News

Satellite Fleet Operators Protest Indian Tax Proposal

PARIS (April 5, 2012) — A group including many of the world’s biggest commercial satellite fleet operators has written the Indian government to protest a proposed new tax that would slap a 10 percent royalty fee on foreign satellite communications services and make the fee retroactive to cover the last 36 years.

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Shri Pranab Mukherjee, India’s minister of finance. Credit: World Econofmic Forum photo by Eric Miller

The group says the new tax, if approved by India’s parliament as part of a broad Indian government search for ways to reduce the government deficit, will cripple Indian broadcast and other communications at a time when India faces a shortage of domestic satellite bandwidth.

To view the complete article, please visit http://www.spacenews.com/policy/120405-sat-operators-protest-indian-tax.html

HK media mogul plans to sell Taiwan operation

April 7, 2012 – Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai (黎智英), a pioneer of animated news, plans to sell his Taiwanese business after allegedly suffering huge losses on the operation’s TV branch, a report said yesterday.

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Photo: AFP

The chairman of Hong Kong-listed Next Media Ltd (壹傳媒集團) has entrusted an unnamed investment bank with selling the business, which also includes the Apple Daily newspaper and Next Magazine, for US$500 million, the -Chinese-language China Times said.

To view the complete article, please visit http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2012/04/07/2003529708

Long March Rocket Delivers Apstar 7 Satellite to Orbit

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PARIS — APT Satellite Holdings of Hong Kong said April 1 its Apstar 7 telecommunications satellite, launched March 31 aboard a Chinese Long March 3B rocket, was healthy in orbit and in the coming weeks would replace the retiring Apstar 2R spacecraft at 76.5 degrees east.

Built by Thales Alenia Space of France and Italy and carrying 28 C-band and 28 Ku-band transponders, Apstar 7’s successful launch and in-orbit checkout will mean that APT will transfer ownership of Apstar 7B, still in construction, to China Satcom.

To view the full article, please visit http://www.spacenews.com/launch/120402-long-march-delivers-apstar-sat.html

Membership Growth for CASBAA

Hong Kong, 3 April 2012 – In recognition of its remit to increase the diversity of video distribution, CASBAA added seven companies to its membership roll in Q1 2012 as well as recording an upgrade to Patron Status.

Dutch Broadcast Solutions Specilist Exset joined as a Patron Member along with New Corporate Members including Japanese multichannel operator Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM), US satellite manufacturer Orbital Science Corporation and broadcaster Setanta Sports and a Fashion One TV upgrade to Patron Membership.

Further additions of India-based global communications provider Tata Communications, publishing and media company Haymarket Media Group and Swedish software systems supplier Accedo reflect CASBAA’s growing effectiveness as an industry representative within Asia and worldwide.

“While we are firmly rooted in the Asia Pacific, it is highly encouraging to see so many non-domestic companies recognizing the importance of the region,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO, CASBAA.

Exset is a Global Broadcast Technology and Solutions provider based in Holland with offices in the UK, Estonia and New Delhi, delivering  digital monetization and security solutions  to the global television industry. Exset’s philosphy extends to localization and partnerships reflecting social and economic factors as it works closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions through the most up to date technologies while maximizing returns on investment.

J:COM is Japan’s largest MSO providing cable television, high speed Internet access and telephony to customers throughout Japan.

Orbital is a developer and manufacturer of smaller space and launch systems, pioneering new classes of rockets, satellites and other space-based technologies.

Setanta Sports operates nine sports channels in 26 countries to over 30 million households. Specialising in rugby content in eight Asian markets, on ten platforms Setanta also distributes other sports genres.

Fashion One TV is a fashion and entertainment network broadcasting in 198 countries through free-to-air and direct-to-home satellites with over 300 new shows and 600 new clips each season.

Tata Communications delivers solutions to multi-national enterprises, service providers and Indian customers by leveraging its advanced solutions capabilities and domain expertise across its global and pan-India network.

Originally launched as a publishing and media company, Haymarket Media Group’s services now encompass business media, conferences, consumer media, customer media, exhibitions, forums and awards ceremonies.

As an enabler of Smart TV and IPTV applications, Accedo provides platforms, applications, tools and services to TV operators and other media companies, as well as to consumer electronics manufacturers as they deliver next-generation TV experience.

“Our newest members illustrate the global nature of multichannel TV and reinforce CASBAA’s commitment to promote the industry in both the local and global arena,” added Twiston Davies.

# # #

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia for the past two decades. Spanning 17 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 420 million connections through a footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung, PR & Communications Manager, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

Adela Chen, Director, Marketing & Communications, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1711
Email: adela@casbaa.com

London Calling and Planet Earth Live to air on BBC Worldwide channels

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Jana Bennett confirms commitment to staging ambitious global television events throuhout 2012
London Calling and Planet Earth Live to air on BBC Worldwide channels

03 April 2012: Jana Bennett, President Worldwide Networks and Global BBC iPlayer, today confirmed the network’s commitment to stage bold and ambitious global television events as she unveiled two new seasons for 2012 at MIPTV. London Calling and Planet Earth Live will run simultaneously across the BBC channels around the world, showcasing the very best of British programming and UK talent to the World.

As the eyes of the World turn to London this summer, the City of 2012 will be brought to life by the BBC through London Calling; a unique season of programmes that celebrate the music, fashion, art, culture and history of Britain’s capital city. The season will be led by live coverage from the spectacular Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Planet Earth Live is the biggest live wildlife broadcast ever undertaken by the BBC. It is an ambitious project which is the result of over ten years of innovation in techniques and formats at the BBC Natural History Unit.

Planet Earth Live, a unique and new project, will bring real animals and their everyday dramas to a global audience in real time. Viewers will witness first-hand these incredible animals’ struggle for survival in this animal soap opera, where nature writes the script.

Jana Bennett, said, “By creating synchronised broadcasts, we unite our viewers around the world and give them a real appointment to view. Ours is the only network in the world which can deliver such massive global moments to an international audience and is what made our coverage of The Royal Wedding last year so successful. This year I want to go bigger and bolder.”

“Planet Earth Live and London Calling will enable our audiences to feel part of a truly global viewing experience – whether it be witnessing the wonder of nature as it unfolds before them or revelling in the celebrations taking place across London without ever having to leave the comfort of their living room.”

The two new global events come hot on the heels of the first global viewing event of 2012 as BBC Worldwide gave an international stage to Sport Relief – one the UK’s biggest televised fundraising efforts. The special two week season culminated with Sport Relief Goes Global, a four-hour extravaganza featuring comedy highlights from the UK’s night of fundraising entertainment on BBC ONE.

London Calling will air between June and August2on BBC Entertainment (Africa, Poland, the Nordic Region, Asia, India, Latin America and the channel’s pan-European service3), BBC Knowledge (Africa, Poland, the Nordic Region, Italy, Asia and Australia), BBC HD (Latin America, Poland, The Nordic region and Turkey), UKTV (Australia and New Zealand) and BBC World News (global). The season will also be available to users of BBC.com and to users of the global BBC iPlayer but will vary territory by territory.

Airing on BBC ONE in the UK, Planet Earth Live will air simultaneously4 to a global audience via BBC Knowledge (Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Poland, Italy, the Nordic Region) BBC Entertainment (India), BBC HD (Latin America) and in a selection of European countries on the global BBC iPlayer. The event excludes the US.

More information on London Calling

Live coverage from the stunning Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations – Thames River Pagent, BBC concert from Buckingham Palace and Thanksgiving Service & Royal Procession – will lead the superlative programming line-up for London Calling. The event coverage will come directly from BBC ONE in the UK and streamed live to viewers across the globe.

Andrew Marr presents a definitive analysis of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign with exclusive interviews with members of the Royal family including Princes William and Harry, The Duke of York and the Princess Royal in Diamond Queen, and uplifting drama Going for Gold- the ’48 games which stars Matt Smith (Doctor Who) as Bert Bushall one half of the gold medal-winning double sculls team that swept to Olympic glory against all the odds.

Viewers will also be invited to take a trip behind the scenes of the world’s oldest, biggest and busiest underground train network in The Tube1 and laugh-out-loud at the wickedly funny comedy Twenty Twelve which follows the fictional Olympics Deliverance team as they prepare for the London 2012 games. The season will also include the adventures of London’s most famous supersleuth, as Benedict Cumberbatch stars in BAFTA award-winning Sherlock.

BBC World News continues its unprecedented year-long focus on London through the London Calling season. World Olympic Dreams profiles 25 athletes drawn from across all five continents and competing in 20 different sports. This April Gold medallist Matthew Pinsent travels to Brazil – host to the Olympic Games in 2016 – where he meets a judo fighter, a boxer and four rugby players whose lives have been transformed from tragedy to triumph.

To celebrate London 2012, the Globe Theatre will stage every one of Shakespeare’s plays in a different language over six weeks between April and June. The festival concludes with a performance of The Comedy of Errors in Dari, from Afghanistan. Globe to Globe on BBC World News follows the theatre company’s journey – from the desperate search for actresses willing to risk persecution by taking part in Kabul, to rehearsals in India, and finally to the Globe’s stage, where they hope to challenge the global perception of Afghanistan.

Commenting on the London Calling season Jana Bennett said “In the 1960’s, Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and David Bailey put London at the heart of the Swinging Sixties; fifteen years ago there was Cool Britannia, and in 2012 the spotlight will focus firmly on London again. The BBC will be there, telling the story of a world-class city to a global audience”.

More information on Planet Earth Live

Planet Earth Live comes from the award winning natural history team behind the global phenomenon Frozen Planet, and is an epic live story following the critical life stages of some of the earth’s most charismatic animals.

Over the course of the series, the lives of the animals truly hang in the balance – from baby elephants in Kenya, black bears in Minnesota, Macaque monkeys in Sri Lanka and grey whales in the Pacific. Top Gear’s Richard Hammond will anchor live from Africa fulfilling his childhood dream and lifelong ambition to work with nature and Countryfile’s Julia Bradbury will be covering the action in North America.

Richard and Julia will be joined by a first-class team in wildlife camera crew and species experts, beaming in live from all around the world using real-time filming techniques, up-close HD wildlife footage and spectacular cinematography.

Tim Scoones, Executive producer for Planet Earth Live said: “Planet Earth Live combines the big landmark series the BBC’s natural history unit is world renowned for with live broadcasting, real time storytelling and digital innovation. I’m delighted to have the chance to show this unique series around the world.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Jeanne Leong
Senior Manager, Communications
Tel: +65 6849 5292
Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

Notes to Editors:
[1] The Tube is a Blast! Films production distributed by Zodiak Rights
2 Dates vary according to territory
3 BBC Entertainment’s pan-European service covers Central and Eastern Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and a number of Western European markets
4 Dates and times vary according to territory

BBC Worldwide Channels is one of five core BBC Worldwide businesses. Formed in 2005, the business’ diverse portfolio of channel brands provides a global showcase for the best mix of British TV across factual, entertainment, children’s and lifestyle programming. The company is the UK’s leading international broadcaster, operating a network of localised channels that reach over 300 million homes in more than 100 countries around the world.

BBC World News, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World News Ltd, a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies. BBC World News is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and over 300 million households and 1.8 million hotel rooms. The channel’s content is also available on 136 cruise ships, 40 airlines, 23 mobile phone networks and a number of major online platforms including bbc.com/news. For further information on how to receive BBC World News, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit bbc.com/tvschedule.

Membership Growth for CASBAA

Hong Kong, 3 April 2012 – In recognition of its remit to increase the diversity of video distribution, CASBAA added seven companies to its membership roll in Q1 2012 as well as recording an upgrade to Patron Status.

Dutch Broadcast Solutions Specilist Exset joined as a Patron Member along with New Corporate Members including Japanese multichannel operator Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM), US satellite manufacturer Orbital Science Corporation and broadcaster Setanta Sports and a Fashion One TV upgrade to Patron Membership.

Further additions of India-based global communications provider Tata Communications, publishing and media company Haymarket Media Group and Swedish software systems supplier Accedo reflect CASBAA’s growing effectiveness as an industry representative within Asia and worldwide.

“While we are firmly rooted in the Asia Pacific, it is highly encouraging to see so many non-domestic companies recognizing the importance of the region,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO, CASBAA.

Exset is a Global Broadcast Technology and Solutions provider based in Holland with offices in the UK, Estonia and New Delhi, delivering  digital monetization and security solutions  to the global television industry. Exset’s philosphy extends to localization and partnerships reflecting social and economic factors as it works closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions through the most up to date technologies while maximizing returns on investment.

J:COM is Japan’s largest MSO providing cable television, high speed Internet access and telephony to customers throughout Japan.

Orbital is a developer and manufacturer of smaller space and launch systems, pioneering new classes of rockets, satellites and other space-based technologies.

Setanta Sports operates nine sports channels in 26 countries to over 30 million households. Specialising in rugby content in eight Asian markets, on ten platforms Setanta also distributes other sports genres.

Fashion One TV is a fashion and entertainment network broadcasting in 198 countries through free-to-air and direct-to-home satellites with over 300 new shows and 600 new clips each season.

Tata Communications delivers solutions to multi-national enterprises, service providers and Indian customers by leveraging its advanced solutions capabilities and domain expertise across its global and pan-India network.

Originally launched as a publishing and media company, Haymarket Media Group’s services now encompass business media, conferences, consumer media, customer media, exhibitions, forums and awards ceremonies.

As an enabler of Smart TV and IPTV applications, Accedo provides platforms, applications, tools and services to TV operators and other media companies, as well as to consumer electronics manufacturers as they deliver next-generation TV experience.

“Our newest members illustrate the global nature of multichannel TV and reinforce CASBAA’s commitment to promote the industry in both the local and global arena,” added Twiston Davies.

# # #

About CASBAA – www.casbaa.com

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia for the past two decades. Spanning 17 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 420 million connections through a footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. The CASBAA mission is to promote the growth of multichannel TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices. To view the full list of CASBAA members please visit here.

For enquiries, please contact:

Desmond Chung, PR & Communications Manager, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1712
Email: desmond@casbaa.com

Adela Chen, Director, Marketing & Communications, CASBAA
Tel: +852 3929-1711
Email: adela@casbaa.com

MEASAT to Distribute EDGEsportHD

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EDGEsport HD – THE 26th HD CHANNEL ON MEASAT’S VIDEO NEIGHBOURHOOD

Kuala Lumpur, 30 March 2012 – MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“MEASAT”) announced today an agreement with Encompass Digital Media (“Encompass”) for the distribution of the EDGEsport HD channel via the MEASAT-3 satellite.

EDGEsport is the first 24-hour premium action sports channel launched to the Asian market by IMG Media, part of IMG Worldwide. The channel is aimed at the active and athletic urban young adults, featuring key sports disciplines such as surfing, snowboarding, BMX, mountain biking, skateboarding, supercross, skiing, base jumping, freestyle motocross and wakeboarding. The channel features films, documentaries, athletic profiles and biographies, lifestyle programming and magazine shows, all in High Definition.

“MEASAT is pleased to be working with Encompass to bring EDGEsport in high definition to audiences across Asia,” said Jarod Lopez, Senior Director, Sales and Marketing, MEASAT. “This high-octane sports channel is an exciting addition to the line-up of high quality HD sports channels on MEASAT.”

The MEASAT-3/3a satellites at 91.5°E supports MEASAT’s HD video neighbourhood consisting of a wide range of high quality HD channels including news, general entertainment, sports and factual programming. The slot will be further enhanced with the planned launch of MEASAT-3b satellite in 2014.

“With the addition of EDGEsport HD, MEASAT now has 26 HD channels on its video neighbourhood, leading the HD channels distribution in Asia,” added Lopez.

About MEASAT

MEASAT is a premium supplier of satellite communication services to leading international broadcasters, DTH platforms and telecom operators. With capacity across a fleet of five communications satellites, MEASAT is able to provide satellite services to over 145 countries representing 80% of the world’s population across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australia.

The MEASAT fleet includes the state of art MEASAT-3/3a satellites at 91.5°E which support Asia’s premium DTH and video distribution neighborhood. The MEASAT fleet will be further strengthened with the addition of AFRICASAT-1a at 46°E in Q4 2012 and MEASAT-3b at 91.5°E in Q4 2013.

Leveraging facilities at the MEASAT Teleport and Broadcast Centre, and working with a select group of world-class partners, MEASAT also provides a complete range of broadcast and telecommunications solutions. Services include 3D, high definition and standard definition video playout, video turnaround, co-location, uplinking, broadband and IP termination services.

For more information, please visit www.measat.com.

Contact:
Chan Ming Yang
MEASAT
+60 (3) 8213 2154
mingyang@measat.com

OTT will represent 17% of viewing in 2016

March 29, 2012 – In 2016, OTT video services on connected TV will represent 17 per cent of the total OTT market and 1 per cent of the global fixed video services market says French researcher IDATE.

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“In 2016, the VoD market for the TV will be dominated by Over-The-Top (OTT) offers. In Europe, we estimate the global market for OTT video services on connected TVs at 2.4 billion Euros in 2016, with Europe and North America representing respectively 17 per cent and 54 per cent”, says Jacques Bajon. “Managed network players – cable and IPTV providers, for instance – are holding one of the key drivers for the Connected TV market development. They can continue their strategy of service distribution or open massively their networks to over-the-top services giving a boost to their commercial offers.”

To view the complete article, please visit http://advanced-television.com/index.php/2012/03/26/ott-will-represent-17-of-viewing-in-2016/

Eutelsat hybrid TV services using HbbTV standard go live in Germany

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‘KabelKiosk choice’ now combining linear TV with web-based content for cable homes

Paris, 29 March 2012 – The blending of traditional TV channels with Internet content is now possible for cable homes in Germany using the ‘KabelKiosk choice’ service based on the HbbTV standard developed by the German subsidiary of Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL).

With ‘KabelKiosk choice’, Eutelsat’s KabelKiosk platform is evolving beyond its first phase as a programme delivery solution for independent cable operators. The launch of an interactive portal is fully in step with how viewers are progressively enhancing linear channels with on-demand information. For broadcasters, network operators and content providers it offers new opportunities to extend the reach of linear and non-linear content, and to generate new revenues.

Services available through ‘KabelKiosk choice’ include VOD, catch-up TV, access to news portals and local information. Users access this portfolio of interactive solutions via set-top boxes or a connected TV supporting HbbTV. An extension to tablets and smartphones is being developed to expand services to mobile devices.

Eutelsat is accelerating user access to HbbTV services with ‘KabelKiosk choice’ by removing the requirement for operators to make significant investments in their own service platforms and infrastructure. the service works as a white label to enable operators to provide and market the portal under their own brand. They can also create their own sites with local news, RSS feeds, clips and promotions. Using an integrated Content Management System, operators can also easily update content and applications.

For Marc Welinski, Marketing Director at Eutelsat: “Europe that sits at the heart of Eutelsat’s footprint is forecast to become the worldwide centre of excellence for long-term development of hybrid TV services. Our ambition, as a longstanding partner of linear TV broadcasters, is to remain ahead of the curve on how to bolt web-based services onto traditional TV. The ‘KabelKiosk choice’ service in Germany is just the beginning of a new generation of hybrid solutions that we plan to develop to support our clients – broadcasters, content providers and network operators – and their relationship with viewers.”

At a glance: Hybrid TV by Eutelsat with ‘KabelKiosk choice’

  • Bundling of satellite and terrestrial connections to offer traditional TV and on-demand services through the TV screen
  • VoD
  • Application services – news portals, catch-up TV …
  • Local services edited by network operators
  • EPGs
  • Tip guide
  • Red Button link
  • Media centres
  • White label approach

 

Engaged in the future of TV – Eutelsat at the Digital Minds Summit during MipCube

Eutelsat is sponsor of the, Eutelsat at the Digital Minds Summit during MipCube in Cannes on 31 March. The Digital Minds Summit will gather some of the world’s most influential figures from digital production companies, broadcasters, online platforms, social media and tech companies to get to the bottom of the future of TV.

About Eutelsat Communications

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 28 satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world’s three leading satellite operators in terms of revenues. As of 31 December 2011, Eutelsat’s satellites were broadcasting more than 4,150 television channels. More than 1,100 channels are broadcast via its HOT BIRD video neighbourhood at 13 degrees East alone which serves over 120 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Group’s satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat’s broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates access to high speed internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 700 commercial, technical and operational professionals from 30 countries.

www.eutelsat.com

For further information

Press
Vanessa O’Connor / Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 / voconnor@eutelsat.fr
Frédérique Gautier / Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 / fgautier@eutelsat.fr

Investors & Analysts
Lisa Finas / Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30 / investors@eutelsat-communications.com
Léonard Wapler / Tel: +33 1 53 98 31 07 / investors@eutelsat-communications.com

Turner Content Solutions Announces Diverse Slate for MIPTV

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Cannes, MIP TV, 29 March 2012 – Turner Broadcasting’s branded syndication arm, Turner Content Solutions is bringing a raft of new programming and a wide variety of entertainment genres to this year’s MIPTV and MIPDoc. Turner’s diverse slate includes drama, comedy, kids, reality, lifestyle, movies and documentaries, featuring quality home-grown shows from around the globe.

First viewings can be seen at Turner’s MIPTV stand (R28.02) where the pick of the programmes have been uploaded on www.TurnerContentSolutions.com and print catalogues.

Kids’ TV highlights for MIPTV include the current Ben 10 series and the latest cycle new for 2012: Ben 10: Omniverse. Also available for intergalactic syndication is Ben 10’s first made-for-television CGI-animated movie-length feature Ben 10TM – Destroy All Aliens. Other highlights on offer are the multi award-winning The Amazing World of Gumball, which is into a second season, following the global success of the first. The much-anticipated new series of LazyTown is also under way, with the show’s creator, Magnus Scheving spearheading the project and a new series of Adventure Time, currently in production. All the other Cartoon Network Original favourites are also on offer at MIPTV 2012.

On Turner’s general entertainment slate at MIPTV is Mystery Night Movies– a collection of movie mystery thrillers from TNT, featuring A-list stars such as Anne Heche, Bill Pullman and John Corbett and based on best-selling crime novels.

Drama from Turkey features highly on the MIPTV slate – Memoli is based on the hero from the most popular Turkish police serial Yikan Hikayesi, while Valley of the Wolves is set in the dark world of gambling, drugs and weapon smuggling and the turbulent romantic drama series I Met a Woman features a woman forced to run from her past.

MIPDoc entries from Turner include programming from Asia Pacific – Tokyo Luxury Guide which explores how Tokyo’s traditional culture fits in with the luxurious modern city; AFI Masterclass: the Art of Collaboration which looks at the exciting partnership between Spielberg and composer John Williams. A Night at the Movies also features at MIPDoc – Turner Classic Movies’ fascinating look behind the scenes of Hollywood’s top cinematic genres.

From Latin America there are two new documentaries also available to screen at MIPDoc – Confessions of a Hit Man, a one-hour EMMY-nominated film detailing the shocking realities of the narcotraffic world in Mexico, and Traces, a series in which Diego Luna explores the ‘underworld’ of Latin America.

NonStop Sales, part of Turner Content Solutions, profiles Jussi Björling at MIPDoc, a film based on much-loved world-famous tenor, as well as new titles for MIPTV – Magic Silver 2: the Quest for the Mystic Horn, a feature-length sequel, Nymphs, a fantasy drama series based on the spirits featured in Greek mythology set in a futuristic world and Simon and the Oaks based on the novel by one of Sweden’s most renowned authors, Marianne Fredriksson.

Grace Chan, Executive Director, Syndication – Asia Pacific, Turner International Asia Pacific, said, “The market has been crying out for more good quality productions that tell great stories – whether that be an edge-of-your-seat made-for-TV movie adapted from a New York Times bestseller – or an award-winning documentary that gives us deep insight. And we now have an even bigger library of these stories to share.”

– more –

Also commenting on the wide variety of programming on offer at MIPTV Liisa Tikka, Sales Director EMEA said, “Turner is gearing up for a very busy MIPTV. Our kids’ catalogue features a slate of new shows – the new series of Ben 10: Omniverse and the highly anticipated new season of LazyTown, not to mention the hugely successful The Amazing World of Gumball. On the reality and drama side, we are showcasing some fantastic new truTV content such as The Wiener’s Circle, as well as a second season of Steven Spielberg’s Falling Skies. With such great new shows expectations for MIPTV are high.”

– ends –

About Turner Content Solutions Asia Pacific

Turner Content Solutions Asia Pacific is the syndication sales division of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. Drawing from Turner’s expansive multi-genre library, Turner Content Solutions offers content from the world’s leading 24-hour news network CNN International in addition to lifestyle and entertainment programs from Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Imagine TV, MondoTV, QTV, Tabi and truTV. Turner’s catalogue of syndicated content is available online at www.turnercontentsolutions.com.

For media enquiries:
James Moore
Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific
Tel: (852) 3128 3720
Email: james.moore@turner.com

Selected highlights of Turner Content Solutions’ MIP TV 2012 offerings

Adventure Time – 39 x 15′ – Finn (a 12-year-old boy) and Jake (a strange 28-year-old dog with magical powers) traverse the mystical land of Ooo – a colourful world built for adventure!

AFI MasterClass: the Art of Collaboration – 1 x 60′ – a collection of one-hour specials that provide a Film Studies 101 look at top cinematic genres.

The Amazing World of Gumball – 38 x 15′ – The Wattersons are a totally normal family. Dad is your regular 6’42 pink rabbit who stays at home while Mom works in a rainbow factory. Life just got weirder!

A Night at the Movies – 4 x 60′ – A fascinating collection of one-hour specials that provide a Film Studies 101 look behind the scenes at Hollywood’s top cinematic genres.

Ben 10: Omniverse – 10 x 30′ in 2012, 30 x 30′ in 2013 – Now an international mega-star super hero in Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Ben is armed with a more powerful new Omnitrix called the Ultimatrix.

Ben 10™ – Destroy All Aliens – 1 x 90′ – Ten-year-old Ben Tennyson is back. Struggling with everyday life, Ben joins the Total Alien Immersion training programme; but he crashes back to earth stuck in his alien forms battling an all-new enemy, Mechamorph Warrior.

Confessions of a Hit Man – Nominated for an Emmy International 2011 this documentary approaches the issue of narcotraffic and its violence from the point of view of its main players: the hitmen.

I’m Real – 6 x 60′ – Host Cho Yoon Hee travels to Japan, actress Shin Sae Kyung vacations in Hawaii and this year’s hottest actor, Song Joong Ki, talks about his real life as he travels to Tokyo.

Johnny Bravo Goes to Bollywood – 1 x 90′ – Johnny Bravo is back and he’s set to take over the Bollywood film industry. With the help of a secret hair gel that makes a person unbelievably irresistible, Johnny faces unscrupulous producers and dangerous thug assassins in his quest for the spotlight.

Jussi Björling – 1 x 60′ – World famous tenor Jussi Björling never turned into a diva. Despite his enormous success, in many ways he remained a shy boy. He sacrificed his health and possibly even his life for the sake of the music.

La Banda – 80 x 60′ – In an exclusive international boarding high-school, students form two rival music bands and the inevitable war for fame begins…

LazyTown 53 x 30′, LazyTown Extra 26 x 15′, Optimistic Stephanie, moves to LazyTown home to a zany mix of people, including the world’s laziest super-villain and Sportacus – a super-fit, slightly-above-average superhero!

Magic Silver 2: The Quest for the Mystic Horn – 1 x 83′ – Further adventures from Princess Bluerose and guardians of the Magic Silver – the power source that turns night into day. When it is stolen, the world is transformed into eternal night.

Memoli – 13 x 90′ – A spin-off drama featuring the hero of the most popular Turkish police serial Yikan Hikayesi – an urban cop on a mission with a complicated love life.

Mystery Night Movies– 7 x 90′ – Hollywood names include Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch and Anne Heche. In these made-for-TV thrillers, based on best-selling crime novelists including Patricia Cornwell and Richard Patterson.

A Night at the Movies – 4 x 60′ – A glittering collection of hour long specials including everything that’s great about cinema, while providing a Film Studies 101 look at top cinematic genres.

Simon and the Oaks – 1 x 90′ – A magnificent film about breaking with burdens of the past, based on the eponymous best-selling novel by one of Sweden’s most renowned authors, Marianne Fredriksson.

Tokyo Luxury Guide – 1 x 60′ – Tokyo: where fascinating traditional culture merges with luxurious modern fashion, dining, and architecture. Come experience this intriguing fusion, and enjoy the best quality and service in the world!

Traces – 10 x 60′ – Focusing on Latin America, the football business, climate weapons, deforestation, black oil, gold and plate mines and ephedrine are some of the topics Diego Luna will invite you to analyze.

Valley of the Wolves – 97 x 90′ – In a world of gambling, weapon smuggling and drug traffic, this drama series features a man brought up to be an operative against terror and his undercover fight against this corrupt organisation.

The Wiener’s Circle – 6 x 30′ – The Wieners Circle is a hot dog stand in Chicago, Illinois. It is famous for four things: its signature Chicago style hot dogs, hamburgers and cheese fries and the mutual verbal abuse between the employees and the customers during the late weekend hours.