. For more information visit, www.lvcgroup.com.

    FashionTv cooperates with APT

    CASBAA SINGAPORE, MARCH 19, 2018 – FashionTv cooperates with APT Satellite Company Limited (“APT Satellite”) to distribute the Great Wall TV Platform, a 25 TV channel bouquet including some highly-rated TV channels, namely CCTV-Entertainment, Hunan TV, Zhejiang TV, Oriental TV, to hotels around the world, using a combination of OTT and satellite distribution technology to maximize the coverage.

    Michel Adam, president of FashionTv, said: “In 2018, 180 million Chinese tourists are expected to travel to overseas destinations, the figure is projected to go to 230 million by 2020. All hotels cater and welcome Chinese tourists and having Chinese channels in their native language greatly comforts the Chinese tourists while they are relaxing from their travel in the hotel”.

    “APT Satellite started distributing Great Wall TV channels on APSTAR satellite starting from November 2016. This agreement with FashionTV is very beneficial to the business operation of Great Wall TV in the world. FashionTv has their expertise in establishing comprehensive distribution networks for TV channels all over the world,” said Mr.Huang Baozhong, Executive Vice President of APT Satellite.

    ABOUT FASHIONTV

    Celebrating 20 year anniversary in 2018, FashionTv has grown to a global fashion entertainment channel, and is to fashion what e entertainment, is to entertainment, and mtv is to music, absolut credible leader. Now reaching 500 million homes via paytv platforms, 500 million homes via smart-tv, and 1.5 billion smartphones. Since 2017 FashionTv has developed FTV-UHD, i.e. 4K FashionTv channel, which is broadcast on APSTAR-7, and a 12 channel 24/7 and VOD OTT service available on all smart-tv and phones. More info: alex@ftv.com, and alona@ftv.com, or visit ftv.com

    About APT Satellite

    Based in Hong Kong, APT SATELLITE COMPANY LIMITED (“APT Satellite”) is a satellite company operating a fleet of four satellites, namely APSTAR-5, APSTAR-6, APSTAR-7, and APSTAR-9. APSTAR-5C and APSTAR-6C are currently under construction, they will replace APSTAR-5 and APSTAR-6 respectively in 2018. The footprints of the fleet cover Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and most part of Europe and Africa, extending services to over 75% of the world’s population. Currently distributing 600+ TV channels around the world including HBO, Disney, Sony Pictures, NBCU, EBU, GMA, TVBI, TVn, Celestial Tiger etc, APT Satellite is also supplying transponder capacity to a variety of DTH platforms, as well as to media networks for video contributions across the world.

    Toggle and ViuTV collaborate for their inaugural co-production, Bluetick

    The 20-ep series will simulcast in Singapore and Hong Kong, on Toggle and ViuTV respectively

    Hong Kong and Singapore, 19 March 2018 – Mediacorp (which owns digital entertainment service Toggle) and HK Television Entertainment Company Limited (operator of PCCW’s free television service ViuTV) announce their first collaboration to co-produce a 20 episode series, Bluetick.

    The collaboration will see Toggle and ViuTV pooling the best of their production capabilities together. Viewers can look forward to an elevated production value not usually seen in local dramas. Filming will take place across Singapore, Hong Kong and various places in mainland China, enabling viewers to experience new sights and sounds and catering to new consumption preferences.

    The suspense drama strengthens both Toggle and ViuTV’s brand presence in Southeast Asia. This project aims to add on to the lineup of ViuTV’s original production. As the first co-produced Toggle Originals program, the project is fully supported by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

    The co-production will cast artistes from Singapore and Hong Kong, exposing them to a diverse mix of talents from both territories, ranging from veteran actors to up-and-coming stars. Cast members include film-award-winning actor Wong You Nam (HK), veteran actors Liu Kai Chi (HK) and Law Kar Ying (HK), Mediacorp artistes Desmond Tan (SG), Ya Hui (SG), Jeffrey Xu (SG) as well as actress-model Sheila Sim (SG). ViuTV artistes Bonde Sham (HK), Scarlett Wong (HK), Dixon Wong (HK), Colin Chan (HK), Hailey Chan (HK) will also participate in the drama.

    Based on Hong Kong author Ray Leung’s best-selling novel, Bluetick revolves around ten strangers who attend the funeral of their common friend. One of them, Bi Nianxia, sends a message to her deceased friend, only to receive a “blue tick”, indicating that the message was delivered and read. Nianxia brushes it off as a prank initially, but realizes that something is amiss when those who attended the funeral gets murdered one after another. She decides to investigate and the plot thickens with cliffhangers, unpredictable twists and an unforeseeable ending.

    Mr. Anil Nihalani, Head Digital Products and Technology Mediacorp, said, “The collaboration with ViuTV marks another milestone for Toggle, and reinforces our commitment to delight our audiences with quality original content, up the ante with international production and casts that they can already relate to. Through this collaboration, we also hope to introduce Mediacorp’s wide content offerings to audiences in Hong Kong through Toggle.”

    Ms. Doreen Neo, Chief Content Officer, Mediacorp, said, “We feel privileged to collaborate with ViuTV for this co-production. Having the opportunity to participate in a myriad of co-productions over the years, we hope to bring into this collaboration our production expertise and creative talents. With the strength of both platforms, Toggle and ViuTV, and a combination of production and acting talents from both sides, I am confident that we can create content that will resonate with viewers not just in Hong Kong and Singapore, but across Asia.”

    Mr. Lofai Lo, General Manager of ViuTV, said, “It is a great pleasure to collaborate with Mediacorp. By forging a creative dynamic between our two production arms, we hope to produce a creative and unique drama series that blends the best of both cultures in Singapore and Hong Kong. Our collaboration enhances our ability to serve the Chinese audience in different parts of the world, and also heightens ViuTV’s production quality. By taking an initial step in international co-production, ViuTV can establish and strengthen its brand presence around the world, and further our mission to provide more variety and choices to our Chinese audiences.”

    Bluetick will be simulcast to audiences in Singapore and Hong Kong, via Toggle and ViuTV respectively. Scheduled for launch in September 2018, the series will commence filming in March and will be released over 20 30-minute episodes.

    – # –

    About Toggle

    Toggle is Mediacorp’s digital entertainment service with entertainment and lifestyle content. It redefines TV viewing, going beyond the television set, offering a wide variety of local content options – videos on-demand, Toggle Originals, live coverage of key events, and behind-the-scenes exclusives to viewers across multiple devices – computers, tablets, smartphones, Smart TVs and Apple TVs. Log on to www.toggle.sg or download the app on App Store, Google Play Store, and Smart TV App Stores.

    About Mediacorp

    Mediacorp has the widest range of media platforms in Singapore spanning digital, television, radio, print and out-of-home media. Its mission is to engage, entertain and enrich audiences by harnessing the power of creativity.

    Mediacorp pioneered the development of Singapore’s broadcasting industry, with the radio broadcast in 1936 and television broadcast in 1963. Today, the company has over 50 products and brands in four languages (English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil), reaching out to virtually all adults in Singapore weekly.

    Mediacorp is an active regional player through Channel NewsAsia International, drama co-productions and collaborations in magazine publishing and online media. Its investments include majority share in Kapanlagi Network, Indonesia’s largest independent digital media and in Malaysia’s digital games publisher Cubinet Interactive. It also has stakes in Reebonz, one of the region’s fastest growing luxury online retailers, and Vietnam television’s International Media Corporation.

    Mediacorp was named Terrestrial Broadcaster of the Year for the 13th time at the Asian Television Awards in 2016.

    For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg.

    About ViuTV

    Dedicated to bring Hong Kong audiences a huge variety of television entertainment, HK Television Entertainment Company Limited operates two free-to-air channels – ViuTV (Channel 99), the Chinese-language channel, and ViuTVsix (Channel 96), the English-language channel. With 24 hours daily broadcast of factual entertainment, variety show, drama, travelogue, infotainment, news and sports programmes, ViuTV has established itself as the epitome of high quality, creative local TV production in Hong Kong.

    ViuTVsix provides top-notch television programmes from around the world. The channel also collaborates with major news networks worldwide to provide a variety of news programmes, along with live broadcasting of the world’s top sports events.

    For media inquiries, please call:

    Heather Ang
    Mediacorp
    AVP, Marketing, Connected Media
    Tel.: +65 9106 3066
    Email: heatherang@mediacorp.com.sg

    Portia Wong
    ViuTV
    Public Relations Manager
    Tel.: +852 3665 5834
    Email: portia.wong@viu.tv

    Astro collaborates with China’s iQIYI for premium content

    Astro has partnered with iQIYI, China’s leading online video and entertainment service, to offer Astro customers access to Chinese premium content, same time and same day as iQIYI.

    According to Wong Siah Ping, Astro Vice President of Chinese Customer Business, “Our latest collaboration with iQIYI is a testament to our commitment towards becoming the leading content aggregator, enabling Malaysians to access to Chinese premium content at their convenience.”

    In March, customers will be able to enjoy a series of drama and entertainment shows such as Hot Blood Dance Crew featuring KPOP stars such as Lu Han – formerly from EXO, f(x)’s Victoria Song, GOT7’s Jackson Wang and Hong Kong singer and actor William Chan and a romance thriller drama Meet Me@1006 starring Taiwanese artists Lego Lee and Nikki Hsieh.

    Hot Blood Dance Crew will be aired on 17th March, on every Saturday at 8pm, on Astro Quan Jia HD (channel 308) and Astro Go; Audience could watch “Meet Me@1006” on every Wednesday, starts from 14th March, through Astro Shuang Xing – channel 307(HD)/324(SD) and Astro Go.

    Moving forward, Astro will continue to offer premium entertainment contents produced by iQIYI to Malaysia audience.

    #

    About Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd

    Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad (Astro) is a Malaysian and ASEAN digital-first media and lifestyle company in the Digital, TV, Radio and eCommerce space.

    It is Malaysia’s No. 1 online media company with 7.4 million unique visitors per month across the digital platforms of its entertainment and lifestyle brands. The company serves 21 million individuals in 5.3 million households, or 73% of Malaysian households, who are able to watch Astro content on all screens and on demand, be it TV, laptop, tablet and phone.

    NJOI, the company’s subscription-free TV service, offers all Malaysians free access to 28 TV and 20 radio channels on TV and mobile devices. With its subscription-free model, NJOI has been well-received and will continue to drive the company’s market reach.

    Astro Radio includes Malaysia’s highest rated stations across key languages and there are available on both terrestrial and digital channels, reaching 16.5 million weekly listeners.

    Astro holds the distinction of the ‘Gold’ award in the Media and Entertainment category at the Putra Brand Awards for 8 consecutive years from 2010 to 2017, the ‘Brand of the Year’ award in 2012, the ‘Brand Icon’ award in 2013, the ‘Malaysian Marketer of the Year’ award in 2016 and the IDC Digital Transformer Award for Malaysia in 2017. Astro Kasih is the company’s CSR arm, whose award winning programmes have been recognised for its innovation and life-changing impact on the community it aspires to serve.

    TURNER INTERNATIONAL CREATES DIGITAL ADVERTISING UNIT TO CONNECT BRANDS WITH FANS

    HONG KONG (March 16, 2018) – Turner International is, for the first time, providing advertisers with a single way to activate a full suite of global, regional and local campaigns that connect with fans across Turner’s digital properties spanning over 200 countries.

    The launch of Turner International Digital Advertising Sales – T1 – consolidates Turner’s international digital advertising capabilities into a single division, complementing existing local digital and linear advertising sales and CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) operations across Latin America, EMEA and APAC.

    T1’s focus is on connecting global advertisers based outside the US with audiences across Turner’s entertainment, kids, news and sports digital portfolio including Bleacher Report, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, CNN, ELEAGUE, TNT, TBS, Great Big Story, Esporte Interativo as well as COPA90, which Turner has a stake in.

    T1 offers brands a rich suite of creative and data-driven advertising solutions – from forging far-reaching strategic partnerships to creating bespoke campaigns that include branded content, native and product placement, as well as pre-roll and display inventory across the Turner International digital portfolio.

    The unit is designed to work with major brands on a wide range of campaigns that can scale multiple regions, be highly targeted to specific countries, or utilise particular Turner properties to reach defined audience demographics and clusters in brand-safe premium mobile, desktop and social environments.

    T1 is borne out of the successful digital strategy devised by CNNIC – the arm of Turner International that monetises all CNN properties outside of the US – to combine data and content solutions to grow partnerships between CNN and international advertisers. Using this blueprint, T1 is created and led by Rani Raad, President of CNNIC.

    The unit comprises a specialist team of sales, consultancy and operations experts working closely with Turner International’s leadership, technology, advertising, product and editorial teams to increase monetisation opportunities around digital properties. Overseeing T1 operations is Rob Bradley, Vice President of Digital Commercial Strategy and Digital Advertising Sales for both CNNIC and T1.

    Underpinning T1 is a unified advertising technology platform to enable creative campaigns that reach highly defined premium audiences at huge scale. The division also draws on existing Turner solutions such as Launchpad, the social media amplification tool which leverages data across the company’s 750M global social followers to deliver branded content to like-minded groups on social media.

    “T1 is the embodiment of the ‘One Turner’ philosophy at the heart of our company as we create new ways to best serve our audiences and commercial partners,” said Rani Raad.

    “The creation of this division unlocks a vast premium digital portfolio in order to bring new, innovative solutions to the market. Drawing on the multi-platform strategy that has driven growth at CNNIC, we look forward to establishing ground-breaking partnerships with brands who want to be part of the new content frontiers that Turner brands are pushing right across the world.”

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    For more information, please contact:
    James Moore, Director of Corporate Communications,
    Turner Asia Pacific
    James.Moore@turner.com / Tel: +852 3128-3720

    About Turner Asia Pacific

    Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout the region, running 63 channels in 14 languages in 42 countries. These include CNN International, CNNj, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, POGO, Toonami, Warner TV, Oh!K, TNT, TCM Turner Classic Movies, truTV, MondoTV, TABI Channel, Tabi Tele, Mondo Mah-Jong TV, and HBO, HBO HD and WB in South Asia. Turner manages the business of Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and oversees commercial partnerships with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. (“Turner Asia Pacific”) is a Time Warner company.

    About Turner International

    Turner International operates versions of core Turner brands, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and TCM Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific networks and businesses in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. It manages the business of Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and oversees commercial partnerships with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. Turner operates more than 180 channels showcasing 46 brands in 34 languages in over 200 countries. Turner International is a Time Warner company.