SSL-built AsiaSat 9 arrives at Baikonur Launch Base

AsiaSat’s most powerful satellite designed with enhanced quality and reliability for DTH, television, VSAT broadband and mobility services

PALO ALTO, Calif./Hong Kong – 30 August 2017 — Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat), Asia’s leading satellite operator and Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems today announced that the high performance AsiaSat 9 satellite has arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where it will be launched aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). AsiaSat 9, a replacement satellite for AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East, provides wider high-power C-band coverage and additional Ku-band capacity for new markets including Myanmar and Indonesia for direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcast, video distribution, VSAT broadband networks and mobility services across the Asia-Pacific region.

“AsiaSat and SSL have a history of working together closely to broaden the availability of high quality satellite service in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Dario Zamarian, Group President of SSL. “AsiaSat 9 incorporates multiple technology advances that pack more power, bandwidth, and flexibility into the satellite for the improved coverage and higher communication rates that AsiaSat needs to meet market demand. With the satellite now in Baikonur, we look forward to working with both AsiaSat and ILS to prepare it for launch.”

“We are committed to providing high quality service to both our existing customers and new users as we reach a new milestone for higher-performance, higher-efficiency and greater flexibility with our new AsiaSat 9,” said Andrew Jordan, President and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat. “SSL has been a reliable and innovative manufacturing partner in the development of our fleet, and we look forward to the upcoming launch.”

AsiaSat 9 is AsiaSat’s most powerful satellite, designed to deliver significantly improved power and higher bandwidth usage to generate higher efficiency for customers’ services. This is enabled by innovative and unique features including Asia’s highest powered 110 watts C-band TWTA, special filter design to achieve higher throughput up to 23% enhancement across wide C-band coverage, star tracker onboard the spacecraft for higher pointing accuracy, along with hall effect thrusters to provide higher stability and more efficient satellite operation.

With 32 Ku- and 28 C-band transponders, and a regional Ka-band payload, AsiaSat 9 carries the world’s first dedicated Ku-band Myanmar beam, new high-powered Ku-band beams for Indonesia and Mongolia, in addition to two enhanced Ku-band beams serving Australasia and East Asia. These five Ku-band beams are equipped with cross-strap beam switching capability to provide flexible coverage.

AsiaSat 9 is the fifth satellite that SSL has provided to AsiaSat. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. The satellite is currently planned for launch on 28 September Moscow time 09:50pm (29 September Baikonur time 00:50am, Hong Kong time 02:50am).

# # #

About AsiaSat

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), the leading satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world’s population with its six satellites, AsiaSat 3S, AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat 7 and AsiaSat 8. The AsiaSat satellite fleet serves both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 700 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company’s satellites offering access to more than 830 million TV households across the Asia-Pacific region. AsiaSat’s next satellite, AsiaSat 9 is planned to be launched at the end of September 2017. AsiaSat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 1135). For more information, please visit www.asiasat.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Mobile App

About SSL

Space Systems Loral (SSL), based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL’s advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations. SSL is a subsidiary of SSL MDA Holdings, Inc., a U.S. operating company. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About SSL MDA Holdings

SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA businesses. SSL MDA Holdings is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide. MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development. MDA’s established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Company’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.

Media Contacts:
AsiaSat
Winnie Pang | Tel: (852) 2500 0880 | Email: wpang@asiasat.com

SSL
Wendy Lewis | Tel: 1 (650) 852-5188 | Email: Wendy.Lewis@sslmda.com

Offloading the AsiaSat 9 container from a transport aircraft at the Baikonur airport
Photo courtesy of ILS

AsiaSat and SSL teams with the AsiaSat 9 payload before shipment
Photo courtesy of SSL

A+E NETWORKS ASIA LAUNCHES HISTORY™ IN VIETNAM

NEW YORK/ SINGAPORE, 28 August 2017: A+E Networks announced today the launch of HISTORY™ in Vietnam adding to its global footprint with over 120 million households across Asia. The leading global factual entertainment destination for award-winning and entertaining hit series and specials, will broadcast the HISTORY™ branded 24-hour channel in high-definition and fully subtitled in Vietnamese on MobiTV – Channel 55 (DTT) and 66 (DTH).

“We are pleased to be extending the HISTORY Asia footprint in Vietnam with a legacy of premium programming,” said Prem Kamath, Deputy Managing Director, Asia Pacific, A+E Networks. “With the largest Pay TV subscriber base in South-East Asia at 13 million subscribers, Vietnam provides a tremendous opportunity to connect new viewers with history through our award-winning series and specials.”

In partnership with Vietnam’s leading content provider, Thaole Entertainment, HISTORY™ branded content experiences across multimedia platforms will be localized through language subtitling, strategic content curation and creation to enhance connectivity with local fans through a diverse range of informative, immersive, and entertaining content genres.

The network’s all-original HISTORY™ branded content features a roster of exclusive signature series from premium scripted and unscripted content formats with same-day telecast as the U.S. as well as first and exclusive Asia premieres.

Sophie Le, CEO, of Thaole Entertainment said, “We are honoured to partner with A+E Networks to launch HISTORY channel in Vietnam. Knowledge is powerful and through our partnership with the leading global factual entertainment brand, we seek to entertain and enrich the lives of our viewers with the diverse stories of humanity’s defining moments in history as well as inspiring stories of the present that will shape our future.”

HISTORY™ will also be looking to produce original branded long and short form content in partnership with local partners in Vietnam, starting off with its successful branded long and short form Asian content formats; such as the longest running regional photography competition series, Photo-Face Off, currently in production of its fourth successful season; and HISTORY Hustle featuring a local host challenging unsuspecting locals on the streets with interesting factoids and activities on a spontaneous test of knowledge of their country.

Be part of HISTORY™ Vietnam social media community on facebook.com/HistoryVietnam.

###

ABOUT HISTORY™
HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destination for entertaining hit series and cinematic drama events. Programming covers a diverse variety of genres ranging from real-life characters who bring history to life every day, to natural history, contemporary history, technology and science, as well as archaeology and pop culture. It is the highest rated factual entertainment in the U.S. Hit series include Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars, The Pickers, Ancient Aliens, Counting Cars, Vikings, Photo Face-Off and Ride N’ Seek.

HISTORY is available in more than 325 million households in over 150 territories and 35+ languages.

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 television networks to websites, to home videos/DVDs to gaming and educational software. A+E Networks Asia is comprised of Lifetime™, HISTORY™, FYI™, H2™ and Crime & Investigation Network™. A+E Networks Asia operates and distributes its portfolio in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and now Vietnam and the Maldives.

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

ABOUT THAO LE ENTERTAINMENT

Thaole Entertainment was incorporated in 2000 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The company is a known and respected player in the domestic and international media industry. It is recognized by its many partners as a professional, reliable and principled business partner. These traits have made the company successful across its key business areas:

Domestic and international content aggregation and distribution
Channels Distribution, Marketing and Ad Sales
Localization Services
Consultancy for Market Entry and Operational Due Diligence

The company has a strong relationship with over 100 of the world’s leading content producers that allows it to source and deliver the most enriching, engaging and entertaining content for Vietnamese audiences. The company also distributes Sesame Workshop content in South East Asia and Taiwan.

For media inquiries, please contact:

A+E Networks International
Vicky Kahn
VP, Corporate Communications
T: +1 212 210 9743
E: Vicky.Kahn@aenetworks.com

A+E Networks Asia
Tasha Traazil
Assistant Manager
T: +65 6800 5083
E: Tasha.Traazil@aenetworks.com

For additional information, please contact:

Thaole Entertainment
Ms. Sophie Le Thi Phuong Thao
CEO
T: +84 (0)938 107 988
Email: sophie@thaole-entertainment.com

25 August, 2017

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending August 25th. 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:

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

All the talk about the TVAddons case continues, in North America. (That’s the group that was pumping out addons to the otherwise-legitimate Kodi software, that enable millions of people to access pirate content.) So the pirates are devastated that their easy-go-to source for infringing software is on the run. The tekkies are sympathetic, complaining that the “community” has been muzzled by telcos. The chief pirate is seeking donations from the public, to fund his legal expenses (but he doesn’t seem to be succeeding too well, having raised only 5-10% of the money he needs.) And in an interesting exchange in a Kodi forum, the directors of XBMC Foundation (legitimate owners of the Kodi brand) accused TVAddons of ruthlessly abusing the Kodi brand: “We are tired of you using our name to further your own ends, besmirch us, and make money, and as such, I would like to see every instance of the word Kodi removed from your site immediately or as soon as can be achieved.” Well, I guess if your business is stealing other people’s content, then misusing a few trademarks is right up your alley….. Meanwhile, in Europe the Dutch content association is taking other enforcement action against some of the notorious addon builders.

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

Sighs of relief at the BBC as their correspondent Jonathan Head has the criminal defamation suit against him dropped in Thailand. A Thai lawyer has dropped his criminal defamation suit against the BBC journalist who investigated foreigners being scammed out of their retirement homes in the country, particularly in Phuket (which is a firm favourite amongst many CASBAA friends). Jonathan Head, the BBC’s south-east Asia correspondent, faced up to five years in jail after his 2015 report detailed how a network of criminals, aided by corrupt officials, stole properties from foreigners by forging land title transfers. Rights groups have said the case highlights how Thailand’s broad defamation and computer crime laws scupper investigative journalism and make it difficult to uncover wrongdoing in a country where corruption is endemic. The story is far from over with a joint defendant still facing charges

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

This week’s OTT news stories started off with a bang as iflix announced they will start airing Disney films including Guardians of the Galaxy, Monsters Inc and Frozen, with plans to roll out a much bigger inventory from January next year. OTT seems to be one of the causes for Turmoil in TV in Malaysia, with Astro seeking a level playing field against OTT players. In the TV streaming players market, Apple TV is slipping against Roku and Amazon. To finish, last month at the Global Sports Summit, Rich Greenfield gave a fantastic presentation on The Future of Sports Media – The War for Consumer’s Time and Attention. Everything he talked about is applicable to anyone navigating this changing TV business. A bit of a paraphrase, but a line that jumped out was, “the one thing holding this entire TV thing together is sports…and if that changes, TV as we know it is done.” More OTT related news at CASBAA OTT Group Newsfeed.

Cathryn Chase

Regulatory Assistant

In a letter of intent signed on Tuesday, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) made an agreement to deepen their bilateral cooperation. The agreement is meant to promote the exchange of information and regulatory best practices in the telecommunications and broadcasting industry by committing both parties to jointly conducting capacity building exercises, collaborating in various international forums, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and exchanging and deploying industry experts between the two countries.

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

Owners of high-end Samsung Smart TVs are crying foul after a software update which has left many of them with blank, or unusable TV screens. Despite TV owners protests both to Samsung and to the press the company has still not fixed the problem – but seven days in (the glitch started to appear last Friday), Samsung still doesn’t have a timeline for when a fix will arrive. The problem appears to affect the latest models as owners of older Samsung TVs are not reporting the issue on Samsung Forums and it also seems that the problems are only affecting European models; there’s no widespread chatter about similar issues on forums or Samsung community boards in other territories.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

As OTT becomes increasingly popular in India’s cities, people are starting to wonder where will all the content come from, to fill the new pipes? There’s certainly lots of interest in content in unconventional languages. The CEO of AltBalaji speculated that by 2020 only 5% of content delivered by OTT platforms would be in English. Hindi is of course the big language, but other platforms were reporting that 30-40% of viewing is in regional languages.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Elsewhere, a battle has broken out in the Indian TV industry, and one clear symptom was this week’s complaint about one broadcaster having too many cricket rights.

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

Japanese television is known and loved for having some of the oddest shows and commercials. But one particular tourism ad has been in hot water recently, and is being removed as it was deemed too suggestive. The commercial was made for the Miyagi Prefecture and starred its official mascot, the anthropomorphized rice ball Musubimaru. The video contains suggestive and provocative lines, while there are repeated close-up images of the actress parting her lips and rubbing the head of an animated turtle… but the main problem seems to come from whispering “Miyagi, I-cha-u?” to the above-mentioned anthropomorphized rice ball. In Japanese pop culture, slowly spelling out the syllables of a word would often connote something sexual. This is further amplified by the word play involved. “Miyagi ichau” would generally mean “Let’s go to Miyagi.” However, “ichau” also means something else entirely. Who knew.

Member News

Additional News

Victoria returns to ITV Choice

Following critical acclaim and record ratings, this autumn sees the return of ITV’s hugely popular historical drama, Victoria, produced by Mammoth Screen.

Once again written by creator and executive producer, Daisy Goodwin, the brand new eight-part season will see Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes reprise their roles as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as they face new challenges both at home and abroad.

Resuming one month after the first series ended, the new season establishes Victoria as a working mother, learning to balance her responsibilities as both parent and Queen. However, Prince Albert is still struggling to find a role for himself alongside his powerful wife as she returns to her duties, intent on proving that she can be both a mother and dutiful Queen.

The series will also see some new faces arrive at the palace, with iconic BAFTA award-winning actress Dame Diana Rigg joining the regular cast as the Duchess of Buccleuch, the young Queen’s new Mistress of the Robes, and guest appearances from fellow leading actors including Emerald Fennell (Call The Midwife, Any Human Heart), Martin Compston (Line Of Duty, In Plain Sight), Bruno Wolkowitch (Spin, Cain) and Denis Lawson (New Tricks, Marchlands).

Creator, Daisy Goodwin said: “In series one Victoria married the handsome prince, but in this series she and Albert get down to the serious business of living happily, sometimes stormily, ever after. Victoria is the only Queen Regnant to marry and give birth while on the throne and the challenges of being head of state as well as a wife and mother are legion. In many ways Victoria’s dilemma is a modern one – how do you have a successful marriage and a happy family when you are holding down an important job. Can you really have it all?”

Executive Producer and Managing Director of Mammoth Screen, Damien Timmer added: “Series one of Victoria was a big success both at home and abroad, and it is a privilege to continue to tell the story of this fascinating woman at a particularly interesting point in her reign. Audiences will be intrigued by the meticulously researched stories Daisy has planned, brimming with scandal, romance and tragedy. At the centre of it is a beautifully nuanced study of a young marriage, and it’s a joy to watch Jenna and Tom find new layers to this iconic couple.”

Victoria, Starts Monday 4th September

IND: 18:30 MALTA/THAI: 20:00
KSA/TWN: 21:00 UAE: 22:00

For any other assets or for more details please contact: international.channels@itv.com

SmarDTV first to embed a Conax Cardless Client in a Conditional Access Module (CAM)

Based on SmarDTV’s CAP210 chipset, meeting Conax’ comprehensive requirements for Cardless and Smartcard-based security clients
Compatible with Conax Contego unified security back-end accommodating seamless co-existence of Smartcard and Cardless security clients
Upgradable to latest CI Plus version 1.4.2 and CI Plus ECP (Enhanced Content Protection) specification

Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland – August 21st 2017 – SmarDTV S.A., a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company, today announced the commercial availability of a new Cardless CAM product embedding robust Conax content protection. The new CAM is designed to reduce subscriber acquisition costs, providing a mean for subscribers to instantly access pay-TV services by inserting the CAM in the TV – thus simplifying the onboarding for end-users.

The new SmarCAM-5.0 leverages fundamental innovations in embedded silicon and device security, offering robustness across a broad range of security profiles. It will provide the market with a highly secure Cardless solution utilizing a unique combination of hardware and software security resulting in a high level of protection not available in pure software solutions. Conax Cardless technology utilizes a dedicated secure processor and hardware root-of-trust to enable a multi-layered security architecture providing a highly secure and cost efficient platform for Cardless CAM.

SmarCAM-5.0 includes an innovative plastic casing designed by the SmarDTV Design Studio to accommodate a wide range of colors and textures providing pay-TV operators and distributors with a broad spectrum of branding options for the retail market.

This new generation of module is upgradable to the latest CI Plus ECP specification, designed to secure premium content on 4K/HDR.

“SmarDTV is pleased to be the first to provide a Conax Cardless CAM – a result of close collaboration with Conax for developing an innovative new product that contributes to reducing cost without compromising on security. We are excited to bring a revolutionary CAM to the market – a more visually plug-in based on SmarDTV expertise in designing sophisticated, secure devices”, commented Pascal Lenoir, CEO of SmarDTV.

About SmarDTV
SmarDTV, a Kudelski Group company, is an international leader in pay television technology. SmarDTV designs and manufactures a large range of set-top box solutions and CI / CI-Plus plug-in modules which enable access to premium digital pay-TV whether delivered through broadcast or broadband IP. A founding member of CI Plus Forum, SmarDTV is headquartered in Switzerland with development and sales offices in France, Germany, Singapore, India and Taiwan. Please visit www.smardtv.com for more information.

Contact:
Nadine Favennec
SmarDTV
+33 4 42 83 8000
Nadine.favennec@smardtv.com

18 August, 2017

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending August 18th. 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:

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

This week saw the Australian government tip-toing its way thru the broadcast reform bill which has moved one step closer after securing a deal with burka-clad One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. The move will force the ABC to be more transparent about staff wages and “fair” and “balanced” in its reporting, provide greater community radio funding and foreign ownership reporting. The government phrased it slightly better, acknowledging they had agreed to pursue a number of measures to ensure the public broadcaster increased its regional focus, financial transparency and political impartiality. Earlier, in a move designed to cut One Nation from negotiations, the Green Party stepped up their demands and declared it will only back the package if funding for the ABC and SBS is increased by “millions”. Negotiations over the media reform bill, which has broad industry backing, have reached a critical stage but with Labor opposed to the legislation, the government will need to gain the votes of the Greens or One Nation and the Nick Xenophon Team (who are themselves holding up the bill and pushing for tax breaks) to drive the reforms through parliament.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Australian courts have issued a pair of major site-blocking orders, answering pleas from Foxtel and Village Roadshow. Reactions were predictable: Foxtel was happy. The tech press was shocked, shocked that so many sites could be “alleged” to be pirate. Industry group Creative Content Australia said taking out these sites blocks 95 percent of traffic to infringing sites (okay, my skepticism alarm went off at that.) CCA also launched a major effort to deter consumers from seeking out substitute pirate sources.

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

Let’s mix some metaphors. Apple is finally reaching into its rather substantial pockets to essentially dip its toes into the waters of original content creation; after years of rumors, the other shoe has finally dropped. Granted, a billion dollars is still a billion dollars, but the tech giant will probably only buy about ten original series with that cash, and will still only be spending a fraction of what Netflix, Amazon, and HBO shell out annually. (Although it’s an open question as to whether Netflix’s US$7 bln spend is rescuing or ruining Hollywood.) Granted, the company certainly has the money to burn if it so chooses, but some critics also question whether Apple’s risk-averse corporate culture will prove a liability in the decidedly edgier world of modern TV programming.

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

After the tsunami of BIG news in the OTT space last week it took a lot more effort to uncover interesting stories for you this week…and here they are. Turner has signed a three-year, multi-platform deal for U.S. rights to UEFA European soccer games beginning with the 2018-2019 season and as a core pillar plans to launch a new stand-alone premium sports streaming video service. An interesting look at Nielsen’s Total audience initiative “as the notion of “TV” has fractured, becoming video entertainment delivered across dozens of devices through countless over-the-top apps, video on demand, DVRs, mobile services as well as broadcast, basic and premium cable/satellite services.” For the massive sports fan, ESPN’s new Apple TV app lets you watch four screens of live sports at the same time….naturally, while tweeting on your phone. And to finish off, a couple critical looks at the recent launch of Facebook Watch with The 6 Most Important Things To Keep Your Eye On and Are They Smarter than the TV Guys? More OTT related news at CASBAA OTT Group Newsfeed.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Taxes, taxes, taxes…….last week I noted that Facebook’s office opening in Jakarta was all about getting them to pay taxes. Now the word filters out that – despite the enormous ad revenues they earn in Indonesia and everywhere else – their Jakarta office is licensed as a “management consulting” outfit. Hmmmm.

Cathryn Chase

Regulatory Assistant

Vietnam is one step closer to its goal of fully transitioning to digital broadcasting by 2020. On Tuesday, analogue TV signals were switched off in 15 cities and provinces across the country. The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) had given citizens advanced warning about the termination of analogue services, and has also set up a support program to help poor households manage the transition.

Jane Buckthought

Advertising Consultant

The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) in the UK has formally called on YouTube and Facebook to work with it and ISBA to bring safety, measurement and viewability of online video up to acceptable industry standards.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

In uneasy coexistence with the business of international broadcasting there is always an element of “state messaging,” sometimes called propaganda. This week’s ham-fisted Chinese attempt at anti-Indian propaganda drew attention to the use of online media by state-owned media outlets to advance political agendas. It’s mildly funny in a racist sort of way, and totally transparent. But one has to wonder – who is the audience for such Chinese attempts to wield “soft power”? Bhutan???? (Twitter, Facebook and Youtube are all blocked in the mainland, so it’s clearly supposed to be “external” messaging.) Or is it a “united front” effort aimed at ethnic Chinese millennials in the western world?

Cathryn Chase

Regulatory Assistant

India’s TRAI say it has successfully developed an interoperable set-top-box (STB). The new STB is compatible with multiple Pay-TV service providers, and would allow consumers to only purchase a single box, instead of having to replace their box each time they switch providers. The TRAI cites increased technological innovation, improvements in service quality and sector growth as benefits of this new technology, and hopes that it will also help to reduce e-waste in India. However, both industry members and government officials have voiced their concern over how the regulator will manage the issue of piracy that is inherent with this type of technology. Before the STB are released to the public, the TRAI will carry out an industry consultation, workshop and pilot implementation project, which will hopefully address the concerns about piracy.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

The Thai authorities have ordered the “red shirt”-oriented satellite TV broadcaster Peace TV to suspend operations for a month. But relax, everybody, it has nothing to do with politics.

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

I’m not usually one to talk about American politics or the U.S. President but this caught my eye, and imagination. The first high-profile political thriller to broach the Trump era could be coming from an unexpected direction — China. Award-winning Chinese auteur Wang Quan’an has signed to write and direct American Wall, a U.S.-set feature that will delve headlong into the current politically charged moment. Wang is no stranger to scandal himself and is likely to deliver an explosive interpretation. Dubbed “a tale of greed, vengeance, sex and ambition,” the film is set around President Donald Trump’s infamous U.S.-Mexico border wall…

Member News

Additional News

U.S. pay TV subscriber losses come in better than expected at 976,00 in Q2’17, Kagan Report Shows

Kagan Releases Second Quarter U.S. Multichannel Subscriber Report

At 976,000 U.S. pay TV subscriber losses come in better than expected in second quarter

Monterey, CA (August 15, 2017) – The legacy multichannel universe lost a record number of customers in the quarter ended June 30, 2017, but managed to keep the decline below the symbolic 1-million threshold. At the mid-year mark, however, the trajectory continues to point to an unprecedented annual decline according to data compiled by Kagan, a group within S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Overall, traditional multichannel subscriptions dropped below 96.1 million in the second quarter, down 1.8 million since year-end 2016. Adding the top two virtual service providers (VSPs) affiliated with legacy multichannel distributors –DISH Network’s Sling TV and AT&T’s DIRECTV NOW – lifts the combined total subscriptions to a package of live linear channels and on-demand content to 98 million.

Additional takeaways from Kagan’s 2nd-quarter U.S. Multichannel Subscriber report:

Cable operators lost 246,000 total video customers. Following the sizable first-quarter drop, total losses at the mid-year mark are up 55.6% annually.
Traditional satellite services took a hit in the second quarter, posting an estimated net loss of 443,000 subscriptions to retreat below the 33 million threshold for the first time since 2010.
Total traditional video subs on the telco platform dropped to 10.9 million, declining 10.9% annually. With AT&T emphasizing DIRECTV as its primary delivery platform, U-verse accounted for two thirds of the decline.
Based on figures compiled from U.S. Census reports, a calculated 75.8% of the potential residential universe subscribe to a legacy multichannel product in the second-quarter.

About S&P Global Market Intelligence

At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we know that not all information is important—some of it is vital. Accurate, deep and insightful. We integrate financial and industry data, research and news into tools that help track performance, generate alpha, identify investment ideas, understand competitive and industry dynamics, perform valuations and assess credit risk. Investment professionals, government agencies, corporations and universities globally can gain the intelligence essential to making business and financial decisions with conviction.

S&P Global Market Intelligence a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence.

Media Contact
Christina Twomey
S&P Global Market Intelligence
+1 (212) 438.0967
Christina.twomey@spglobal.com

AsiaSat and Eurovision Media Services to deliver Taipei 2017 Universiade on AsiaSat 5

Hong Kong, 15 August 2017 – Eurovision Media Services, in collaboration with its long-term satellite partner, Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), will use AsiaSat 5 to deliver the Taipei 2017 Universiade across the Asia Pacific.

The 29th Summer Universiade is an international sporting and cultural event staged biennially, with Taipei as this year’s host city between 19th to 30 th of August. The Universiade will include 21 competitive sports as well as one demonstration sport throughout 12 days of competitions, attended by talented youth athletes from around the world.

Since 1999 Eurovision Media Services and AsiaSat have enjoyed a successful partnership that delivers top quality sports content to broadcasters and TV networks in 4K and HD. This new delivery on AsiaSat 5, Asia’s most popular OU service platform, sees the strong relationship continuing into the future with other major events to come. AsiaSat 5 currently provides access to more than 800 million households via terrestrial networks and pay TV platforms in the Asia Pacific.

“We are very pleased to be working with Eurovision Media Services again, our long-standing partner in creating value for customers and their audiences, especially where it comes to AsiaSat’s strength in delivering high quality live sports coverage,” said Barrie Woolston, Chief Commercial Officer of AsiaSat.

“We’re delighted to continue our collaboration with AsiaSat to deliver top quality, reliable services for major sporting events in the Asia Pacific,” said Graham Warren, Chief Operating Officer of Eurovision.

# # #

About Eurovision Media Services

Eurovision Media Services – the business arm of the European Broadcasting Union – has a global reputation and is the first choice media services provider for many media organizations and sports federations around the world. We provide innovative services across the value chain from content production and broadcast services to content distribution and permanent circuits. We produce and deliver premium live sports, news and entertainment events around the world on all platforms (TV, radio and online). Discover more about Eurovision Media Services on www.eurovision.net

About AsiaSat

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), the leading satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world’s population with its six satellites, AsiaSat 3S, AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat 7 and AsiaSat 8. The AsiaSat satellite fleet serves both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 700 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company’s satellites offering access to more than 830 million TV households across the Asia-Pacific region. AsiaSat’s next satellite, AsiaSat 9 is planned to be launched at the end of September 2017. AsiaSat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 1135). For more information, please visit www.asiasat.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Mobile App

Media Contacts:

Eurovision Media Services
Shannon Williams, Market Analyst & Communications Manager
Tel: +41 22 717 23 70 | Email: shannon.williams@eurovision.net

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited

Winnie Pang, Manager, Marketing Communications | Tel: +852 2500 0880 | Email: wpang@asiasat.com

AsiaSat 5 provides access to more than 800 million households via
terrestrial networks and pay TV platforms in the Asia Pacific

10 August, 2017

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending August 11th. 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:

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

The BIG news this week is that Disney will be launching two streaming services. “Disney’s online entertainment service will begin in 2019…and starting next year, an ESPN online service, which the company had said was in the works, will feature 10,000 live events a year, including Major League Baseball, hockey, soccer and tennis, as well as college sports.” Other notable parts of the announcement include a big paring back of content licensed to Netflix though “U.S. Netflix members will have access to Disney films on the service through the end of 2019, including all new films that are shown theatrically through the end of 2018.” Also, Disney has now taken control of streaming tech company BamTech, upping their ownership from 33% to 75%.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

And here’s this week’s piracy news: A U.S. judge says posting links to overseas pirate content sources can constitute a criminal copyright conspiracy, in the case of the founder of Kickass Torrents (now in Poland, fighting extradition). A Sydney man was given an 18 month suspended sentence for operating a card-sharing piracy network that supplied more than 8,000 people with free Foxtel TV. (Two others were previously sentenced, and one got six months of hard time behind bars.) And for this week’s comedy relief, check out the storefront pic of this pirate box seller’s establishment. Charged with selling lots of fully-loaded Kodi boxes, the shopfront’s owner claimed he had no liability for infringement, as people were just finding the illegal content on the internet. Even Torrentfreak points out that putting “Free Sky, Virgin, etc.” on your storefront might be regarded as “seriously incriminating.” In the end, the dude pleaded guilty to money laundering charges.

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

There’s a lot of attention in the Philippines to the issue of how to expand broadband access (and how to improve the quality of connections for those who have access.) Official stats report there are 24.4 million broadband connections in the country, but only 2.4 million of those are carried on wires – which means the other 22 million connections are at the mercy of hiccupping wireless links. Netizens have blasted the telcos for high prices and poor service. Telcos have been highlighting their efforts to improve connectivity, and saying the government’s red tape is to blame. Politicians have been talking about administrative reforms for a sector they call “dysfunctional”, as well as increasing the opportunity for foreign investment, to stimulate competition. Philippine market leaders will discuss what this all means for the video industry, in CASBAA’s Philippines in View conference, on August 30 in Manila. It promises to be interesting.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Regulating OTT services continues to be a hot topic in Southeast Asia. Indonesia held a public consultation on possible draft OTT regulations (replacing another draft issued last year). (Lots and lots of emphasis on getting social media OTT services to pay taxes on money earned in-country.) But there are still lots of unanswered questions. (Sorry, that report’s only in Bahasa; you’ll have to use your translation app.) Along that line, Facebook is opening an office in Jakarta. A Minister said that “taxes and responsible content” were the goals of “localizing Facebook”. Meanwhile, in Thailand, the focus is purely on content. The NBTC was reported to have changed its mind, and to be no longer seeking to regulate OTT VOD as broadcasting. But at the same time, local ISPs were given until Monday to remove or block 1,800 pages of offending content from Facebook and YouTube. Apparently, the platforms did it, to ensure their services weren’t blocked by ISPs. There does seem to be a bit of confusion, though, as it seems the Ministry of IT had a different list of 3,726 pages to block……

Kevin Jennings

Vice President

Interesting news from Nielsen in the US which has reported that TV viewing that takes place in a bar, gym, airport or office, can be just as important to networks and advertisers as at-home watchers. The measurement firm found that in early 2017 Americans spent an average of an additional two hours viewing the news away from their homes, the second largest increase in this type of time spent viewing for the genres analysed. Among viewers 18-34, out-of-home (OOH) viewing contributed an 8% increase from in-home viewership. When expanded to the 18-49 demographic, OOH viewing added a 6% increase among those viewers. Here’s Nielsen’s own list of take-aways from the data.

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

More streaming news this week. No Disney-style announcement from Fox but, James Murdoch Says He’s “Open Minded” About Creating A Fox SVOD Offering. CBS will roll out a sports-themed, 24-hour livestreaming network later this year, CBS Corp. chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves announced, saying the still-unnamed sports network is “part of our ongoing OTT strategy.” Facebook has updated it’s home page to highlight it’s move into video. “The “Watch” tab and several dozen original shows will start rolling out to a small group of U.S. users tomorrow.” And finally, an interesting look at how No OTT Service Has Figured Out How To Achieve Service & Monetization Parity Across Traditional & Online Broadcasts. More OTT related news continually updated on the CASBAA OTT Group Newsfeed.

Cathryn Chase

Regulatory Assistant

In a week that saw iflix secure over US$130 million in funding, the OTT service provider also launched its VOD platform in Cambodia in partnership with local telecom operator, Smart Axiata. Cambodians are now able to access iflix’s catalogue for a monthly subscription fee of 3 USD. Smart and iflix will aim to cater to Cambodian consumers by working closely with local content producers to offer original Khmer content, and by providing Khmer subtitles for their entire catalogue by the end of the year. Both companies have emphasized their commitment to promoting the Cambodian TV and film industry, and believe that their partnership will help to combat the growing problem of online piracy, which is a significant threat to local content production.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Hats off to India’s MIB. Confronted with an apparently serious problem of wildcat cable channels from some MSOs promoting objectionable content, the Ministry has chosen to enlist the industry in a serious consultation about how to deal with the problem. (India now has 890 licensed TV channels; the offenders are not among them.) Seeking cooperative solutions is a much better approach than going at problems from the start with hammer-and-tongs.

Cathryn Chase

Regulatory Assistant

Online SVOD services are a big hit in Australia. According to a recent Telsyte survey, more than 3.7 million Australians are now subscribed to a streaming video on demand (SVOD) service, which represents a whopping 30% increase from last year. What’s more, the survey estimated that SVOD subscribers are set to surpass traditional Pay TV subscribers as early as June 2018.

Jane Buckthought

Advertising Consultant

Walk into nearly any bar, gym, airport or office these days and you’re likely not only to find a television, but also viewers of all sorts with their eyes glued to the glass—from sports fans urging their teams on during a big game to money men tracking the financial markets to travelers monitoring news and weather reports. Nielsen analyzed data to see what content Americans are consuming beyond the comfort of their own couches.

Member News

Additional News

Chinese Children Choose CBeebies

10.08.2017: Following the success of Sherlock and Planet Earth II in China, CBeebies programming is the latest British cultural export to be taking the country by storm.

Increasing numbers of Chinese children are tuning into CBeebies favourites including Hey Duggee and Go Jetters as British kid’s programmes prove popular throughout the nation.

Figures released today by BBC Worldwide show that BAFTA and International Emmy® Award-winning Hey Duggee has racked up more than 200 million views on China’s online video platforms including Tencent and iQIYI since its launch on the sites in April and May respectively.

On iQIYI alone, CBeebies content has been viewed over 166 million times since the provider became the first digital platform in China to offer a ‘block’ of 37 CBeebies titles branded under 思贝斯 (sī bèi sī) in May. This comes after iQIYI licensed 300 hours of children’s content from BBC Worldwide earlier this year including Dinopaws and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures.

These successes follow the recent involvement of Go Jetters in the Children’s Day Gala 2017 organised by state broadcaster China Central Television’s children’s channel (CCTV 14). Characters from the globally popular animation series took part in the annual parade which was broadcast to an audience of 110 million and saw over 200 million streams on mobile streaming platforms – triple the viewership record of the previous year.

Tim Davie, Chief Executive, BBC Worldwide, said, ‘Twenty years ago we had great success taking Teletubbies to international audiences. Now Hey Duggee and Go Jetters are the new British kids shows enthralling children all around the world.’

Kelvin Yau, General Manager for China, said, ‘Chinese children love CBeebies for the stories and characters. Their parents love it because they know the content is always suitable and helps their children to learn while having fun.’

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:

Jeanne Leong
Director, Communications, Asia
Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com
+65 6849 5292

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