Irdeto Rights for China DRM with TEE integration is the first-ever hardware-protected ecosystem for China DRM that will give operators more control and confidence to launch premium content services

CHINA, CCBN, 22 March 2017 – Irdeto has announced the successful integration of Irdeto Rights for China DRM Hardware Profile with MStar Semiconductor, Inc.’s trusted execution environment (TEE) hardware for its chipsets equipped with the capability of Side Channel Resistance (SCR). This integration will give operators in China and content owners more control and confidence to launch premium content services, especially Hollywood studio early release and 4K/UHD content, and is the first hardware-protected ecosystem for China DRM in the industry. For this type of premium content, TEE integration with SCR is a mandatory requirement.

China’s appetite for premium content on smart TVs – either TV sets or set-top boxes with integrated internet features – is growing fast and it’s anticipated that the domestic market should continue to post healthy growth in the coming years. According to IHS, more than half of the TVs shipped globally in Q1 2016 were smart TVs, and this acceleration was led by China where four out of five TV sets had smart functionality.

“As demand for premium content increases among Chinese consumers, it is crucial for operators and content owners to deploy the right security that complies with Hollywood studios’ stringent requirements for 4K/UHD content,” said Wayne Tsai, Marketing Director, MStar. “We are proud to play a key role in the first-ever hardware-protected ecosystem for China DRM in partnership with Irdeto to protect operators and content owners’ premium content, and instill greater confidence for the studios and content providers to invest more in the Chinese market.”

“Our partnership with MStar will provide operators in China and content owners the highest form of security to protect premium 4K/UHD content. In doing so, we aim to facilitate the availability of premium content for the Chinese audience, which will boost the rapidly growing industry,” said Marco Xie, General Manager, China, Irdeto. “With a world-class level of security for delivery platforms, content owners can accelerate the release of new content and explore new business models to generate greater revenues from premium content offerings for the Chinese audience.”

As part of the Irdeto 360 security suite, Irdeto launched Irdeto Rights for China DRM, the first-ever Chinese government-approved and Hollywood studios-validated DRM solution last year. It is uniquely offered together with Irdeto TraceMark™ forensic watermarking and is fully compliant with the standards of The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China (SAPPRFT). With Irdeto’s support of the first hardware-protected ecosystem for China DRM, operators are able to securely offer consumers access to premium content.

 

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About Irdeto

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

 About MStar Semiconductor, Inc.

MStar Semiconductor, Inc. (“MStar”) is a world-class leader in Application Specific ICs (“ASIC”) with a focus on consumer electronic products and communication applications. MStar has established a strong brand and leadership position in LCD controller, analog and digital TV and set-top box by fully leveraging its core expertise of cutting-edge design capabilities, continuous innovation and premier customer-focused services.

Headquartered in Taiwan, MStar has a comprehensive global footprint of international R&D and customer support centers to provide a full range of total solutions for various consumer electronic applications.

For further information, please contact:

 

Crystal Kung

Account Manager, WE Communications

P: +65 303 8472

Email: ckung@we-worldwide.com

 

Katie Walsh

Director, Corporate Communications, Irdeto

Mobile: +1-603-738-9599

Email: Katherine.walsh@irdeto.com

 

Hong Kong, 21 March 2017 – Eurovision, the operational arm of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat), Asia’s leading satellite operator are pleased to announce an expansion of their partnership for use of multiple C-band transponders on AsiaSat 5 and a teleport service from AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong.

The C-band transponders will be used for occasional live sports and news transmissions in the Asia-Pacific region. They will also support permanent TV channel distribution in Asia for EBU Members and customers.

Eurovision and AsiaSat have partnered together since 1999 to deliver top quality sports events to broadcasters holding the rights in the Asia-Pacific region, including major football leagues and tournaments. The collaboration has recently expanded to 4K transmissions of major events successfully delivered to the international broadcasting community.

Over the years, AsiaSat’s space and ground facilities have been a key part of the Eurovision Global Network. Connecting AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong to the Eurovision FiNE (fibre network) allows Eurovision to provide enhanced value-added services, including equipment hosting, turnaround and uplink services to EBU Members and customers.

“We are very pleased to have this opportunity to continue working with our long-term partner Eurovision, expanding on our shared commitment to bring more value to our customers and their audiences through our ever strengthening partnership. AsiaSat is determined to stay at the forefront of technology to deliver the best global live sports content possible,” said Barrie Woolston, Chief Commercial Officer of AsiaSat.

“We are delighted to expand our collaboration with AsiaSat to deliver more global live sports events using advanced technology such as the 4K. Together we can enhance and offer Asian audiences a superior viewing experience and additional complementary services in the future,” said Graham Warren, Chief Operating Officer at Eurovision.

# # #

About Eurovision

Eurovision – the operating arm of the European Broadcasting Union – is the world’s leading producer and distributor of top-quality content spanning live sports and news events, entertainment, culture and music. From media rights to host broadcasting, from satellite and fibre distribution to production facilities and digital media, Eurovision is a specialist partner offering one-stop solutions via the world’s biggest broadcast network. Eurovision uniquely combines satellite and fibre know-how in a fully-managed environment complemented by wireless networks, which is outstanding for its reliability, expertise and commitment to the latest technology. For more information, please visit: Eurovision.net

 

About AsiaSat

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

A special week of coverage from March 20 and a 30-min special airs during March 24-28

‘Made In Japan’ often brings to mind meticulous design, cutting-edge technology and a long standing reputation built over generations of dedication. But today Japan is facing increasing competition on a global scale. CNN explores how Japanese companies are reaching new heights of innovation, to compete now and in the future. Meet the risk-takers, the dreamers, and next generation of leaders who are implementing cutting edge technology and championing innovation to set the new inspiration benchmark across global industries.

Hosted by CNN’s Tokyo-based correspondent Will Ripley, ‘Made In Japan’ will air on CNN International showcasing the best of Japan’s high-tech innovations across the industry spectrum. Highlights of CNN’s special coverage include:

High-Tech Retail – Rakuten is often referred to as “Japan’s Amazon,” but it wants to be a global tech giant. The e-retailer launched 20 years ago, today it is the highest-ranked Japanese company on Forbes’ list of “Most Innovative Companies.” CNN sees how Rakuten is leading the way to commercialize drone deliveries.

Bio-Tech – Euglena is smaller than the thickness of human hair. The microalgae grow in fresh water, and can survive in high concentrations of CO2. A Tokyo-based company named after this tiny organism became the first to commercially cultivate euglena for food in 2005. Now researchers are tapping its potential for a different kind of fuel. Euglena is set to break ground on Japan’s first algae biofuel refinery and hopes to help power planes by 2020.

Photography -Throughout its 83-year history, Fujifilm has worked to develop new technologies and diversify its business. It’s working to promote the use of mirrorless cameras and increase the appeal of instant cameras. And Fujifilm has managed to apply its core knowledge of photographic chemicals to develop a line of cosmetics. These creative shifts have helped the iconic company stay relevant in the age of smartphones where others have failed.

Vending Haven – Japan has more than five million vending machines which sell everything from a hot meal to fresh fruit. Dydo Drinco considers them as “vital retail outlets” that account for 80% of its sales. Dydo has been working to improve energy efficiency and increase customer loyalty. Find out how these machines are made and maintained, and what can be done to stand out in a sea of choices.

Luxury Golf – Founded in 1959, Honma has had its share of ups and downs. The company won fame for developing gold-plated golf clubs, but went bankrupt in 2005. Honma is now led by a Chinese businessman and looking to tee up new opportunities. Production remains based in Japan, where it’s viewed as an art that incorporates the latest technology.

 

Click here for more information:

‘Made In Japan’ microsite

Creative Trailer

More photos

 

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

Friday 24^th March at 1730 and 2330 HKT

Saturday 25^th March at 2000 HKT

Tuesday 28^th March at 1730 HKT

Wednesday 29^th March at 1130 HKT

 

-End-

 

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 425 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. CNN has 41 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is part of Turner, a Time Warner company.

Latest original content from Warner Bros. Animation – Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz and all-new Wacky Races – to make international debut on Boomerang from June

HONG KONG (March 21, 2017) – Turner has today revealed details of two highly-anticipated WB Animation original new series, Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz and Wacky Races.

They will join the line-up of iconic, contemporary animation for the company’s second flagship international kids channel Boomerang from June 2017. In the US, they will exclusively be shown on the recently-announced streaming subscription service.

Mark Eyers, Chief Content Office for Turner’s Kids Networks in Asia Pacific, said: “These two shows are top-quality additions to the Boomerang line-up in Australia and have the unique ability to delight and entertain all members of the family.”

Launching in June in Asia Pacific, Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz is an uplifting comedic fantasy based on the classic L. Frank Baum book series, and set soon after Dorothy and her friends have defeated the Wicked Witch of the West. Following the original story, Queen Ozma has appointed Dorothy the Princess of Emerald City and, practically born for the role, Dorothy tackles her royal duties with enthusiasm, bravery and farm girl feistiness.

It’s also a whole lot of responsibility, because Oz is pretty chaotic. There are Witches, Wizards, Munchkins, Flying Monkeys and a whole menagerie of mystical creatures. More often than not, magic falls into the wrong hands and that’s where Dorothy comes in!

As Princess of Emerald City, Dorothy feels responsible to rein in the chaos. She loves to track down whichever magical person, place, or thing is causing mischief in Oz and put a stop to it. It’s not always easy: make a mistake in Kansas and it’s usually not a big deal; make a mistake in Oz and a Wicked Witch or two come after you.

Then, in August, calling all racers back to the track, Wacky Races a full-engine overhaul of the Hanna-Barbera classic series that will see the return of everyone’s favourite racers and, of course, their wacky cars! Penelope Pitstop in the Compact Pussycat is the sassy Southern belle whose charm and intelligence make her a formidable racer, but most of the time she’s taking a detour to save the other racers.

Penelope’s best friend, Peter Perfect in the Turbo Terrific, has a big heart and an even bigger ego, which fuels his super positive “can-do” attitude. Meanwhile, in the Mean Machine, Dick Dastardly and his accomplice, Muttley, continue to stop at nothing to win the race by any means necessary. And if it’s bizarre, creepy, slimy or just plain weird, The Gruesome Twosome — Tiny and Bella — are either related to it or keep it in their “monster” truck, the Doombuggy.

Joining these familiar faces will be a whole new roster of racers ready to take to the track and race to strange and exotic locales around the world — and beyond! With new racers, new vehicles and spectacular new locations, Wacky Races is not just a tune-up, it’s a full-engine overhaul filled with fast-paced slapstick comedy, high-octane thrills and pure zany fun from start to finish.

Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz and Wacky Races join Boomerang’s portfolio of fun and funny, multi-generational shows, which include Warner Bros. Animation’s The Tom and Jerry Show, Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!, Bunnicula and Looney Tunes, new Boomerang Original production The Happos Family, as well as global and international acquisitions such as Grizzy and the Lemmings and Mr Bean: The Animated Series.

 

-Ends-

 

Press Contact:

James Moore, Turner Asia Pacific

+852 3128-3720 / james.moore@turner.com

 

About Boomerang International

Turner’s Boomerang is a 24-hour digital cable and satellite network offering the best in classic and contemporary animated entertainment. Boomerang targets boys and girls aged 4-7 and their families, offering an exciting mix of light-hearted and fun family favourite cartoons such as Scooby-Doo, The Tom and Jerry Show, Garfield, Inspector Gadget and Looney Tunes. Boomerang has localised services throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America where it is available in 25 languages in more than 100 countries and in over 126 million homes. Boomerang is a brand owned by Turner, a Time Warner company.

 

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, 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.

Luxembourg, 20 March 2017

Intelsat (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, today announced that Sentech, a leading broadcasting signal distributor in Africa, has extended and expanded its relationship with Intelsat to bolster delivery of media services in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sentech has been leveraging Ku-band services from Intelsat 20, located at 68.5˚ East, for decades to cost-effectively deliver Direct-to-Home (DTH) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services in South Africa. Sentech, which reaches 8.5 million TV households, has contracted additional services on Intelsat 20, Africa’s top video neighborhood, to power its growth in the region.

“As a world class signal distributor and communications provider, Sentech is always exploring avenues and pursuing relationships that will ensure quality broadcast services for South Africa,” said Mlamli Booi, CEO of Sentech, said. “The contracting of these additional services with Intelsat will allow Sentech to expand quality media services to the rest of the African continent.”

“Intelsat will continue to support Sentech in its efforts to be the leading distributor of content in Africa,” said Brian Jakins, Intelsat’s Vice President, Africa. “Satellite remains the best means for African broadcasters to reach the widest possible audience, and this agreement will enable Sentech to continue connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa.”

Supporting Resources:

• Intelsat Media Services: http://www2.intelsat.com/e/48312/solutions-media-/4wczkx/242988295

About Intelsat

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

About Sentech
Sentech is the backbone of the South African broadcast infrastructure and services, being the premier provider of electronic communications network services for the South African broadcasting and communications industry. The State-owned Company provides broadcast transmission services to the national broadcaster, mainstream and community television broadcasters, and over 150 Radio Stations country wide. Its infrastructure and data communications platforms also provide services to South Africa’s telecoms sector and mobile providers. The world class Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and universal access Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite platform service ensures access to Digital Television countrywide. The DTT network successfully covers 100% of country’s population through 84% reach via the DVB-T2 terrestrial network and the remaining 16% via the Satellite DTH network.  Sentech is now focused on developing and rolling out open-access multiscreen platforms that will enrich SA’s digital content distribution industry. More about Sentech: www.sentech.co.za

Luxembourg, 20 March 2017

Intelsat (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, today announced that Orion Express signed a multi-year extension with Intelsat for satellite services supporting direct-to-home (DTH) and media distribution services in Russia via the Intelsat 15 satellite.

Orion Express, a major satellite television provider and operator of the second largest DTH platform in Russia, uses multiple Ku-band transponders on Intelsat 15 and Horizons 2, co-located at 85º East, to deliver DTH services to customers and TV content to cable and IPTV head ends. Under the new agreement, Orion Express extended its use of Intelsat 15 well into the next decade and expanded its operations by consolidating services with Intelsat that had been with another satellite operator.

“The premium programming that Intelsat enables us to efficiently and reliably distribute, along with the ability to deliver regionalized content, has spurred the rapid growth of our DTH platform and media distribution services in Russia and neighboring CIS countries,” said Kirill Makhnovskiy, CEO of Orion Express. “The quality and the coverage provided by Intelsat 15 is enabling us to further expand our broadcast services and subscriber base.”

“This is another example of how Intelsat’s approach of working very closely with our customers to understand their business and their long-term growth strategy benefits our customers and Intelsat,” said Jean-Philippe Gillet, Intelsat’s Vice President and General Manager, Broadband. “This long-term commitment from Orion Express will strengthen the strategic position of 85° East as a major media hub for Russia and the CIS. The combination of Intelsat 15 and Horizons 2 will also strengthen Orion Express’ position and provide a robust and long-term growth capability to attract even more national and international broadcasters.”

Supporting Resources:

• Intelsat Media Services: http://www2.intelsat.com/e/48312/solutions-media-/4wczks/242986725

About Intelsat

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

About Orion Express
Orion Express, LLC has been working at the satellite TV market for 11 years (since 2005). The major activities of the company are delivery of satellite TV services to individual subscribers, placement of TV channels on satellites, TV channels maintenance and release, delivery of television content to cable networks. Nowadays Orion Express is the only one Russian operator that covers 100% of Russian territory and the CIS.  Orion Express broadcasts from Intelsat 15 (85 °E), Horizons 2 (85 ° E) and Express AM5 (140 ° E) satellites. The company holds the 3th place in TOP-5 of Russian Pay TV market and is at TOP-3 of the satellite TV market.

Orion Express Press Center: +7 (495) 741-81-01, ext. 1022; pr@orion-express.com

PCCW (SEHK: 0008) – HONG KONG, March 20, 2017 – PCCW Solutions, the IT services flagship of PCCW Limited, has been awarded the Market Leadership in Digital Technology at the Hong Kong Institute of Marketing (HKIM) Market Leadership Award 2016. The award demonstrates PCCW Solutions’ distinguished efforts and marketing achievements in driving digital technology.
The HKIM Market Leadership Award recognizes individuals and enterprises that, through effective marketing strategy, have integrated branding initiatives, and diversified communication campaigns, to increase market share, improve customer engagement, enhance brand awareness and raise the marketing standards in its respective industry in Hong Kong.
Dr. Michael Y. K. Chan, Honorary Chairman of HKIM, said, “We are pleased to present the market leadership award to PCCW Solutions in recognizing their distinguished contributions for the industry. As a leading IT services provider, PCCW Solutions goes beyond providing advanced digital solutions to accelerating the market adoption, offering consultancy to enterprises in optimizing the digital technology deployment for different marketing initiatives along the customer journey.”
Mr. Brian Groen, Senior Vice President, Digital, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, PCCW Solutions, said, “The award recognizes our commitment to deliver strong business benefits for our clients through the use of innovative digital solutions. This achievement will further drive us to develop more innovative digital marketing solutions in order to achieve client benefit and maintain our leading position.”
Mr. Groen added, “Digital technology is both the enabler and accelerator to open up new possibilities for both people and businesses. Enterprises should embrace digital evolution to help understand their clients better, deepen customer understanding and potentially unlock new revenue streams. PCCW Solutions strives to pursue innovation in assisting enterprises to meet the constantly changing market demand and enhance customer satisfaction.”
– # –
About PCCW Solutions
PCCW Solutions is the IT and business process outsourcing flagship of PCCW Limited, which also holds interests in telecommunications, media, property development and investment, and other businesses.
Responsible for a growing number of large-scale IT projects in the public and private sectors, PCCW Solutions holds a wealth of experience and expertise and is viewed as a major industry player in Greater China. To learn more about PCCW Solutions, please visit www.pccwsolutions.com

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 more information, please contact:
Ivan Ho PCCW Tel: +852 2883 8747 Email:
ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com
Issued by PCCW Limited.

17 March 2017.  From the “king” of the Iranian stage to the “star” of Afghan pop, from effervescent ballet to heartwarming drama – BBC Persian presents a glittering array of cultural entertainment as well as a fly-on-the-wall documentary for this year’s celebration of Norouz – the festival of spring equinox celebrating the beginning of New Year.

Taking off at 08.00GMT (11.30 Tehran Time, 12.30 Kabul Time, 04.00 ET) on Monday 20 March, the BBC Persian festive programming starts with the Norouz Show which will simultaneously run on the biggest Iranian music website, the BBC Persian partner station, Radio Javan, and, for the first time, will be rebroadcast by Afghanistan’s Yak TV.  Prerecorded in London, the 150-minute gala features:

• Persian pop legend, “king of stage” Ebi, singing live – following his announcement that his 50th anniversary this year will be the last for live performances.  In addition to his live appearance on the Norouz show, Ebi also has granted the BBC exclusive rights to broadcast one of his latest concerts at in the Microsoft Theatre in LA.  The beautifully produced three-hour concert is a rare opportunity for millions of fans in Iran to experience the concert atmosphere  – a chance they might not have had in nearly four decades Ebi has been performing outside the country (to air after the Norouz Show, at 10.30 GMT)
   

• Afghan pop diva, singer and songwriter – and one of the judges on the country’s equivalent of Pop Idol, Afghani Star – Aryana Sayeed who urges women with her lyrics to be strong and not to give up fighting for a better future
   

• Mamak Khadem, singer and composer, is known for bringing together folk music from around the world in her own, unique style.  This time she introduces her interpretations of music from Macedonian gypsies as well as Iranian Kurdish and Gilaki pieces
• Sami Beigi, the hugely popular Iranian pop sensation performs
• ‘Send to All’ – a game in which the ‘smart’ in smartphones takes on a whole new meaning as the Iranian showman, Sina Valiollah, sends a funny text to all his celebrity contacts and then reads some of the most extraordinary responses. Using the same trick, BBC Persian presenter Behzad gets some amazing replies, too
• Norouz Xrunner, gives the audience an opportunity to see the team of 12 BBC Persian journalists well out of their comfort zone, taking a mud challenge with some gruelling obstacles at Holme Pierrepont Country Park, home of UK’s National Water Sports Centre.

At 17.40 GMT (21.10 Tehran Time, 22.10 Kabul Time, 13.40 ET) on the same day, 20 March, BBC Persian will premiere the documentary, My Little Iran.  Directed and presented by BBC Persian’s Hassan Solhjoo, the film brings the stories of seven Iranian New Yorkers as, on 17 April every year, they join the ‘Persian Parade’ on Madison Avenue – a celebration of their culture and traditions in the heart of NYC, that attracts around 150,000 people.

On Wednesday 22 March, BBC Persian will bring its audiences a new two-hour ballet production from Tajikistan, Zaal and Roudabeh.  An epic love story based on Ferdowsi’s “Shahnameh” (Book of Kings) – the Persian heritage shared by Afghans, Iranians and Tajiks – it is given life in a new medium through the Tajikistan ballet performance for BBC Persian TV.

As the Norouz celebrations wrap up on Sunday 2 April, the BBC Persian TV audience will be treated to another premiere, The girl who fell in love with a wolf – a fairy tale, written and directed by the BBC Persian’s Alireza Mirasadullah.  With string puppets and shadow puppets played by MA students of London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, this visually ravishing show will charm audiences with its gentle narrative – and some dark humour.

Broadcast on BBC Persian TV, the Norouz programming between 20 March and 3 April will be available on demand via bbc.com/persian and channelled via the BBC Persian social-media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Telegram messenger service.

BBC Persian is part of BBC World Service.

 

Ends//

 

Please credit BBC if using any of the photos.

For more information, please contact:

BBC World Service Group Communications – Lala Najafova lala.najafova@bbc.co.uk

 

Notes to editors:

BBC World Service delivers news content around the world, on radio, TV and digital, reaching a weekly audience of 246 million. As part of BBC World Service, BBC Learning English teaches English to global audiences.  The BBC World Service Group operates around the world in 30 languages, on radio, TV and digital. The BBC attracts a weekly global news audience of 320 million people to its international news services including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel and bbc.com/news.