News

Intelsat S.A. Announces Proposed Amendment of Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A.’s Senior Secured Credit Agreement And Confirms 2017 Guidance

Luxembourg, 13 December 2017
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) (“Intelsat”), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite communications, today announced that its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A. (“Intelsat Jackson”), is seeking to amend its senior secured credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which governs its approximately $3.1 billion senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan”), to, among other things, extend the maturity of at least a portion of the existing Tranche B-2 of the Term Loan. The proposed amendment to the Credit Agreement is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that Intelsat Jackson will be able to enter into the amendment as described or at all.

In connection with lender meetings related to the proposed amendment to the Credit Agreement described above, members of Intelsat S.A.’s senior management team are confirming Intelsat’s guidance for full year 2017 results as previously provided on October 26, 2017.

About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live.

Intelsat Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. When used in this release, the words “may,” “will,” “might,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “outlook,” and “continue,” and the negative of these terms, and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.

The forward-looking statements reflect Intelsat’s intentions, plans, expectations, anticipations, projections, estimations, predictions, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Intelsat’s control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Known risks include, among others, market conditions and the risks described in Intelsat’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 20-F/A filed on October 11, 2017, and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Because actual results could differ materially from Intelsat’s intentions, plans, expectations, anticipations, projections, estimations, predictions, assumptions and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements with caution. Intelsat does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

# # #

Contact:
Dianne VanBeber
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
dianne.vanbeber@intelsat.com
+1 703-559-7406

HBO RECEIVES 12 GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS, THE MOST OF ANY NETWORK THIS YEAR

Catch up on HBO’s Golden Globe-nominated programmes including BIG LITTLE LIES, WIZARD OF LIES, THE DEUCE, GAME OF THRONES and INSECURE – now streaming on HBO GO* and HBO ON DEMAND.

1215 - HBO - Release
Download hi-res images here

SINGAPORE, DECEMBER 12, 2017 – HBO received 12 Golden Globe nominations, the most of any network, for the upcoming 75th annual Golden Globe Awards, which were announced last night in Los Angeles. BIG LITTLE LIES received 6 nominations – the most nominations for a television programme, WIZARD OF LIES received 2 nominations while THE DEUCE, GAME OF THRONES, INSECURE and THE YOUNG POPE each received 1 nomination.

HBO’s Golden Globe nominations this year include:

• 6 nominations for BIG LITTLE LIES: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, 2 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Alexander Skarsgård) and 2 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley).

Stream the debut season of BIG LITTLE LIES on HBO GO* and HBO On Demand.

• 2 nominations for WIZARD OF LIES: Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Robert De Niro) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Watch the replay of THE WIZARD OF LIES on December 14 at 11.55pm (SIN) on HBO or stream it anytime anywhere on HBO GO* and HBO On Demand.

• 1 nomination for THE DEUCE: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama (Maggie Gyllenhaal).

The premiering season of THE DEUCE is available for streaming on HBO GO*.

• 1 nomination for GAME OF THRONES: Best Television Series – Drama.

Stream the latest season of GAME OF THRONES on HBO GO* and HBO On Demand.

• 1 nomination for INSECURE: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Issa Rae).

Don’t miss the marathon of INSECURE Season 2 on 23 December, starting from 10am (SIN) on HBO SIGNATURE. The latest season of the series is also available for streaming on HBO GO* and HBO On Demand.

• 1 nomination for THE YOUNG POPE: Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Jude Law).

The Golden Globe Awards will be announced on January 7 in Los Angeles.

*In territories where available.

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ABOUT HBO ASIA
Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes that are produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia and offers a bouquet of channels and services including 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels in standard-definition and high-definition – HBO, HBO SIGNATURE, HBO FAMILY, HBO HITS, CINEMAX and RED by HBO – as well as HBO GO and HBO ON DEMAND. HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in Asia. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

For more information, please contact HBO Asia:

Karen Lai
Senior Director, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1796
Email: karen.lai@hboasia.com

Cheryl Foong
Manager, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1838
Email: chery.foong@hboasia.com

Chan Zi Ning
Executive, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1746
Email: zining.chan@hboasia.com

StarGroup Selects Irdeto to Securely Deliver Content Through its StarTV Service

Irdeto secures the delivery of premium content to StarGroup’s 100,000 pay TV subscribers across 22 states in the Republic of Mexico

Mexico City – 11 December 2017 – Irdeto, the world leader in digital platform security, today announced that StarGroup, a telecommunication service provider in Mexico, has selected Irdeto to secure the distribution of content to its 100,000 pay TV subscribers. Serving 22 states in the Republic of Mexico, StarGroup will leverage Irdeto Cloaked CA to securely deliver premium content through its StarTV service. This new service provides satellite pay TV to consumers in Mexico who do not have restricted TV or to customers seeking more accessible and higher-quality service.

StarGroup harnesses strategic alliances with leading technology providers all over the world to provide high-quality services to its customers while also offering the most advanced pay TV technology and telecommunication needs. By selecting Irdeto, StarGroup is working with a partner that has the security experience and expertise needed to securely broadcast the best national and international pay TV content throughout Mexico.

“Providing our customers with premium content and services is the top priority for StarGroup,” said Bruno Pruneda, Director General, StarTV. “Irdeto has not only been a trusted technology provider, but also a valuable partner who understands StarGroup’s needs and supports our company’s mission to provide our customers with high-quality content and optimal service. Our partnership with Irdeto gives us the peace of mind that our content and services are secured, allowing us to continue to grow and develop our business throughout Mexico and Latin America.”

To assure content owners that their assets are protected against theft or viewing in unauthorized territories, operators must deploy a conditional access solution with uncompromising security. Recently audited and certified by Farncomb (Cartesian), the Irdeto Cloaked CA solution provides a secure chipset that is complemented by Irdeto’s software obfuscation and whitebox cryptography. Together, these features provide a secure, diversified and easily renewable CA solution. It is a key offering in the Irdeto 360 Security suite, which is designed to ensure future-proof, end-to-end security that can quickly and easily react to changes in the market in a cost-effective fashion.

“As operators launch new technologies like StarGroup’s StarTV service, it is critical to ensure that the delivery of premium content is protected,” said Paul Ragland, Vice President of Sales, Americas, Irdeto. “Irdeto provides operators like StarGroup with a unique, 360 security strategy that provides premium content protection across the content value chain. Our partnership with StarGroup protects their services from threats like piracy while providing a renewable and flexible security solution so they are able to provide customers with an optimal viewing experience.”

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About StarGroup
StarGroup provides direct to home (DTH) services across Mexico under the brand StarTV, and is expanding into satellite broadband markets throughout Mexico and Latin America. The company has extensive experience in the broadband and television industries and the support of national and international partners. For more information, visit www.stargroup.com.mx.

About Irdeto
Irdeto is the world leader in digital platform security, protecting platforms and applications for media & entertainment, automotive and IoT connected industries. Our solutions and services enable customers to protect their revenue, create new offerings and fight cybercrime. With nearly 50 years of expertise in security, Irdeto’s software security technology and cyber services protect over 5 billion devices and applications for some of the world’s best-known brands. Our unique heritage as a subsidiary of multinational media group Naspers (JSE: NPN) means that we are a well-established and reliable partner to help build a more secure future. Please visit Irdeto at www.irdeto.com.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Russell
Global Manager, Public Relations, Irdeto
Mobile: +1 774 273 3890
Email: Stephen.Russell@irdeto.com

Crystal Kung
Senior Account Manager, WE Communications
P: +65 6303 8472
Email: ckung@we-worldwide.com

FYITM tops ratings of lifestyle pay-TV channels in Singapore for November 2017

7 December 2017, Singapore – FYITM (Singtel TV Ch 260 / StarHub TV Ch 404), A+E Networks® Asia’s entertainment destination offering inspiring lifestyle programming across food, travel, property and leisure, was number one in average primetime ratings across all eight reported lifestyle channels on pay-TV for November 2017, among pay-TV viewers ages 15 and over, in Singapore.

Singapore pay-TV viewers tuned in particularly to FYI’s property-themed programmes including You Can’t Turn That Into A House!, Zombie House Flipping, Tiny House World and Buying the View, which contributed strong ratings to FYI.

“Singapore pay-TV viewers are very savvy and it is no mean feat for FYI’s inspiring content offerings to have won them over. We are looking forward to keeping the pipeline of excellent A+E Networks’ content on FYI flowing and will add some regional flavour with originals from South Korea on travel, fashion and food programming in the months ahead,” said Prem Kamath, Deputy Managing Director, Asia Pacific, A+E Networks.

In addition to carriage on StarHub TV, FYI and the rest of A+E Networks Asia’s channels HISTORYTM, LifetimeTM, Crime+InvestigationTM and H2TM launched in October on Singtel TV, to become available to all pay-TV viewers in Singapore. Viewership from both pay-TV platforms in Singapore contributed almost equally to FYI ratings in November.

Continuing in the property vein in December, FYI viewers can look forward to Ace This Space, an FYI Asia original TV special featuring Zack Giffin and John Weisbarth. The hosts of popular franchise Tiny House Nation took time out during HISTORYCon Manila to refurbish and reorganize a 14-month-old’s cluttered room with some local help. They put together a clever pulley system and dual use furniture in just two days. Ace This Space premieres on 26 December, Tuesday at 8.30pm (SIN/HK).

Other FYI shows in December include You Can’t Turn That Into a House with new episodes airing on Tuesdays at 8pm (SIN/HK); fresh episodes of Tiny House Hunting Season 4 on Mondays at 8pm; while Christmas-themed episodes of Tiny House Hunting make the ‘A Tiny X’mas’ special airing on Monday, 25 December from 8pm.

FYI will also kick off 2018 with Income Property Season 5. Owning more than 20 income-generating homes that he converted and renovated, series host Scott McGillivray lets viewers in on the process where he offers design options, prepares plans for conversions and manages the construction of a rental suite. Income Property Season 5 premieres on 9 January, Tuesday 8pm (SIN/HK).

-ENDS-

About FYI Asia
FYI™ is a new lifestyle channel with food, travel, property and leisure programming. FYI is designed “For your inspiration, for your imagination, and for your innovation”, featuring over 300 hours of original programming each year. Programming revolves around tastes in fashion, food and home design; spaces people live and work in; emotional and physical journeys undertaken by people.

About A+E Networks® Asia
A+E Networks® Asia is owned by the award-winning, global media content company, A+E Networks, which is dedicated to offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from linear channels to websites, to DVDs, gaming and educational software. A+E Networks Asia is comprised of HISTORY™, Lifetime®, FYI™, H2™ and Crime & InvestigationTM. A+E Networks Asia operates and distributes its portfolio in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Fiji, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.

Globally, A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming reach more than 330 million households in over 160 countries.

Media Contact
Calvin Wong
Manager, Communications
A+E Networks Asia
M: +65 97626456
E: wong.wlcalvin@gmail.com

Shane Lee
Director, Marketing and Communications
A+E Networks Asia
T: +65 68005081
E: shane.lee@aenetworks.com

Eutelsat satellite connectivity selected by Colombian government

1207_Eutelsat press

EUTELSAT 115 West B satellite to support defence networks in Andean region

Bogota, Paris, 6 December 2017 – The Colombian Ministry of Defence has signed an agreement with Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) for capacity on the EUTELSAT 115 West B satellite.

The multi-transponder contract, the first between Eutelsat and the Colombian Ministry of Defence, follows the signature of a government to government agreement between France and Colombia, designed to encourage cooperation in the context of the France-Colombia Year.

The Colombian government will leverage EUTELSAT 115 West B’s exceptional power levels over the Andean Region to host Ministry of Defence networks across the country, used by the General Command of the Colombian Military Forces, the Army and the Air Force.

General José Javier Pérez Mejía, Deputy Minister of Defence of Colombia, said: “In the interests of improved organisation of the satellite communications networks operated by our defence forces the Colombian Ministry of Defence decided to seek a single contractor to meet its diverse needs. Of the countries we invited to contend, France, through Eutelsat, presented the best economic and technical proposal, leading us to select EUTELSAT 115 West B.”

Michel Azibert, Chief Commercial and Development Officer at Eutelsat, added: “This first agreement with the Colombian Ministry of Defence reinforces our commitment to working hand in hand with governments across the globe to deliver efficient solutions matching connectivity and security needs. We’re delighted to enter into this new relationship in the context of the 2017 France-Colombia Year, and to strengthen relations between both countries.”

About Eutelsat Communications
Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world’s leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Over 6,700 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat assembles 1,000 men and women from 44 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service.

Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).

For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com

Press
Vanessa O’Connor Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com
Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com

Investors and analysts
Joanna Darlington Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 jdarlington@eutelsat.com
Cédric Pugni Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

LIFETIME® ASIA TO DEBUT FIRST EVER A+E NETWORKS® KOREAN ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES, THE BEST MOMENT TO QUIT YOUR JOB

Eight-episode drama series premieres same time as Korea
10 December, Sunday 8pm (SG, PH, MY, HK) / 7pm (WIB, BKK)

Singapore, 5 December 2017 – Lifetime® Asia, the entertainment destination for the highest quality dramas, movies and reality content is set to debut the first ever Korean Original Production by A+E Networks® Korea, The Best Moment to Quit Your Job.

The series is an eight-episode, 1-hour drama slated for a regional premiere on Lifetime Asia on 10 December, Sundays at 8pm (SIN/HK) / 7pm (JKT /BKK), simulcast with the premiere in Korea.

The slice-of-life show explores the stifling reality confronting the working class who are just starting their careers. It delves into the issues faced by today’s youth, asking the question “How much should we sacrifice today for the pursuit of tomorrow’s happiness?”

Directed by Jung Jung-Hwa (Flower Boy Ramen Shop, First Seven Kisses), The Best Moment to Quit Your Job is based on the webtoon series of the same title published by COMICA. Setting itself apart from the multitude of comedies, romance and fantasy shows, the drama series aims to “heal” by portraying relatable stories and real sentiments faced by many young adults in the working world.

The Best Moment to Quit Your Job follows five millennial women on their quest to find themselves in the early days of their professions. Series lead actress, Ko Won-Hee (Strongest Deliveryman, The Silenced) stars as 26-year-old Yeon Ji, a rookie designer working at a wet wipes factory who shares the frustrating reality of her work life with her friends.

Also starring in the drama is Lee Chung-Ah (Vampire Detective, Lucky Romance, Flower Boy Ramen Shop) as Sun Hee, Yeon Ji’s superior with an extremely bad temper and is a lonely soul deep within.

Adding a dash of glamour is singer Jei Kim (Vampire Detective, The Idle Mermaid), the leader of female K-pop group Fiestar. She takes the role of Yeon Ji’s roommate Nam Hee, an aspiring webtoon artist who is optimistic and full of joy

Jung Yeon Joo (Chicago Typewriter, A Witch’s Love) is in the part of Hye Young, a baker who dreams of having her own bakery

Popular actor, Ko Kyung-Pyo (Strongest Deliveryman, Jealous Incarnate, Reply 1988) also makes a special appearance in the series as Yeon Ji’s ex-boyfriend, Lee Minu. The role reunites Won-Hee and Kyung-Pyo who also co-starred in the drama series Strongest Deliveryman, which completed airing two months ago in South Korea.

The Best Moment to Quit Your Job was tailored for Lifetime Korea, guided by the brand’s promise to viewers of “joy in finding oneself with Lifetime”. The series also represents the first of South Korea-produced original titles from A+E Networks Korea to air across Asia on Lifetime, with more in the pipeline for 2018.

-ENDS-

About Lifetime® Asia
Lifetime™ is an entertainment destination offering the highest quality dramas, movies and reality with celebrated and award winning programmes like MasterChef Australia, UnREAL, same-day-as US telecasts of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Dance Moms and critically-acclaimed Lifetime original movies, Beaches and Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland. A television network infused with passion and empowerment, Lifetime™ reflects the full spectrum of the modern female experience, delivering top tier, female-focused entertainment that also encourages co-viewing.

Lifetime™ is available in more than 150 million households in over 100 territories and 7 languages.

Media Contact
Calvin Wong
Manager, Communications
A+E Networks Asia
M: +65 97626456
E: wong.wlcalvin@gmail.com

Dyan Ng
Manager, Marketing Communications
A+E Networks Asia
T: +65 92262538
E: dyan.ng@aenetworks.com

The Climate Reality Project Goes Global with Intelsat

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to host live, 24-hour broadcast on climate change; Intelsat provides global contribution and distribution services

Luxembourg, 04 December 2017
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite communications is providing global communications services for The Climate Reality Project’s “24 Hours of Reality: Be the Voice of Reality” live broadcast. Intelsat’s contribution services will be used to uplink video featuring performances and leaders from around the world. Intelsat’s distribution services will be used to reach millions of people globally via the Intelsat 19, Intelsat 20, Intelsat 34, Intelsat 905 and Galaxy 17 satellites.

The live event, hosted by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, will begin today, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. EST. During each hour of the program, regional climate experts will highlight stories of climate activism in six regions, including North America, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. The event will also feature conversations with political leaders, thought leaders, climate scientists and cultural icons, as well as musical performances and short films.

In its seventh year of supporting The Climate Reality Project, Intelsat will use its Globalized Network, which includes its satellite network and IntelsatOne terrestrial services. Intelsat will contribute video from multiple locations worldwide, and support the broadcast of the event to more than 100 countries via traditional platforms such as Telemundo, France 24, SKY, PhoenixTV, and iHeartRadio.

“Climate Reality is grateful for Intelsat’s support for this year’s 24 Hours of Reality broadcast,” said Stacie Paxton Cobos, Climate Reality’s Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “24 Hours of Reality: Be the Voice of Reality will showcase activism around the globe with the goal of inspiring millions to take action to solve the climate crisis. We are thrilled to partner with Intelsat once again to reach a truly global audience, and mobilize citizens around the world to stand up for the health of our planet.”

“A global organization like The Climate Reality Project requires a globalized network to ensure its message reaches people all around the world,” said Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “Intelsat’s expansive network and video neighborhoods are proven platforms for reaching the largest international audiences and are ideal for collecting video from multiple locations. We have supported The Climate Reality Project and the work of Vice President Al Gore on climate change since the groundbreaking Live Earth broadcast in 2007. Our long history working together is a testament to the breadth of Intelsat’s globalized network and the strength and reliability of our satellite-based contribution and distribution services.”

Supporting Resources:
Intelsat Media Services:
http://www2.intelsat.com/e/48312/solutions-media/5x9yfr/297730488

About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia Wins ‘Cable & Satellite Network of the Year’ at the 22nd Asian Television Awards

Takes Home Five Awards for AXN and The Amazing Race Asia Season 5

SINGAPORE (December 4, 2017) – Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia scooped the pool at the 22nd Asian Television Awards in Singapore taking home five awards including the highly coveted ‘Cable & Satellite Network of the Year’.

Sony’s flagship channel in Asia, leading English general entertainment powerhouse, AXN, won ‘Cable & Satellite Channel of the Year’. The channel was also recognized for its hit-rated, pan-regional original production, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, with three competitive awards: ‘Best General Entertainment Program’, ‘Best Reality Program’ and ‘Best Adaptation of an Existing Format’.

“We’re celebrating SPT Networks’ 20th anniversary this year and the five Asian Television Awards we received is a testament to the incredible teamwork, passion and creativity that we invest in our network every day. As the leader in genre-defining channels, it’s in our DNA to know our viewers’ habits and then deliver compelling content to win their hearts, minds and screens,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Lim added, “AXN has a celebrated track record of creating blockbuster, pan-regional original productions that truly engage our viewers across multiple platforms. In 2016, it was The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, and this year we’re owning Thursday nights with Asia’s Got Talent Season 2. Watch this space as there will be more award-winning original productions coming up, including AXN’s new magic series, The Elements with Cosentino, premiering in January 2018.”

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 premiered in October 2016 securing AXN’s position as the #1 English General Entertainment channel in its Thursday night timeslot, with a 51% share of the genre. Hosted by TV personality Allan Wu, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was also the top rated original production of the year, which followed the adventures of 11 fearless teams who traversed Asia in a bid to win USD100,000. The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was produced in collaboration with award-winning international production company, Profiles Television and globally renowned series creators Bertram Van Munster and Elise Doganieri.

AXN Asia: A leader in original productions
AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including the hit-rated, award-winning Asia’s Got Talent, five seasons of the international Emmy-nominated The Amazing Race Asia; the Asian Television Award-winning Cash Cab Asia and Cash Cab Philippines; The Apprentice Asia; and the Asian Television Award-nominated Cyril: Simply Magic.

About Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia is a leading operator of ad-supported channels including English general entertainment powerhouses AXN and Sony Channel; and Asian content giants Animax, GEM and ONE. SPT Networks’ portfolio collectively features the biggest and best titles from Korea, Japan and the U.S that are first run, exclusive and aired close to the original telecast. Taking the content beyond the screen, SPT Networks immerses viewers in its premium entertainment via large-scale festivals, celebrity fan meets and social platform conversations. In Asia, SPT Networks’ portfolio is available across 19 territories and in over 42 million homes.

About Sony Pictures Television Networks
Sony Pictures Television Networks operates branded entertainment channels reaching over one billion households around the world. Based in Culver City, Amsterdam, Budapest, London, Madrid, Miami, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Singapore and Tokyo, Sony’s linear and digital networks offer high quality film and television content from Sony Pictures and third-parties, as well as original content commissioned globally and locally. Sony Pictures Television Networks is a division of Sony Pictures Television Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

Source: Kantar Media Malaysia DTAM (consolidated activities); Singapore IMDA SG-TAM (consolidated viewing); Kantar Media Philippine TAM Service All Urban Panels; Nielsen Taiwan TAM Service. Target: Pay TV 4+.

Premiere timeslot: 13th October to 15th December 2016 Thursdays 9pm-10pm (MY/PH/SG); 14th October to 16th December 2016 Fridays 8pm-9pm (TW)

1 December, 2017

news_views_header

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending December 1st. Curated by CASBAA, News Views keeps you in the loop. We always value your feedback, so tell us what you think!

Brought to you by:

Celestial Tiger
John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Things are heating up in New Zealand. Pay-TV operator Skyannounced that ithad won a preliminary court injunction against ISD sales by aChristchurch-based reseller, which as a result seems to have ceasedtrading. A case against a second pirate (Hamilton-based “My Way”) continues; that guy has saidhe intends to fight hard in the courts. He’s just a little guy, fightingthe “bullying” media industry, he says…… (Isn’t there another shyster pirate inNZ who pretends to be justan ordinary guy?) Ah, but there’s more: while announcing this initialvictory, Sky also declared it intended to file a suit demanding that ISPs blockegregious pirate sites. That produced a warof words with ISP operator Vocus, with allthe usual tech-industry voices claiming the real reason for piracy is thatlegit content isn’t available, and that legal OTT was “curing piracy.” (Funny,that’s not what Torrentfreakreported this week……)


Cathryn Chase

Cathryn Chase

Regulatory Assistant

Here’sa profile of Tickbox, the ISD-based piracy service in the USA that is thesubject of content industry suits aimed at closing down their illicit business.I predict that 10 years from now Tickbox will be known as the name of theprecedent-setting legal decision…..but the boxes will be gone.


Clare Bloomfield

Clare Bloomfield

Director, Policy & Research

Could it be coincidence? Two of the Commissioners fromTaiwan’s NCC attended CASBAA’s Policy Roundtable in Macau two weeks ago,obviously finding the focus of the discussions on ISDs useful. And thenthis week it emerges that the NCC is launching a crackdownon illicit TV boxes. The announcement is a good sign that at least some ofTaiwan’s authorities are taking the ISD problem seriously, but it’s not clearat this point how far the NCC can go, given that their focus is “the functionof the radio-frequency devices and not…the content that could be accessed bythem.” Meanwhile, in Australia, news that a long-establishedAustralian company selling pre-loaded IPTV boxes has been obliged to ceasepirating CASBAA member content. In an enforcement action brought jointly by CASBAA’s CAP and the newly-established ACEagainst “the-company-who-shall-not-be-named” the successful investigation andsubsequent closure of a prolific supplier sets a positive tone for plenty of2018 activity against piracy.


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Two interesting columns about US developments: First, whydid the supposedly pro-business chief of the Justice Department’s AntitrustDivision decide to try to derail the AT&T/Time-Warner merger? Could theDepartment’s supposedly objective decision-making have been influenced by theCNN-hater in the White House? (The same guy who tried to pervert the FBI’sinvestigative process with demands for personal loyalty.) AT&T CEO Randall Stephensonimplied maybe so. He said “Ihave no evidence that there’s been inappropriate behavior. What I have is areally peculiar timeline.” And on another extreme decision – the FCC’s moveto not dismantle not just the burdensome Title II regulation, but virtuallyevery rule on net neutrality – it seems pretty clear that the whole thing isgoing to end up before the Supreme Court, as in doing so theFCC may have overplayed its legal hand.


Kevin Jennings

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

Off the air in Pakistan: the government orderedall private TV channels to shut down for a few days, concerned about theirnews coverage of ongoing clashes between rioters and police near Islamabad.Apparently, theblackout didn’t last long. Channels were restored, and theLaw Minister resigned, giving the rioters the “scalp” they demanded.


Jane Buckthought

Jane Buckthought

Advertising Consultant

By as earlyas 2020 half of all TV and video viewing will be done on a mobile screen,due to an increasing consumer preference for on-demand and catch-up TV overlinear viewing.This is according to Ericsson’slatest Mobility Report, which claims that mobile video traffic will grow byaround 50% annually through 2023 to account for 75% of all mobile data traffic.


Mark Lay

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

Plethora of stories in OTT land this week. CASBAA membercompanies were all over it: “HBO CEO Richard Plepler said that thecompany will reevaluate its presence in most countries around the world overthe next few years, decidingwhether to launch over-the-top services directly to consumers, or ifit makes more sense to stay with existing deals.” NielsenMarketing Cloud launches in Asia Pacific with TVB as its first client,”The deal will largely be around building a data management platform forTVB and moving towards addressable TV and targeted ads for its OTTservice.” NickelodeonPlay app has launched with Telkomsel in Indonesia. For those notat ATF’sOTT panel, a summary here. Not covered were panelist’s comments about profitsand investment payback. Net net, Viu is keenly aware that profits matter,iflix and HOOQ are all about growing market share and Amazon ultimately wantsto sell you more stuff. For those putting up the Christmas tree thisweekend, find out WhichFireplace Video Is Right for You? Even more stores on CASBAA OTT Group Newsfeed.


Cathryn Chase

Cathryn Chase

Regulatory Assistant

A couple of regulatory updates from India this week. OnTuesday, the TRAIannounced its decision to uphold net neutrality regulations to ensure thatIndian consumers continue to receive uninhibited and non-discriminatory accessto the internet. This decision sees India go in the opposite direction of theUS, who last week announced its controversial plan to roll back net neutralitylaws. But just as the results of one consultation process are released, theIndian regulator is already set to begin another — TRAIhas stated that it will soon open a separate consultation process on theregulation of Over-the-Top (OTT) services, due to the “fast evolving natureof the sector and the changes that have taken place in the regulatory andpolicy framework” since it first opened the consultation process in early 2015.However, as a central part of the net neutrality debate, somepeople are wondering why OTT was not already included in Tuesday’srecommendations.


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

In Thailand, regulators banned a(nother) satellite TVchannel for 30 days. TV24 was accused of broadcasting unfair content; thechannel is sympathetic to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Interestingly, theKhaosod report on this states that thechannel remained free to disseminate its content online. Meanwhile,the troubled DTT industry went back for a third run at tryingto get government financial relief for the huge payments that channel ownersbid for licenses four years ago. So far, nobody’s willing to riskbeing accused of raiding the public treasury for the benefit of channel owners.


Clare Bloomfield

Clare Bloomfield

Director, Policy & Research

A recent reportfrom the BARB in the UK which looked at various demographics of TV viewinghabits in the UK, concluded that even though over 1 billion minutes of viewingtime are consumed on mobile devices, this equates in reality to only 1-1.5% ofadditional TV viewing. Interestingly, females account for 69% of on-demandviewing through TV player apps, whilst males dominate the live streamingviewing.


Kevin Jennings

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

Unless you’ve been living on another planet or under a rock youwill no doubt have heard thisweek’s announcement that Britain’s PrinceHarry is engaged to Meghan Markle. It’s notonly TV in the UK that featured the storyand adjusted schedules to show the first official interviewas an engaged couple but broadcasters from across the globe are alreadyplanning how to accommodate covering the wedding which has been announced forMay 2018 and indeed, Ooyalaspeculates that the wedding coverage could break records for mobile TV viewing.Meanwhile we couldn’t help but smile when wefound this photo taken at the CASBAA Convention a couple of years ago.These are the things you miss when you don’t come to CASBAA!


Member News

Star Plus, TED & Shah Rukh Khan invite audiences to get Inspired

~From 10th Dec every Sunday at 7pm on Star Plus & Hotstar~
~ Glacéau Smartwater from Coca-Cola comes on board as the title sponsor on Star Plus~

Mumbai, November 30, 2017: The campaign #DontKillideas from Star Plus heralds its ideas inspiring limited edition show- TED Talks India Nayi Soch, launching on 10th December, every Sunday at 7 pm on Star Plus & Hotstar. Partnering the campaign as title sponsor on Star Plus is Glacéau Smartwater from Coca-Cola. The opening episode will be simulcast across Star Gold, Movies OK, Star World, Star Pravah, Star Jalsha along with Star Plus & Hotstar.

The first phase of the campaign which featured two films – Rotimaker and Drone directed by Nitesh Tiwari, generated a lot of interest and captured everyone’s imagination with many industry stalwarts and creative leaders weighing in on #DontKillIdeas. Star Plus kick starts the second phase of the campaign, featuring the host of the show, someone known for his irresistible charm and magnetic persona, the one and only – Shah Rukh Khan. At the heart of this campaign is the core premise of ‘Ideas’ – keeping oneself open to possibilities of what an idea can do, be it the potential to open one’s mind or the power that is unleashed on sharing.

Conceived and executed with the host exuding his trademark charisma, Shah Rukh Khan says, “Ideas are the new cool currency, the new rock n roll. This show is a unique and powerful initiative towards opening people’s minds to the power of Ideas and encouraging Nayi Soch. An idea can inspire you with limitless possibilities, give you an alternative perspective to look at oneself, one’s surroundings and future.

Vijay Parasuraman, Vice President Marketing at Coca-Cola India and South West Asia says, “Today’s world is all about ideas. About disruption. The extremely fast pace at which tech is changing the way we live and think makes innovation an integral part of life today. We are happy to partner with Star Plus in bringing to the Indian audiences the power of ideas. Ideas are as essential as water! You just can’t do without it!

In TED Talks India Nayi Soch the idea is the hero,” says Narayan Sundararaman, Business Head, Star Plus. “This show redefines the very concept of entertainment and brings audiences stories that involve a range of personalities, situations and ideas that are diverse and inspiring.

Catch TED Talks India Nayi Soch on Star Plus & Hotstar starting Dec 10 at 7 pm every Sunday…& get inspired.

TED Talks India Nayi Soch Promo with SRK – http://bit.ly/2j4GUsN

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About Star India:
Star India has defined the Indian media landscape since 1991 and today is one of the country’s leading media conglomerates, reaching approximately 700+ million viewers a month across India and more than 100 other countries. Star generates 30,000+ hours of content every year and broadcasts 60+ channels in 8 different languages, reaching 9 out of 10 C&S TV homes in India.

The network’s entertainment channel portfolio includes Star Gold, Channel V, Star World, Star World Premiere HD, Star Movies, Star Movies Select HD, Star Utsav, Star Utsav Movies, Star Bharat, Movies OK and Star Plus, India’s No. 1 Hindi General Entertainment Channel. It has a leading presence in regional broadcasting as well, through a bouquet of channels which include Star Jalsha, Jalsha Movies, Star Pravah, Maa channels and affiliate channels Asianet, Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies, Suvarna, Suvarna Plus and Vijay. It is also present in the Indian movie production and distribution space through Fox Star Studios, an affiliate joint venture company.

Star India is making quantum leaps in transforming sports in the country by leveraging the group’s strengths in superior content and audience engagement. Star’s sports business has grown rapidly to 12 channel properties (Star Sports 1, 2, Star Sports Select 1, Star Sports Select 2, Star Sports Hindi 1; Star Sports HD1, HD2, Star Sports Select 1 HD, Star Sports Select 2 HD, Star Sports Hindi 1 HD; India’s first Tamil Sports channel Star Sports Tamil 1 and India’s first private FTA sports channel Star Sports First), making it the leading sports network in the country.

Star is set to drive the agenda on digital content consumption in the country with Hotstar, Star’s revolutionary digital platform that brings your favourite TV shows, movies and sports in one destination.

Star India is a fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

Follow us on http://www.startv.com/