BALI, 27 APRIL 2017 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), today announced it will renew two Asia original commissions for MTV and Comedy Central. It will air the second season of MTV’s music video dance show Ok Danceoke in June and its second season of the Asia original Comedy Central Stand-up, Asia! in August.
“We saw solid viewership of both Comedy Central Stand-up, Asia! and MTV Ok Danceoke when we premiered the two shows last year, which demonstrate that these Asia originals have strong appeal with our audiences. Greenlighting these two Asia originals is our commitment to invest in original content for our flagship brands,” said Paras Sharma, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Southeast Asia, Viacom International Media Networks.
The second season of Comedy Central Stand-up, Asia!, will reprise a co-production with comedy entertainment company LOL Events in Malaysia. A ten-part short series for Comedy Central Asia, each half-hour episode will give audiences the chance to watch 16 of the hottest, funniest, boldest Asian comedians from around the world. Filming will take place across two ticketed live shows in July in front of a live audience in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The first season performed 54% above the channel average ratings among 18-44 years old (October – December 2016).
Since the channel was launched in 2012, Comedy Central has become one of the fastest growing brands for VIMN, which is now available 24/7 in 22 Asian markets via 51 providers. Over the last five years, the channel has collaborated with local comedy clubs to develop featurettes, on-air promotions and marketing partnerships.
Ok Danceoke 2, the ‘Karaoke of Dance’, is a weekly half-hour music video show that teaches iconic and popular dance steps and moves in an interesting and creative manner. Produced for MTV Asia in Singapore, the second season will not only feature different dance instructors breaking down the dance steps of the latest music videos for viewers to learn in the comfort of their homes, it will also showcase more K-pop music videos, which are popular in Asia.

 

About Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and more. Viacom brands reach more than 3.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries and territories via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties, in 40 languages. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com, blog.viacom.com and the Viacom Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.
Contact:
Viacom International Media Networks
Adeline Ong, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Asia
t: (65) 6420 7240 m: (65) 9366 7323
e: adeline.ong@vimn.com

Hong Kong (April 27, 2017) – Addressing the growing demand for Over-The-Top services, Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today four new carriage deals for OTT services of its existing channel brands across Asia.  The new carriage deals include CTE’s first OTT launch in Taiwan and OTT carriage agreements in Hong Kong and Singapore.

 

“We are moving rapidly to address the growing demand for Over-The-Top services of our channels. All six of our main channel brands are available as OTT services and these carriage deals are just the beginning of our OTT expansion. We look forward to working with our affiliate partners as well as new platforms to build their OTT offering. From Chinese and Asian movies to action and horror content, our channel brands extend beyond the linear-viewing experience to offer consumers and subscribers specifically-curated content they can’t see anywhere else,” said Todd Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.

 

The deals cover the following CTE channels: Celestial Movies (CM), the premier 24-hour first-run Chinese movie channel in Asia; Celestial Classic Movies (CCM), the world’s most-widely distributed classic Chinese movie channel; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; and Thrill, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel.

 

The new carriage deals are as follows:

 

Hong Kong 

myTV SUPER, Hong Kong ‘s leading free-to-air broadcaster TVB’s OTT service, now carries CCM, KIX and Thrill. KIX and Thrill will be offered both as linear-streaming channels and as branded on-demand services, while CCM will be offered as a linear streaming channel only. All three channels are available under the Action Thriller Movie Entertainment Pack.

 

Singapore

CATCHPLAY, a renowned film distributor and co-producer headquartered in Taiwan, now carries a CM branded SVOD service on its OTT service- CATCHPLAY On Demand. The same content is also available for StarHub customers through its CATCHPLAY Unlimited HD add-on channel.

 

Taiwan

FTV, one of the leading free-to-air broadcasters and largest OTT content aggregators in Taiwan, will carry CCM on its OTT service, Four Seasons.  Through FTV, Taiwan’s leading mobile operator Asia Pacific Telecom, also carries CCM on its OTT service, Gt TV.

 

LiTV, a renowned OTT service provider in Taiwan, carries CCM.  LiTV offers nearly 100 local and international TV channels and is the subsidiary of TGC Taiwan Inc, a leading digital technology and entertainment service producer in Taiwan.

 

Beyond OTT launches, CTE also recently signed traditional linear carriage agreements with Southeast Asia’s platforms and distributors. Thrill launched on Nexmedia, one of the leading digital terrestrial-based pay-TV platforms in Indonesia. In Thailand, the company closed a deal with TTT Networks, a leading Thai cable channel distributor, to distribute CTE’s channels to local cable operators across Thailand.   TTT Networks first deal for CTE is a carriage agreement for KIX and Thrill with Charoen TV, the biggest cable operator available in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

 

 

Media Contact:

Pauline Poon

Celestial Tiger Entertainment

T: 852 2239 6131

E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

 

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a leading independent media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company creates and distributes branded pay television channels and services targeted at Asian consumers.

 

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television services including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the premier 24-hour first-run Chinese movie channel in Asia and beyond; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; CELESTIAL MOVIES PINOY, the Chinese movie channel that is programmed, dubbed and promoted specifically to Filipino viewers; cHK, the Chinese entertainment channel offering the latest Hong Kong and other Asian blockbuster movies, alongside highly-anticipated Chinese dramas and series; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; KIX , the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for KIX; MIAO MI, the Mandarin “Edutainment” channel created for preschool kids across Asia; THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel; and THRILL , the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for THRILL.  All of CTE’s channel brands are available as linear, on-demand and over-the-top services.  CTE also produces original production for its bouquet of channels.

 

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE’s majority shareholders are Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a diversified Asian entertainment company owned by Astro Overseas Limited; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.
For more information, please visit www.celestialtiger.com.

 

• To launch its Spanish-language Bollywood movie channel, Zee Mundo in Mexico and Ecuador
• Becomes the first-ever Indian broadcaster to take mainstream channels to LATAM
• To be available on Sky in Mexico and TV Cable in Ecuador

Mumbai, India, / Mexico City, Mexico, April 26, 2017: Setting a new landmark, leading Indian content company, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) today announced its expansion into Latin America with the launch of its Spanish-language Bollywood movie channel, Zee Mundo in Mexico and Ecuador. With this, ZEE becomes the first-ever Indian broadcaster to take mainstream channels to LATAM. Zee Mundo will be available in Mexico on Sky, a leading Pay-TV satellite provider and in Ecuador on TV Cable.

Commenting on ZEE’s foray into LATAM, Amit Goenka, CEO – International Broadcast Business, ZEEL said, “After Zee Mundo’s success in the US Hispanic market, where the channel’s unique offering has captivated viewers, we are now set to increase our footprint with a strategic expansion into Latin America. This is a key market for us and we want to take this channel to the length and breadth of audiences in both Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking Latin America. We are launching our channel on the region’s biggest platforms – Sky in Mexico and TV Cable in Ecuador and soon we will be expanding across Latin America.”

Sharing further details, Rajeev Kheror, President – Strategy, International Business, ZEEL said, “There is a cultural synergy between India and Latin America, with Indian content and storylines resonating strongly with Latin American values and traditions. With our carefully curated Spanish-language Bollywood channel, Zee Mundo, we aim to deliver a never-seen-before experience with the best of Bollywood movies, telenovelas and series. The channel has already received a positive response amongst US Hispanic audiences, with viewers finding the variety and quality of content compelling. We wish to deliver a similar experience to our audiences in Latin America with content that is high-quality, unique and entertaining.”

Javier Lopez Casella, Head of Business, US Hispanic & Latin America, ZEEL, “We are excited to entertain Latin American audiences with the region’s first dedicated Bollywood movie channel, Zee Mundo which will be present on the biggest platforms in the region – Sky in Mexico and Central America, and TV Cable in Ecuador. Even before its launch, the content and concept of the channel has already received great acceptance on social networks in Mexico. Going ahead, with our appealing value proposition, we hope to satisfy viewers’ demands for content that is fresh and different from what is currently available.”

ZEE Mundo will be available throughout Mexico and Central America on Sky channels – #203 in SD and #1228 in HD and in Ecuador on TV Cable – Channel Nos. #151 and #362. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the specially-customised channel will bring ZEE’s entire library of HD movie titles to LATAM audiences, meticulously dubbed in Spanish, crossing five genres – action, romance, suspense, drama and comedy and featuring some of the world’s biggest movie stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan. For more information about ZEE Mundo, visit zeemundo.tv

Click on the link below to watch the latest promo of Zee Mundo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99c20LjCyq0&feature=youtu.be

 

==============================ENDS=================================

 

Note to Editors

 

About Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL):

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited is one of the leading global content companies. With an extensive content library housing over 222,000+ hours of television content and rights to more than 3,818 movie titles from foremost studios and of iconic film stars, ZEE entertains over One Billion viewers across 171+ countries. ZEE has a strong presence across the media and entertainment value chain including Broadcasting, Films, Digital, Theatre, LIVE Events & Talent. ZEE also operates multiple digital offerings like Ditto TV, OZEE and India.com.

More information about ZEE and its businesses is available on www.zeetelevision.com.

 

Official Social Media Platforms:

Twitter                 :               ZEECorporate/Twitter.com

Facebook            :               ZEECorporate/Facebook.com

LinkedIn               :               Linkedin.com/Company/ZEECorporate

 

=============================================================================

Media Contact:

Jayshree Kumar / Arantxa Gonsalves

Corporate Communications – Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL)

Mobile: +91 9769286661 /9820336890

Email: jayshree.kumar@zee.esselgroup.com / arantxa.gonsalves@zee.esselgroup.com

Ben 10’s launch this month on FTA channels extends cartoon’s intergalactic reach

 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (April 26, 2017) – Ben 10, Cartoon Network’s biggest ever franchise, is extending its reach across multiple platforms and into more Australian and New Zealand homes this month with new free-to-air partnerships.

 

New agreements with 9Go! and TVNZ2 complement its existing distribution on pay-TV and SVOD platforms including Foxtel, Stan, Fetch and Sky New Zealand. Ben 10 is also available through the Cartoon Network Watch and Play app.

 

Robi Stanton, Turner’s General Manager for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, said: “Ben 10 has always been big, but these deals catapult the series to new heights. It returned to screens in this region in late 2016 and reminded us of the show’s fun and adventure. With these distribution deals now in place, Ben Tennyson, along with his sister Gwen and Grandpa Max, is all set to entertain even more kids and families than ever before.”

 

The series kicked off with a feature in Kids WB on April 15 and is currently airing on weekdays from April 17 on 9Go! in Australia, and on weekdays from April 12 on TVNZ2 in New Zealand.

 

Ahead of its June debut, expectations are high for the launch of the full collection of Ben 10 toys. Cartoon Network won “2017 Action Toy of the Year” with its new Rust Bucket toy at the annual Toy Fair Gala Dinner in Melbourne last month. The range is predicted to be a huge favourite this year for boys.

 

-ENDS-

 

Get a taster of the unique brand of comedy, action and adventure that only Ben 10 can provide:

https://youtu.be/_qss2A1XNpQ?list=PL258poKABt5VcbGzvOmS80ZVizviiEpjq

 

 

James Moore Director · Communications · Asia Pacific Turner International Asia Pacific Limited 36/F Oxford House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong T: +852 3128 3720   M: +852 6323 7550   This email and any attachment is intended only for the addressee and may be confidential, legally privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure. If it has been sent to you in error, please delete it and notify us, and do not copy or disclose the contents of this email and any attachment to any other person. Please consider the environment before printing this email.

– Content partnership with VS Media to launch short-form digital video content brand called TAN BA

– Commercial deal with TABILABO to launch first premium video advertising solution in Japan across both digital and linear platforms

 

Singapore, 26 April 2017: Discovery Networks Asia Pacific today announced two new partnerships across Asia, with VS Media – a top MultiChannel Network (MCN) that super-serves digital natives in Greater China with more than 120 million subscribers and 320 million video views a month, and Tabilabo– one of the leading and rapidly growing digital media businesses in Japan.

 

These initiatives are in keeping with Discovery’s ambitions to transform and accelerate its big growth across Asia Pacific, by providing access to amazing content that is being truly customised for “mobile-first” millennial audiences.

 

Last August Discovery took a minority investment in VS Media. Together, they are now launching TAN BA, a unique digital brand solution specifically targeting millennials, that make up over a quarter of the Chinese population. TAN BA aims to deliver smart entertainment through highly customised short-form video content that stimulates curiosity and new learning every day. Content is sourced exclusively from Discovery’s extensive global catalogue and localised by VS Media to deliver an unrivalled short-form, digital-video solution with a multi-genre focus including Health & Wellness, Science & Technology, Travel & Lifestyle, Art & Fashion, History, and Nature. These specially crafted videos will be distributed across the most popular online / social platforms in China including Bilibili, Eyepitizer, Meipai, Miaopao, Pear Video, Penguin, QQ, Toutiao, WeChat, Weibo, and Youku as well as Facebook and YouTube across other markets in Asia.
Established in 2014, TABILABO is a rapidly expanding digital media business, which has over nine million monthly active users and delivers high quality lifestyle-centric content. TABILABO’s proven expertise in creating content that engages audiences across social and mobile platforms. The partnership between Discovery and TABILABO includes a commercial agreement that will enable collaboration to bring solutions to advertisers to reach their desired audience via true 360 opportunities across linear, digital, and on social platforms leveraging TABILABO’s innovative advertising technology and formats, and Discovery’s world-class stable of advertisers.

 

“I am thrilled to officially launch the first of many exciting initiatives with Discovery. Tan Ba delivers unique, highly engaging and truly compelling content in a breakthrough format – that has been developed with our local creators and designed specifically for digital savvy, millennial audiences,” said Ivy Wong, Founder & CEO, VS Media. “During beta testing, Tanba generated over 120 million unique views in less than a month with no marketing at all. The average views per video exceeded 2 million.  This is exciting, especially as we look to create new engagement opportunities for audiences and our valued sponsor communities.”

 

Shotaro Kushi, CEO, TABILABO said, “We are thrilled to partner with Discovery Networks to launch the industry’s first premium video advertising solution across both digital and linear platforms. Through this endeavor, we will be able to drive higher engagement amongst Japanese audiences by focusing on media brands and world-class content quality that cannot be realized only with digital–targeted marketing alone.”

 

“These exciting digital-first initiatives are the first steps in Discovery’s long-term strategy to accelerate our growth in Asia with digital at the core,” said Arthur Bastings, President & Managing Director, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific. “We are deeply committed to engaging more viewers across more screens than ever before, building our presence on new platforms and attracting young passionate communities that advertisers want to reach with unique branded content opportunities through VS Media and TABILABO’s extensive networks and strong base of millennial audiences.”

 

– END –

Watch the music video of the original song, Bu Ceng Hui Lai Guo (不曾回來過) here

SINGAPORE, 26 APRIL, 2017 – Since its premiere on 2 April, HBO Asia’s first Mandarin Original series, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC (#TheTeenagePsychic), has received positive ratings and rave reviews. Following the storylines of all the characters, be prepared for an emotional performance from the all-Taiwanese cast that rounds up the series. THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC’s final two episodes premieres back-to-back on Sunday, 30 April 2017, at 10pm (SIN) on HBO. Subtitled in English and Mandarin, the series is also available on HBO GO.

THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is HBO Asia’s first Taiwanese production and shot entirely on location in Taiwan. The six-episode series is a coming-of-age story that revolves around Xiao Zhen, played by Kuo Shu Yau (郭書瑤), who struggles with balancing the pressures of teenage life whilst meeting with the demands of her temple duties as a medium. Last Sunday’s fourth episode left off with Xiao Zhen and Ah Le’s (Kent Tsai 蔡凡熙) relationship deepening after Ah Le confides in her about his father’s absence and disappearance.

This Sunday’s two-episode finale begins with Xiao Zhen receiving tickets to Alice’s (Nana Lee 李千娜) comeback concert where Alice will be performing one of the two original songs composed for the series, Bu Ceng Hui Lai Guo (不曾回來過). Xiao Zhen and Ah Le arrange to go for the concert together as their first date, but is disrupted by a visit to the temple from Politician Zhao (Michael Huang 黃仲崑) and his wife. During this two-episode finale, the plot will present a surprising twist that will keep viewers at the edge of their seats.

Mr. Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia, says, “HBO Asia Originals have always been produced to tell a good story that will resonate across all our territories. We are very encouraged by the great feedback received so far for THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC which has exceeded our expectations on a story that is uniquely Taiwan and yet comes with a universal appeal.”

“The director, Chen Ho-Yu (陳和榆), did a fantastic job co-writing the scripts and in directing his first television series. The success of the series was a result of great teamwork from the production crew and cast in Taiwan,” adds Spink.

 The series’ entire Taiwanese cast include Kuo Shu Yau (郭書瑤) [Step Back To Glory (志氣); The Devil Game (劣人傳之詭計)], Kent Tsai (蔡凡熙) [Mon Mon Mon Monsters (報告老師！怪怪怪怪物！)], Chen Mu Yi (陳慕義) [Comes The Black Dog (黑狗來了)], Alina Cheng (鄭茵聲) [Love At Seventeen (我和我的十七歲)], Nana Lee (李千娜) [Youth Power (哇！陳怡君); One Million Star (超級星光大道)], Michael Huang (黃仲崑) [Wake Up (麻醉風暴)] and Sylvia Hsieh (謝翔雅) [You Light Up My Star (照亮我星球)].

 

THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is HBO Asia’s second Original production this year after the second season of HALFWORLDS, the dark action fantasy drama series set in Bangkok which premiered in January. A brand-new comedy series, SENT, set in Singapore will premiere later this year. Follow THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheTeenagePsychicHBO/, and join the conversation with #TheTeenagePsychic / #HBOAsia.

 

THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC’s two-episode finale will air on Sunday, 30 April 2017, at 10pm (SIN) on HBO, with an encore playtime on Wednesday, 3 May 2017, at 9pm (SIN). Subtitled in English and Mandarin, the series is also available on HBO GO.

 

#            #            #

 

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 produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia with six 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels: HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax and Red by HBO, internet streaming platform, HBO GO, subscription video on demand service, HBO On Demand, and in China, 鼎级剧场 (ding ji ju chang). HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in the region. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

 

About Public Television Service (PTS)

With the passage of the Public Television Act by the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation (PTS Foundation) was established as a non-profit foundation to operate the Public Television Service (PTS), which started broadcast on July 1, 1998. The chief objective of PTS is to establish a public service mass media system. As an independent public service broadcaster trust by the public, PTS aims to provide value-added quality programming services covering a wide range of categories to present the diversity and creativity in Taiwan.

 

About InFocus Asia (IFA)

IFA Media is one of Asia’s premier content producers, producing award-winning factual and drama that rates across the world. The company is headquartered in Singapore with four offices across the region (Bangkok, Beijing and Taipei).

 

HBO, Home Box Office and HBO Asia Originals are service marks of Home Box Office, Inc. THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is a service mark of HBO Pacific Partners, v.o.f.

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:cheryl.foong@hboasia.com

 

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

Premium British drama brand, BBC First will premiere as a block on the territory’s leading English GEC channel.

(Wednesday, 26 April 2017, Indonesia) … On the first day of Asia Pay TV Operators Summit (APOS) in Bali, Indonesia, BBC Worldwide announced a deal that will make award-winning and highly rated BBC dramas available to Zee Café’s viewers throughout India during prime time.

“We are very excited to be working with Zee Café, a leading channel in the English entertainment genre,” said Myleeta Aga, SVP South & South East Asia. “Through this BBC First block, discerning Indian viewers will now have access to top-rated, premium dramas from the BBC.  We are confident that the block will be popular with Zee Café’s viewers.”

The block will launch on Monday, June 26 and will air every week night at 10pm. It will give audiences access to some of the best BBC dramas – unforgettable stories that challenge, immerse and entertain, from a distinctly British perspective.

The Emmy-nominated Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond will kick off the block. The four-part action-packed drama starring Dominic Cooper explores the life of Ian Fleming, who created the James Bond icon in his spy novels. Zee Café viewers will also be able to catch SS-GB – set in 1941, history is turned on its head in this gripping and intelligent series adapted from Len Deighton’s bestselling thriller in which the Second World War’s Battle of Britain has ended in victory for Hitler’s Germany and the population of 1940s Britain struggles under Nazi occupation; as well as Doctor Foster – an award winning mystery-drama about  a trusted GP who sees her charmed life explode when she suspects her husband of an affair. Doctor Foster was the most watched new drama in the UK when it aired.

“Availability of premium British content has been limited thus far in India .Who better to  partner with other than the BBC to make quality shows from the region available to our viewers?” said Aparna Bhosle, Business Cluster Head, Premium & FTA GEC Channels, Zee Entertainment Enterprises. “The addition of the BBC First block will strengthen the channel’s proposition of the best of English language television programmes to its fans.”

In Asia, BBC First is also available as a SVOD channel in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong and as a block in Japan. It can also be accessed via BBC Player online at bbcplayer.com and as an app in Singapore and Malaysia

 
For more information, please contact:

 

Jeanne Leong

BBC Worldwide

Tel: +65 6849 5292

Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

 

Jessie Lim

BBC Worldwide

Tel: +65 6849 5295

Email: Jessie.Lim@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/.

 

bbcworldwide.com

twitter.com/bbcwpress

Viu hits 6 million active users, 50% growth in 4 months
Viu Originals provides exclusive and unique Asian premium content to viewers
PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, April 25, 2017 – Viu, a leading pan-regional OTT video service by PCCW Media, hit 6 million monthly active users (MAU) across its markets in March this year, representing a 50% growth from 4 million as of November 2016. Since launch in October 2015, Viu has been made available in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt and Bahrain.
Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director, PCCW Media Group, said, “We are excited with the rapid expansion of Viu around the region both in terms of the number of markets we serve as well as the speed of market penetration. It is indeed very encouraging to see the high engagement with our users who spend almost 100 minutes a day viewing their favourite content on Viu. This stickiness helps propel the business of our telco partners, benefits content providers, drives subscriptions and boosts the consumption of online advertisements for advertisers who leverage Viu’s regional platform to reach the Millennials who are more receptive to digital advertisements.”
Viu operates on a dual model of an ad-supported tier and a premium subscription tier of service. Renowned industry research company, Statista, recently published a study on revenue estimates of video subscription and online video advertising which showed strong CAGR of subscription and online video advertising revenue, reaffirming the merits of Viu’s two pronged monetization strategy – see Table 1.

Table 1: Revenue estimation of video subscription and online video advertising (2015 -2020)

                      2015 rev   2016 rev   2017 rev   2018 rev   2019 rev   2020 rev  15-20
                     (USD mil)  (USD mil)  (USD mil)  (USD mil)  (USD mil)  (USD mil)   CAGR
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----
Subscription (SVOD)        169        211        262        326        405        501  24.3%
                                 (↑24.8%)   (↑24.2%)   (↑24.4%)   (↑24.2%)   (↑23.7%)

Advertising (AVOD)         433        599        818      1,118      1,537      2,089  37.1% 
                                 (↑38.3%)   (↑36.6%)   (↑36.7%)   (↑37.5%)   (↑35.9%)

* Including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
Source: Digital Marketing Outlook, Statista
Ms. Lee added, “Benefiting from the overall market growth of online video consumption and based on a strong product and content proposition, Viu’s subscription and advertising revenue growth has exceeded the industry’s estimate of market growth.”

Viu Originals’ first and exclusive content holds strong appeal
As part of its ongoing quest to be the preferred OTT video entertainment platform in Asia, Viu is introducing Viu Originals as a creative initiative to further enhance user engagement, adding value for both telcos and advertisers.
Riding on PCCW Media’s extensive production expertise and experience, Viu offers viewers high quality Asian content with Viu Originals comprising Korean, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian productions.
In addition to compelling Korean programs which are popular with Asian audience, Viu Originals will feature vibrant, exclusive content including among others, Chinese drama and variety shows from ViuTV, Indian content, with recent releases of thrillers, dramas and comedies produced in collaboration with renowned Indian directors and premium Southeast Asian content for markets such as Indonesia.
“This collection of exciting original content will widen Viu’s appeal to users, enhancing the loyalty of viewers to subscriptions and engaging consumers for advertisers,” Ms Lee said.
Viu has entered into an agreement with SYS Productions in relation to the parties’ collaboration in producing a program under the Viu Originals initiative entitled “Song Ji Hyo’s Beauty Views”, which is to be hosted by a celebrity from a popular Korea variety show, Running Man. The program is set to attract millions of viewers who are already big fans of Korean shows.
This show marks a rare occasion that a famous Korean celebrity with mass appeal across Asia works with a regional OTT video platform in a production to share the latest fashion and lifestyle tips in Korea. With “Hallyu” Korean wave sweeping over Asia, this Viu Originals production is primed to be a runaway success.
Song Ji Hyo’s Beauty Views will provide a refreshing approach, offering viewers an immersive experience and insights into Korean beauty and lifestyle trends. The show is expected to be popular with viewers and may feature episodes in which Song will travel overseas with Viu, interact with fans and share her experience of the products along with insightful advice on the latest fashion and style trends in Korea.

About PCCW Media
The media group of PCCW is a leading, fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong.
The media group operates the leading pay-TV service in Hong Kong under the Now TV brand delivering both self-produced and licensed content to its customers using advanced IPTV technology. Now TV offers more than 190 linear channels of local, Asian and international programming. Its premium content can also be accessed on-demand and on the go via Now Player app. It is also a leading producer of Chinese language news, financial news and sports programming in addition to Asian infotainment content which complements its wide portfolio of licensed movie and international television content.

The media group is also engaged in the provision of over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region. In addition, MOOV is a hugely popular lossless music digital streaming service in Hong Kong.
Moreover, the media group operates one of Asia’s leading directories businesses under the Yellow Pages brand.
About PCCW Limited
PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008) is a global company headquartered in Hong Kong which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.
The Company holds a majority interest in the HKT Trust and HKT Limited, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider and leading operator in fixed-line, broadband and mobile communication services. HKT meets the needs of the Hong Kong public and local and international businesses with a wide range of services including local telephony, local data and broadband, international telecommunications, mobile, and other telecommunications businesses such as customer premises equipment sale, outsourcing, consulting, and contact centers.
PCCW also owns a fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong, PCCW Media. PCCW Media operates the largest local pay-TV operation, Now TV, and is engaged in the provision of over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region.
Through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, PCCW also operates a domestic free television service in Hong Kong.
Also wholly-owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong and mainland China.
In addition, PCCW holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and other overseas investments. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.
For further information, please contact:
Ivan Ho
PCCW
Tel: +852 2883-8747
Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com
Marina Leung
Magnus Muses Limited
Tel: +852 3951 0222 / +852 9203 6203
Email: Marina.leung@magnusmuses.com
Issued by PCCW Limited.

Global media services provider adds 8 channels to 91.5°E video neighbourhood

Kuala Lumpur, 25 April 2017 – MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“MEASAT”) announced that Encompass Digital Media (“Encompass”) is expanding their presence on MEASAT’s leading 91.5°E video neighbourhood.
Eight (8) more channels are now available from 91.5°E: HITS HD, KIX360 SD, Zee Sine SD, beIN Asia Pacific’s Indonesia feeds – beIN SPORTS 1, beIN SPORTS 2, beIN SPORTS 3, WAKUWAKU JAPAN SEA HD and WAKUWAKU JAPAN Taiwan HD, all of which are distributed to TV platforms in more than 100 countries across the Asia Pacific.
“Encompass is delighted to increase our video line-up in MEASAT’s 91.5°E video hotslot. With satellite still the preferred means for linear TV distribution for emerging markets, MEASAT and Encompass are working together to expand in this segment,” said Deepakjit Singh, Chief Innovation Officer, Encompass. “We look forward to continue growing with MEASAT in the years to come.”
“By strengthening our partnership, MEASAT and Encompass continue to increase compelling content for Asia Pacific audiences,” said Yau Chyong Lim, Chief Operating Officer, MEASAT. “Video continues to be MEASAT’s core focus and we will continue to grow this segment in cooperation with partners, content providers and channel operators.”
The 91.5°E prime video hot slot is home to the MEASAT-3, MEASAT-3a and MEASAT-3b satellites, forming the region’s strongest video neighbourhood. From 91.5°E, MEASAT supports broadcasters and DTH operators to distribute UHD, HD and SD channels to audiences across Asia, Australia, East Africa and South Eastern Europe.

 

About Encompass Digital Media
Encompass is a global technology services company focused on supporting TV networks, broadcasters, sports leagues and digital leaders with the delivery of their linear/nonlinear video content across television and digital platforms. Services include: global transmission and connectivity, channel playout, OTT/TV streaming and VOD, live events and disaster recovery. For more information, please visit www.encompass.tv, and follow us on social media – LinkedIn and Twitter.
Contact: Rajiv Sansanwal / +65 6548 0464 / rajiv.sansanwal@encompass.tv
About MEASAT
MEASAT is a premium supplier of communication and video services to leading broadcasters, Direct-To-Home (DTH) platforms and telecom operators. With capacity across six (6) communication satellites, MEASAT provides services to over 150 countries representing 80% of the world’s population across Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australia.
The MEASAT satellite fleet includes the state-of-the-art MEASAT-3, MEASAT-3a and MEASAT-3b satellites co-located at 91.5°E, supporting Asia’s premium DTH and video distribution neighbourhood; MEASAT-2 at 148.0°E; and, MEASAT-5 at 119.5°E. In Africa, the AFRICASAT-1a satellite at 46.0°E provides satellite capacity across the African continent with connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Malaysia and Singapore.
Working with a select group of world-class partners, MEASAT also provides a complete range of broadcast and telecommunications solutions. Services include UHD/HD and SD video play-out, video turnaround, co-location, uplinking, broadband and IP termination services. For more information, please visit www.measat.comAltho.
Contact: Ilham Bakti Adnan / +60 (3) 8213 2154 / ilham@measat.com

Paris, Las Vegas, 25 April 2017 – Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) is carrying out a far-reaching antenna seeding programme to allow broadcasters across the Americas to enhance their reach and cable operators to enrich their offer via Eutelsat’s premium video neighbourhoods at65° West and 113/117° West.

The programme is boosting opportunities for broadcasters to distribute their content and will further anchor the EUTELSAT 113 West A and EUTELSAT 117 West A satellites in Latin America’s cable market with 100% penetration of tier 1 and 2 operators, representing over 32 million homes. Through the same initiative, EUTELSAT 65 West A is poised to achieve 100% penetration of Brazilian cable operators, allowing Eutelsat’s key satellite for Brazil to reach over 18 million homes. Both programmes will be completed by the end of 2017.

These programmes will allow Eutelsat to further position itself in the Americas broadcasting market, where it already has significant reach. Key customers across these neighbourhoods include Televisa, Thema, and SPI.

Meet us at NAB to learn more about Eutelsat, booth SU3421.

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 39 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies.

Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location.

Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.

For more about Eutelsat please visit 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