• TV remains no. 1 platform for keeping up with international news
• More than three quarters of APAC news consumers are concerned about fake news and two thirds struggle to distinguish real news from fake news
• International news channels are top alternate source for fact-checking stories found on social media

BBC World News today published a study* on the value of news to pay TV subscribers across the APAC region.

The research, titled ‘The Value of News – and the Importance of Trust’, shows that, despite the proliferation of digital news offerings, TV is still the most popular platform for staying up-to-date with international news (85%), followed by social media (76%), news apps (50%), websites (49%), newspapers (45%) and news aggregators (36%).

According to The Global Web Index, consumers’ use of digital news/social feeds compliments, rather than cannibalises, news consumption on pay TV. Online news consumers are four times as likely to watch international news** channels as those who don’t consume news online.

For those who use social media for breaking news, international news channels are the top alternate source for fact-checking, with 68% of respondents saying they do this, followed by international news websites or apps at 62%, national TV channels (57%) and national news websites (52%).

In an ever-changing and connected world, news stories are affecting audiences’ lives like never before. With regional events having a greater impact globally, audiences turn to news sources in order to gain clarity and insight on global stories and concerns about fake news are prevalent in APAC. 82% of those surveyed say that staying abreast of news is important and more than three quarters (77%) say they are more concerned about global issues than ever before. However, 79% of news consumers in APAC are concerned about fake news and 64% find it hard to distinguish between real and fake news.

The study shows that BBC World News is the world’s most trusted international news channel and 87% of subscribers say they would consider changing their package if the channel was no longer available. International TV news channels are more likely to be perceived as impartial and balanced, as well as having strengths in offering a global perspective, comparing different sources and bringing stories to people’s attention which they may not otherwise have heard about.

Chris Davies, Commercial Director for BBC Global News Ltd, said, “In a world of fake news and increasing mistrust in the media, access to accurate, impartial news is more important than ever. Consumers are looking for news they can rely on and this research reveals clear evidence that customers value trustworthy, quality news like that provided by the BBC.”

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Virginia Brayn-smith, Senior Publicist, BBC Global News Ltd.

Virginia.Braynsmith@BBC.com / 0065 94555436

*Source: BBC Value of News study. Research conducted independently by BDRC Asia in March 2017. Market: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India. Unique Sample size: 1549 (online survey sample: 1524; vox pop sample: 90)

Respondents profile:

18 – 54 years old digital savvy international news consumers (at least once-a-week) and pay TV / cable TV subscribers, decision maker / joint decision maker for channel package subscription.

**Based on BBC World News reach % as reported by The Global Web Index, Q4 2015 – Q3 2016. Base: APAC online users (Universe 935m / n=59,327).

BBC World News and BBC.com, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour English news platforms, are owned and operated by BBC Global News Ltd. BBC World News television is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and over 433 million households and 3 million hotel rooms. The channel’s content is also available on 178 cruise ships, 53 airlines, including 13 distributing the channel live inflight, and 23 mobile phone networks. BBC.com offers up-to-the-minute international news, in-depth analysis and features, including BBC Capital, BBC Culture, BBC Future and BBC Travel, for PCs, tablets and mobile devices to more than 95 million unique browsers each month.

BBC Advertising, part of BBC Worldwide, sells advertising and sponsorship solutions on behalf of the BBC’s worldwide commercial portfolio across broadcast, online and mobile platforms globally.

HONG KONG (MAY 31, 2017) – Turner Asia Pacific has announced that Mr. Clement Schwebig has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer, in addition to his current role as SVP, Business Development, Licensing and China.

Mr. Shitiz Jain, SVP Finance, has been leading Turner’s financial growth and planning, as well as assisting the regional management team to maximize financial results across the entire portfolio of Turner’s kids, news and general entertainment brands, and businesses in the region. Jain, who leaves the network on a high, will be pursuing a new opportunity at the end of June 2017.

Schwebig joined Turner Asia Pacific in 2013. Over the last three years, he has successfully led the company’s efforts to grow beyond its core business by creating new local and pan-regional channels, and in developing local content opportunities to further Turner’s presence in the market. He has also led Turner’s growth strategy across the region in the digital space, as well as Turner’s consumer products and location-based entertainment businesses.

Some of his recent notable achievements so far include Warner TV, Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark in Thailand, the acquisition and development of the Tuzki franchise and repositioning Cartoon Network’s consumer product business for growth.

“We are delighted that Clement has agreed to take on the additional responsibilities of CFO. He is a seasoned media executive with substantial experience encompassing all aspects of business operations in TV broadcasting and production, including strategy, finance and sales. With his new responsibilities as CFO, Clément will play an even more active role in shaping the strategy and direction for Turner APAC as it transforms into a data informed, fan-centric media company,” commented Ricky Ow, President, Turner Asia Pacific.

“As a core member of my management team, Shitiz has provided invaluable strategic and financial counsel for the APAC and Turner International executive teams. We are very grateful for the significant contributions he has made, and his help in evolving the business rapidly in order to meet consumer demand and technological change. We wish him success in his next venture,” he added.

“I have truly enjoyed working with Ricky and the Turner team as we worked on transforming the network and developing new opportunities particularly in Kids and Asian entertainment. It has been a great experience,” said Jain.

“With his strong financial acumen and experience combined with his deep understanding our business in Asia Pacific, Clement is ideally suited to lead the finance operations of Turner APAC. I’m confident the financial management of our APAC business will continue to be very well managed in his capable hands and he will make even greater contributions in driving our APAC business forward,” added Trey Turner, Chief Financial Officer, Turner International. “I would also like to express our gratitude and appreciation for Shitiz’s strong leadership of Turner APAC finance operations over the last three years. He leaves us with very best wishes for his future endeavours.”

“I’m grateful for the confidence Ricky and Trey have placed in me. I could not be more thrilled to be working with them and the rest of the Turner APAC team, as we chart new growth and opportunities during this exciting period for the industry,” said Schwebig, CFO and SVP Business Development, Licensing and China.

-Ends-

Media enquiries:
Oliver Herrgesell
Oliver.Herrgesell@turner.com / +44 20 7693 1991 / +852 6323 9644

Gregory Ho, Turner Asia Pacific
Gregory.Ho@turner.com / +852 3128-3536

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout the region, running 61 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, 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.

Indonesia is well known for its beautiful beaches but what is equally stunning is its unique traditions which have been carefully passed on through generations. This month, CNN’s new series ‘The Keepers’ looks at the efforts of those who are dedicated to preserving traditions of the Indonesian culture while also helping to define the country’s modern identity.

Highlights of the 30-minute special include:

The Puppet Master

Often described as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia was influenced by Buddhist and Hindu rulers for centuries. Aspects of all three faiths can be seen in the shadow puppet theatre. Performances depict Islamic legends, Hindu epics and local stories. The puppet master – known as the Dalang – is a role traditionally reserved for adult males, but recently, a number of young girls have taken on the role and have become favourites with audiences in Java.

Batik Saga

The name Iwan Tirta is synonymous with batik. He is credited with starting the revival of the intricately designed fabric and he founded the popular brand Iwan Tirta Private Collection. Since Tirta’s death in 2010, fashion designer Era Soekamto has led the brand’s creative team. She oversees around 800 artisans who produce hand-drawn batik. In this segment, CNN looks at how Soekamto keeps people interested in learning this meticulous craft.

All About Sambal

Many Indonesians agree that sambal is a must. Still, the recipe for this hot sauce varies by region: it can be sweet, salty or sour – but it’s always spicy! The Ubud Food Festival is trying to raise the profile of Indonesian food on the world stage. This year, it will include a sambal cook-off. CNN meets chefs Jon Priadi and Janet DeNeefe to demystify delicious sambal and diverse Indonesian cuisine.

The Ramayana

The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu poem that inspires art across Asia, from paintings to dance. Yogyakarta’s Prambanan Temple features carvings that tell this famous story. The director of the Prambanan Temple Ballet explains the characters in this epic before staging a beautiful moonlit performance.

Airtimes for 30-minute special: Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore and Taipei

Wednesday 31^st May at 1730 HKT
Saturday ^3rd June at 1000 and 1930 HKT
Sunday ^4th June at 1330 HKT

The Keepers trailer: http://cnn.it/2rkbG6b

-Ends-

About CNN International

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms reaching more than 450 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region and Latin America and has a US presence which includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. Over the years CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. In addition, around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division, CNN Vision. CNN has 39 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is part of Turner, a Time Warner company.

ITV Choice and Astro further strengthen ties with best of British content ondemand and on Astro Go

London/Kuala Lumpur – [Wednesday, 31st May 2017] – ITV Choice is pleased to announce the launch of the channel’s critically acclaimed and much loved ‘best of British’ programmes on demand for the first time in Malaysia.

ITV Choice specialises in British entertainment and drama. From June 1 2017, Astro’s customers will be able to watch the top picks from ITV Choice curated specially for the fan of British shows. With high production values and story telling the selection of ITV Choice will start with Poldark, the recent and highly popular series based on the Poldark novels by Winston Graham that became a UK phenomenon and made its star, Aidan Turner, a household name in the UK. Also available is the multi-award nominated Victoria, the top-rated ITV drama in 2016, starring Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria in her early years from her ascension to the throne at the age of eighteen. All episodes of these shows will be available on demand and Astro customers will get to see the newest episodes first on Astro when they premiere in the UK later this year.

Other box sets from ITV Choice include:

• Poldark Seasons 1-2 – The acclaimed 18th century Cornish drama series that follows Ross Poldark (Turner) as he rebuilds his life after returning from the American War of Independence. Season 3 is in production and will premiere in August/September 2017.
• Victoria S1 – Jenna Coleman, vividly portrays the early years of Queen Victoria from her ascension to the throne to her intense friendship and infatuation with Lord Melbourne and courtship and early marriage to Prince Albert. Season 2 is in production and is expected to premiere in September/October 2017.
• Vera S1-7 – Crime drama series based on novels of the same name written by crime writer Anne Cleeves. Golden Globe winner Brenda Blethyn stars as detective Vera Stanhope, who is obsessive about her work and driven by her own demons as she solves a series of murder mysteries.
• Endeavour Series Pilot, 1-4 – Based on the award-winning and well-loved long running Inspector Morse series, the prequel is set primarily in Oxford and follows the eponymous police detective in his early career as he solves murder investigations. Shaun Evans stars in the title role.
• Brief Encounters – Comedy drama with a touch of glamour and gutsy humour about four women in the early ‘80s who juggle the pressures of their families and whose lives are turned around when they become party plan saleswomen.
• Tutankhamun – Sam Neill and Max Irons star in the true story of Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon’s search for the tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun.
• Tina & Bobby – a mini-series starring Michelle Keegan and Lorne MacFadyen, this heart breaking love story portrays the highs and lows of the golden couple, Bobby Moore and his wife Tina Moore, and proves that “wags” are not a 21st century phenomenon.

Katherine Wen, ITV Choice Channel Director, said:

We are very pleased to work with Astro to provide a new way for their customers to enjoy the best from ITV Choice – with full boxsets of all previous series, viewers can catchup from the very beginning whenever they want.

Agnes Rozario, Vice President of Content, Astro, said:

Accelerating on our ambition to serve the increasingly digital lifestyle of today’s consumers is a key pillar for Astro. To this end we are driving connected boxes, on demand services and Astro GO so customers can experience the joys of binge watching box sets via our on demand services – from kids to Korean, movies to series including same day releases! And to drive personalised individual and mobile viewing, we are amplifying our ‘GO’ proposition by making Astro GO available to all customers as an extension of their subscriptions, providing an interactive multi-screen experience over their mobile devices. This is just the start of our British series line-up and we are delighted to be working with ITV Choice on this initial selection.

– ends –

Notes to editors

About ITV Choice

Part of ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, ITV Choice is the big British entertainment channel with a great big heart. Available through Asia, the Middle East and Africa, ITV Choice is packed full of fresh award-winning dramas, brilliant game shows, star-filled entertainment and inspiring documentaries, all bought to you by famous faces from around the world.

About Astro

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 5.8 million unique visitors per month across the digital platforms of its entertainment and lifestyle brands. The company serves 21 million individuals in 5.1 million households, or 71% 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, with over 1.6 million Malaysian households enjoying the service. NJOI 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 15.6 million weekly listeners.

Astro holds the distinction of the ‘Gold’ award in the Media and Entertainment category at the Putra Brand Awards for 7 consecutive years from 2010 to 2016, including the ‘Brand of the Year’ award in 2012, the ‘Brand Icon’ award in 2013 and the ‘Malaysian Marketer of the Year’ award in 2016. 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.

Jovian Mandagie and Daphne Iking to helm Asian debut of popular TLC Series #SayYesToTheDressAsia #TLCSEAsia

Malaysia, May 29, 2017 – Leading entertainment and lifestyle destination TLC today announced that Malaysian personalities, renowned fashion designer Jovian Mandagie and television presenter/actress Daphne Iking will host the Asian debut of its hit reality TV series SAY YES TO THE DRESS.

Brides-to-be will be excited to learn that Jovian Mandagie, widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s top designers, will be upping the sartorial quotient of the show with his famously eclectic haute couture sensibilities. Jovian’s memorable designs have earned him an exclusive clientele among Kuala Lumpur’s elites and Malaysian royalty, including the former Raja Permaisuri Agong H.R.H D.Y.M.M Tuanku Nur Zahirah and HM Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha of Brunei, to name a few.

“I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to join the Say Yes to The Dress Asia team. As a fashion designer, it gives me great joy creating the perfect fit and bringing my clients’ visions to life. I can’t wait to meet the brides to help them uncover their personal wedding styles as they hunt down the perfect dress for their big day,” says Jovian Mandagie, bridal designer on Say Yes to The Dress Asia.

An award-winning actress and TV personality, Daphne Iking has lent her hosting chops to a range of programmes including Ringgit Sense, Explorace, The Breakfast Show and Bella. She also gives fans an inside look into her travel adventures and family life through vlogs on her YouTube channel, Daphne Iking, which has amassed a following of more than 25,000 subscribers.

“When I first heard about Say Yes to The Dress Asia, I was really excited! I’m a big fan of the show and think it’s great that TLC has created an Asian edition to showcase the many amazing designers we have in this part of the world. It’s also amazing to work with Jovian again; he played a pivotal role in my very own journey in finding the wedding dress of my dreams,” says Daphne Iking, image consultant on Say Yes to The Dress Asia.

Produced by Endemol Shine Asia, SAY YES TO THE DRESS ASIA is looking for the stories behind the dress. The series will capture the emotional highs and lows of the brides on their journey of finding the ideal wedding dress, along with professional recommendations from the series’ handpicked experts. Filmed in Klang Valley, Malaysia, the series will also highlight the variety of unique cultures within Southeast Asia, and the heartfelt stories behind picking one’s dream dress backed by the blessings of loved ones. SAY YES TO THE DRESS ASIA is set to premiere on TLC in the fourth quarter of 2017. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, as well as our website, for more show updates coming your way.

Download images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9zd-fhDNwhqNVhtWEE1VGdrVFU?usp=sharing

ABOUT TLC

TLC is a global lifestyle and entertainment destination, presenting non-scripted and scripted programming featuring real life stories and universal themes that resonate with viewers around the world. TLC’s programming is told through the lens of larger than life characters and adaptable formats, celebrating everything from relationships and life stages, to makeover and transformation to food and travel. Launched in Asia Pacific on September 1, 2010, TLC is currently distributed to 141 million subscribers in the region.

ABOUT ENDEMOL SHINE ASIA

Endemol Shine Asia is the regional arm for the world’s leading global production house, Endemol Shine Group. As a producer, distributor and creator, Endemol Shine Asia spans across more than 20 markets, with content in a multitude of languages, and is committed to creative story telling across the region.

The company brings global hits such as MasterChef, Big Brother and Your Face Sounds Familiar to the region, while developing local content that leverages on deep experience and knowledge of audiences.

In 2016 alone, Endemol Shine Asia produced over 50 titles, with even more planned for 2017. The range of standout formats have enjoyed great success across the region such as MasterChef Asia, The Face Thailand, Pinoy Big Brother and including the most recent viral success of Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Philippines.

“Mr Football” to deliver a unique perspective for fans in Asia

Singapore, 29 May 2017 – Famed sportscaster John Dykes will bring his extensive expertise and knowledge back to Asia when he joins the FOX Sports Network in July 2017. He will host a new show that will give fans unique insights and perspectives on English football. The highly-experienced sportscaster is no stranger to football fans in Asia, who have enjoyed his trusted coverage of the Premier League for close to two decades.

Having worked with the biggest Premier League names, Dykes will access the English game’s movers and shakers, canvass the opinions of the journalists who break the stories, and, crucially, give the fans themselves a voice around English football. Dykes will be headquartered in Singapore and will be a consistent source of information and opinion through the growing FOX Sports digital platform, powered by FOXSportsAsia.com.

“It is extremely exciting to come back to Singapore to be part of the FOX Sports Network and there has never been a better time to do this,” said Dykes. “I will be leading a show that will stretch across both traditional screens and the digital space. This represents a great opportunity for me to once again share my knowledge and opinions and interact with the passionate and informed football fans in Asia.”

“We are delighted to welcome John Dykes back to Asia, where he rightfully earned a great reputation as a true expert on English football. FOX Sports is committed to giving fans the best overall sports experience – this means not only premier live programming but also engaging and trusted commentary. John, along with our current team of top-notch presenters, will ensure FOX Sports continues to be the trusted source for sports in the region” noted Italo Zanzi, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director, Sports, APAC and the Middle East, FOX Networks Group.

Through the end of the just-completed football season, Dykes served as a presenter for Premier League broadcasts for Premier League Productions in London. He also has deep experience covering the largest events in football for major media outlets, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA European Championships and Asian Football Confederation competitions. He has also hosted a wide variety of other sports, ranging from Formula 1 and MotoGP to cricket and Rugby World Cup, tennis grand slams and golf majors.

Dykes’ career began in Hong Kong, where he wrote and presented on both entertainment and sports. He then spent more than a decade in Singapore as a television presenter.

– END –

About FOX Networks Group
FOX Networks Group (FNG) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly-and majority-owned entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels in 45 languages across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. FNG’s core channel brands include FOX, FOX Sports, FOX Life, and National Geographic. FNG’s movie channels include FOX Movies Premium and SCM (formerly Star Chinese Movies). Our non-linear brands include FOX+, FOX Play, FOX Sports Play, and Nat Geo Play. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1.825 billion cumulative households worldwide. In addition, FNG owns and operates two production studios and produces thousands of local programming hours for its wholly-owned channels and third parties.

About FOX Sports

FNG Sports network includes FOX Sports and FOX Sports 2, the channels which deliver some of the most compelling LIVE sport events from around the world; FOX Sports 3, for fans of adrenaline-pumping sports action; FOX Sports Play, the broadband network providing LIVE and on-demand sports properties and additional exclusive content; and www.foxsportsasia.com, the online destination for comprehensive sports content.

For further information, please contact:

Jonathan Leow
Senior Manager
Marketing and Communications – Sports:
Asia Pacific
+65 6809 3545
jonathan.leow@fox.com

News and infotainment portals add to the fresh lineup for young, digital generation

Kuala Lumpur, 26th May 2017 – Malaysia’s premier Chinese language channel, Astro AEC celebrated its 20th anniversary with a stronger branding of the channel, including a new line up of compelling local content and digital initiatives on all screens, to cater to the increasingly digital lifestyle of its viewers.

TH Chong, Astro Malaysia’s Group Director of Media Sales said, “Over two decades, Astro AEC has become a pillar of the Malaysian Chinese community, in keeping with its continuous commitment of sharing information, appreciating culture and celebrating education achievements across our TV, radio and digital platforms. With proven results in our content centric multi-platform solution, strong brand integration and digital-first initiatives, our team remains focused on continuing to expand our horizon and evolve our offering, together with our esteemed advertisers and agencies.”

Today, 2.1 million loyal viewers are enjoying the best of on-screen entertainment and information on Astro AEC every month on linear via Astro and NJOI; on demand via Astro GO and the new NJOI Now, as well as on its social and digital platforms.

Astro will continue to deepen and differentiate its Chinese content vertical with new signature IPs such as popular singing reality show, The Voice; first late-night variety show, Call Me Handsome; regional street dance competition, Asian Battleground; and a new sitcom starring Astro’s talents and webrities (web celebrities) which will be available on TV and via live streaming on mobile and online, targeting the younger audience and their digital lifestyles.

Exploring a fresh concept of addressing bold topics, Call Me Handsome recorded 8.5 million Facebook views and 760,000 YouTube views in its inaugural season and returns for second season, promising even more audacious themes, featuring jaw dropping, good looking male guests from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. For the first time, fans can watch the unedited, raw content through 8 fan cams live during the show filming, immersing themselves in a personalized experience like never before.

Another content IP, Asian Battleground will once again go beyond Malaysia to host auditions across Asia. Besides attracting thousands of participants and spectators on-ground, the show is now an international dance IP which attracts interest from Singapore, Vietnam and various Asian countries, with judges made up of world-renowned dance celebrities.

Following the success of Evening Edition and Prime Talk, Astro AEC will further reinforce its capabilities across web and mobile with a plan to introduce a Chinese news and infotainment portal in the months to come.

In addition, XUAN (www.xuan.com.my), with an average of 1 million unique visitors and 4 million page views per month, is now the #1 Chinese entertainment portal on Astro, resonating with the young, digital generation. The refreshed XUAN intends to bring more M.I.X (Made In XUAN) digital content from celebrity news and showbiz headlines, to K-pop news and lifestyles.

###

For more information, please contact:

Tammy Toh
VP, Group Communications, Astro
M: +012-322 5184
E: tammy_toh@astro.com.my

Daphne Chea
AVP, Chinese Communications, Astro
M: +012-667 8821
E: daphne_chea@astro.com.my

(London, UK) BBC Worldwide today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading Chinese media company, Shanghai Media Group Pictures (SMG Pictures) that will see expansion of the Doctor Who brand in China.

The MOU was inked yesterday evening at a signing ceremony at BBC Worldwide’s Television Centre in London, with Mr Chen Sijie, GM of SMG Pictures and Jaclyn-Lee Joe, Chief Marketing Officer, BBC Worldwide. Madam Wang Jianjun, Director General President of Shanghai Media Group, Tim Davie, Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide and Kelvin Yau, GM, Greater China, BBC Worldwide witnessed the event.

The agreement will see BBC Worldwide working with SMG Pictures to increase the Doctor Who fan base in China, exploring future opportunities as well as exchanging expertise between the two teams.

The MOU comes on the back of a content deal that BBC Worldwide also signed with SMG Pictures yesterday evening. The deal will see the entire catalogue of Doctor Who including spin-offs, Torchwood and Class available on popular TV channels and on-demand platforms all over China.

The deal not only covers Showrunners Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat’s Series 1- 10, but also incoming Showrunner Chris Chibnall’s yet-to-film Series 11, as well as a first look for Series 12-15.

“This marks the start of a longer and even more fruitful partnership with SMGP,” said Jaclyn-Lee Joe, Chief Marketing Officer, BBC Worldwide. “Doctor Who already has a substantial fan base in China. Now, Chinese fans will be able to access the entire catalogue of Doctor Who and its spin-offs thanks to this agreement. The MOU is an affirmation of both parties’ commitment to build the Doctor Who brand and grow its fan base in China.”

“China is going through a time of tremendous growth and rapid market development. Everyone here is curious about popular cultures around the world. At the same time, they want to share their Chinese culture and values,” said Chen Sijie, General Manager, SMG Pictures. “Doctor Who, with its long television history and iconic place in popular culture, is a great representative of British pop culture. We hope that this partnership with BBC Worldwide will enable both parties, as well as Chinese and British fans to share and exchange ideas and learnings to grow the universe of Doctor Who in China.”

BBC Worldwide and Oriental Pearl Group previously worked together on the theatrical release of Sherlock – The Abominable Bride as well as the upcoming launch of One Amazing Day a co-production with SMG Pictures. The entire catalogue of Top Gear, Top Gear UK and all the UK specials, as well as five series of Top Gear USA, six series of Top Gear Korea and both series of Top Gear China has also recently launched on BesTV, SMG’s linear television service. There has also been a CBeebies programming block on BesTV since 2014.

Shanghai Media Group Pictures is the film business unit of Oriental Pearl Group, held by Shanghai Media Group.

Doctor Who is a BBC Studios production for BBC One and a BBC AMERICA co-production.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Jeanne Leong
BBC Worldwide
Tel: +65 6849 5292
Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

About BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also champions British creativity globally.

In 2015/16 BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £133.8m and headline sales of £1,029.4m and returned £222.2m to the BBC.

For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review webpage: bbcworldwide.com/annual-review/.

Astro is honoured to put Malaysia on the global map yet again with the recent award achievements at the 2017 New York Festival’s International Television & Film Awards. Astro gained recognition in the following categories at the award ceremony;

Bronze World Medals

Sports Program Promotion (BPL Fight Song)

Sports Program Promotion (Our Olympians)

Finalist Certificates

Copywriting: Promotion/Open & IDs (BPL Fans)

Station/Image Promotion (BPL Fight Song)

Editing: Promotion/Open & IDs (BPL Fight Song)

Entertainment Program Promotion (Maharaja Lawak Scroll)

Rob Middleton, Vice President, Content Group, Astro said, “Worldwide recognition like this for the team’s hard work is wonderful, it lets them know just how great they really are. It vindicates what we tell them every day: that all that passion, all that extra effort, all the perfectionism is all worth it. Internally we’ve always known these guys are world class. Now, the rest of the world knows it too. But the team doesn’t work on their own, these awards wouldn’t be possible without the help of everyone else involved from our bosses to the channel managers. It’s something we can all share in and be proud of because Astro is great at what it does.”

(Bronze World Medal – Sports Program Promotion – Our Olympians)

Now in its 60th Year, the New York Festivals International Television & Film Awards announced the World’s Best TV & Films winners at the annual Gala at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The 2017 Grand Jury awarded 3 Grand Awards, 167 Gold World Medals, 175 Silver World Medals, and 145 Bronze World Medals, and 232 Finalist Certificates.

New York Festival’s World’s Best TV & Films competition honours programming in all lengths and forms from over 50 countries. Dedicated to both the Television and Film industries, categories mirror today’s global trends and encourage the next generation of story-tellers and talent.

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For more information:
Brian Voo
Associate, Communications
Astro
Tel: +603-9543 6688 EXT:3123
Email: brian_voo@astro.com.my