Cartoon Network Enterprises Expands Licensing Portfolio in APAC

HONG KONG (5 January, 2012) – Cartoon Network Enterprises has kicked off the new year with the expansion of its Asia Pacific licensing portfolio featuring the launch of popular comedy properties. The line-up includes the award-winning hit series The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time with Finn and Jake and Regular Show to complement its hugely successful action/adventure franchises Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls.

Having sold over 350 million products in 2011, Cartoon Network Enterprise’s latest comedy property additions enhance licensing and merchandising opportunities for its partners in Asia. These span consumer products, home entertainment, publishing, promotional licensing and themed entertainment.

Dulce Lim-Chen, Vice President, Cartoon Network Enterprises Asia Pacific, said, “We’re really excited by our fresh line-up of vibrant comedy properties and content portfolio, and strong range of business lines. These quirky, dynamic and compelling characters are going beyond the screen and truly engaging with the daily lives of consumers.”

In addition to expanding its property portfolio, Cartoon Network Enterprises will be opening more branded environments across Asia Pacific including family entertainment centres, themed zones and learning spaces. In Korea, Cartoon Network Enterprises and YBM Sisa, the leader in English language education, partnered to launch several young children’s leadership playschools, “Learning Tree.” With three currently open in Korea and plans for more in the upcoming year, over a dozen learning centres are expected to be opened across the region by the end of 2012.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with each of our licensees to ensure they get all the support required for success: from new content and product development, to integrated marketing campaigns and network initiatives,” Ms. Lim-Chen said.

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, works towards driving long-term value for the Network and its properties such as Ben 10, Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Gwen, The Powerpuff Girls, Generator Rex, Toonix, The Amazing World of Gumball, Regular Show and Adventure Time with Finn and Jake. The division is specifically responsible for setting up new businesses leveraging the equity of the characters via consumer products, promotional licensing, home videos, interactive games, publishing, themed entertainment and events. Cartoon Network Enterprises works with a host of partners in the Asia-Pacific region, including Bandai, Mattel, Lego, D3 Publishers and Activision among others.

Cartoon Network is a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc., which is a member of Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc., a Time Warner company, in Asia. Time Warner is a major producer of news and entertainment products around the world and is a leading content provider in the basic cable industry.

CartoonNetworkAsia.com

For media enquiries:

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

Saban and Lionsgate in Asian pay-TV business with Celestial

23-12-2011 – Saban Capital Group and Lionsgate are joining with Celestial Pictures to launch Asian pay-TV operation Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE).

Based in Hong Kong, it will operate as an independent Asian media company, expanding into production and multi-platform distribution in the coming months.

CTE will encompass Celestial Movies, KIX and Thrill as well as Celestial Movies, Celestial Classic Movies and Celestial Movies On Demand. It aims to launch new channels in the future and will also license content from Celestial Pictures. Plus, CTE will also be the exclusive sales agent for all of Lionsgate’s content in Southeast Asia and China.

Read more at Rapid TV News http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/2011122318285/saban-and-lionsgate-in-asian-pay-tv-business-with-lionsgate.html#ixzz1hoUYcq7U

STAR MOVIES WILL BECOME FOX MOVIES PREMIUM ON JANUARY 1ST, 2012
In addition to the latest Hollywood blockbusters, FOX Movies Premium will also feature original series, live events, concerts and award-winning documentaries.

SINGAPORE, 22 DECEMBER 2011 – Subscribers to STAR Movies, one of Singapore‟s most popular pay-TV channels, will be treated to an even more rewarding TV experience with the channel‟s evolution into the new and exciting FOX Movies Premium.

FOX International Channels (FIC) announced today that starting on January 1st 2012, STAR Movies will become FOX Movies Premium (StarHub TV Ch 622). Subscribers of STAR Movies will experience a seamless transition on-air at the stroke of midnight on January 1st and usher in the New Year with an upgraded viewing experience on FOX Movies Premium. The new and improved channel will build on STAR Movies‟ success as one of the top destinations for Hollywood movies in Asia, leveraging on FIC‟s established relationships with movie studios, access to leading content and first-and-exclusive rights. Viewers will continue to get all the Hollywood blockbuster movies they love, but will also benefit from the channel‟s new line-up of original series, live events, concerts and award-winning documentaries.

FOX Movies Premium is a revolutionary new viewer-centric approach to the movie and entertainment channel, designed for a discerning audience who wants and expects more from Pay-TV. The channel will offer a diverse range of content that is carefully selected to suit and „stretch‟ the tastes of its viewers with the aim of keeping them ahead of the entertainment curve.

The new FOX Movies Premium channel will offer viewers the best of everything including the biggest Hollywood hits, series, live events, concerts and documentaries. In the month of January 2012, viewers can catch the movie blockbuster, TRON: LEGACY, as well as live telecasts of prestigious television and film awards shows such as the 69TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE® AWARDS and the 18TH SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS® on FOX Movies Premium.

“With FOX Movies Premium, we will deliver quality content together with added features that enhances a truly premium viewing experience and ultimately adds more value to Pay TV subscribers, “said Ms Yvonne Tay, Vice President and Territory Head of FOX International Channels Singapore.

Keen television viewers as well as existing StarHub subscribers can access the FOX Movies Pack which consists of the following five channels; FOX Movies Premium (StarHub TV Ch 622), FOX Movies Premium HD (StarHub TV Ch 662), FOX Movies Play (StarHub TV Ch 623), FOX Family Movies (StarHub TV Ch 624) and FOX Family Movies HD (StarHub TV Ch 663) at S$17.12 (inclusive of GST).

“StarHub is proud to partner FOX International Channels in the enhancement and rebranding of STAR Movies to FOX Movies Premium. In line with our commitment to delivering high-quality content, viewers will be able to catch the latest entertainment programmes in full High Definition glory,” said Ms Iris Wee, StarHub‟s Vice President of Home Solutions & Content.

With blockbuster first run and exclusive content and new features such as high-definition viewing, Dolby 5.1 surround-sound and FOX Movies Play, FOX Movies Premium will not only continue Star Movies‟ success as a top movie channel in Singapore but stands to take pay-TV viewing to the next level.

– END –

For more information (media only), please contact;

Tactic Public Relations
Diana Low
Consultant
DID: +65 6325 2365
Email: diana.low@sprg.com.sg

Viviane Then
Consultant
DID: +65 6325 8271
Email: viviane.then@sprg.com.sg

FOX International Channels (FIC)
Lee Yin Qi
Senior Executive, Marketing
Tel: +65 6325 3828
Email: yinqi.lee@sg.startv.com

About FOX International Channels

FOX International Channels (FIC) is News Corporation‟s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports and movie channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1 billion cumulative subscribers worldwide.

In Asia, FIC operates 26 channel brands including the FOX, STAR and National Geographic brands in 75 channel feeds across 14 markets, reaching more than 550 million cumulative subscribers in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. We have offices in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, India and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com.

ITV STUDIOS GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT’S POIROT AND MARPLE CONTINUE INVESTIGATIONS IN JAPAN WITH NHK

London, 19th December 2011 – ITV Studios Global Entertainment, ITV’s international distribution business, has shipped the latest series of its primetime dramas Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Agatha Christie’s Marple to NHK Japan it was announced today.

Scheduled to air on the NHK BS-Premium, a high definition satellite channel in 2012, the acquisition continues the national broadcaster’s long-term commitment to the two award-winning drama franchises based on Agatha Christie’s novels. NHK Japan has picked up a total of 12 TV movies including the recently launched twelfth series of Agatha Christie’s Poirot and the fourth and fifth series of Agatha Christie’s Marple.

Augustus Dulgaro, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, commented today, “This renewed deal with Japan’s main broadcaster is a fantastic example of the continued demand for high-quality UK produced drama in Asia. Both Poirot and Marple have performed very well for NHK over the years, achieving strong ratings and critical acclaim, and we are delighted to see these two legendary crime sleuths returning to entertain Japanese audiences with new murder mysteries in 2012″.

Series 12 sees world-famous fictional detective Hercule Poirot (David Suchet, The In-Laws, Henry VIII) return in one of the world’s most popular primetime television series, now watched in more than 200 territories worldwide. This latest 4 x 95′ series of Agatha Christie’s Poirot features guest performances by a stellar cast including Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Dame Eileen Atkins (Cranford) and Martin Shaw (Inspector George Gently).

Celebrated actress Julia McKenzie (Cranford, Notes On A Scandal) makes her debut in the role as Agatha Christie’s shrewd and inquisitive Miss Jane Marple in series four and five of Agatha Christie’s Marple. Murderers underestimate Miss Marple at their peril in these stunning 8 x 95′ mysteries, starring exceptional international casts including Matthew McFadyen (Pride & Prejudice), Benedict Cumberbatch (Atonement), Jemma Redgrave (Cold Blood) and Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous).

ITV1 and ITV Studios recently announced that Agatha Christie’s Marple has been recommissioned for a further three films and that production will commence on the remaining Poirot novels and short stories in 2012.

Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Agatha Christie’s Marple are both produced by ITV STUDIOS with WGBH Boston and Agatha Christie Ltd

For further information contact:

Tracey Jaques
ITV STUDIOS
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 156 7243
Email: tracey.jaques@itv.com

Debbie Lawrence
PR Agency
The Lippin Company Ltd
Telephone: +44 203 008 5406
Email: dlawrence@lippingroup.com

AsiaSat and THAICOM Sign Cooperation Agreement

Hong Kong/Bangkok, 15 December 2011 – Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) and Thaicom Public Company Limited (THAICOM), today announced the signing of a cooperation agreement to provide satellite services from the orbital location of 120 degrees East.

Under the agreement, the two companies will place an interim satellite at the 120 degrees East orbital slot, while a new satellite contracted with Space Systems/Loral will be launched in early 2014. AsiaSat and THAICOM will provide services on their portions of the new satellite under the name AsiaSat 6 and Thaicom 7 respectively. This cooperation will preserve the 120 degrees East orbital slot for Thailand and will provide additional broadcast, telecommunications and broadband services across the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our strategic cooperation with THAICOM allows AsiaSat to expand our inventory and to meet growing demand from the region,” said William Wade, President and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat.

“We are pleased to establish this new partnership with AsiaSat to cooperate on a satellite project that will preserve the orbital slot for Thailand at 120 degrees East, and fulfill the fast growing demand for quality satellite capacity from customers in our country and across the region,” said Suphajee Suthumpun, Chief Executive Officer of Thaicom.

AsiaSat 6/Thaicom 7 will have 28 high-power C-band transponders serving Asia and Australia.

# # #

About THAICOM Plc.

THAICOM PLC. founded on November 7, 1991, is a satellite and telecommunications operator with customers throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. Currently, the Company operates two THAICOM satellites at geostationary orbit. Thaicom 5 carries more than 400 television channels at its „hotbird. location of 78.5 degrees East while THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) can deliver broadband services to millions of users across 14 countries in Asia Pacific. THAICOM 6 is presently under construction and planned for launch in 2013 to serve the increasing demand for broadcast services. THAICOM is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) under the trade symbol “THCOM”. For more information, please visit the company.s website www.thaicom.net and www.ipstar.com.

AsiaSat and THAICOM Sign Cooperation Agreement – P2/2

About AsiaSat

AsiaSat, the leading regional satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world’s population with its four satellites, AsiaSat 3S at 105.5ºE, AsiaSat 4 at 122ºE, AsiaSat 5 at 100.5ºE and AsiaSat 7. The AsiaSat satellite fleet provides services to both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 500 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company’s satellites offering access to over 620 million TV households across the Asia-Pacific region. AsiaSat also provides telecommunications operators and end users services such as voice networks, private VSAT networks and broadband multimedia. AsiaSat has ordered two more satellites, AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8, planned to be launched by early 2014. It 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.

Media Inquiries:

Thaicom Public Company Limited
Ken Streutker, AVP, Investor Relations 
Tel : (662) 591 5072/3 
Email : kens@thaicom.net 

Piyanuch Sujpleum, Manager, PR
Tel : (662) 5912 5060 
Email : piyanucs@thaicom.net 

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited
Sabrina Cubbon, Vice President, Sales and Marketing 
Tel : (852) 2500 0899
Mobile : (852) 9097 1210 
Email : scubbon@asiasat.com

Winnie Pang, Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tel : (852) 2500 0880
Email : wpang@asiasat.com 

Travel Channel HD Expands Coverage in Asia Pacific with GlobeCast

SINGAPORE — Dec. 18, 2011 — GlobeCast and Travel Channel International announced today the launch of Travel Channel HD via the MEASAT-3 platform to reach homes across the Asia Pacific region. Travel Channel HD is an expansion of its current SD channel, which is also delivered via GlobeCast’s capacity on the MEASAT-3 satellite.

“Travel Channel is delighted with the support of GlobeCast in extending our channel offer to HD platforms and viewers across Asia. With our first HD affiliate in Taiwan, DishHD, already launched, we are close to inking further deals across the region. India, where Travel Channel has just received downlinking permission, is a particular target for our HD channel,” said Gerry Ritchie, Director of Business Development at Travel Channel.

Travel Channel now has significant HDTV broadcast capabilities in the Asian neighbourhood, reaching all key HD Pay-TV platforms in Asia, alongside GlobeCast’s other clients on MEASAT-3, such as Fox Crime, FX, Fashion One HD, National Geographic Channel HD, History Channel HD, National Geographic Wild HD, AXN HD (Korea and Asia), and TV5 Monde.

“It is an honour for GlobeCast to be involved in Travel Channel’s milestone, going from its SD launch to its HD channel after just a year. GlobeCast is proud to have played a role in this growth,” said Jason Ho, Director of Sales at GlobeCast Asia.

Travel Channel is the leading international travel broadcaster, providing an inspirational, informative and entertaining programme with a uniquely panaromic and objective perspective on travel experience. The channel provides practical advice in selecting and planning real holidays and at the same time allows viewers to enjoy and watch fascinating places from across the world.

# # #

Press Contacts:
Wall Street Communications – Marguerite Clark: marguerite@wallstcom.com
GlobeCast (New York) – Matthew Rosenstein: matthew.rosenstein@globecast.com
GlobeCast (Singapore) – Hani Sallim: haniati.sallim@globecast.com
GlobeCast (Paris) – Bazeli Mbo: bazeli.mbo@globecast.com
Travel Channel Press Contact – Andrew Wishart: andrew.wishart@travelchannel.co.uk

About Travel Channel

Launched in 1994, Travel Channel broadcasts in 121 countries in 21 languages across Asia Pac, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In Asia Pac the channel is currently available in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Korea, and Sri Lanka, and it will launch in Taiwan on December 2nd. Available via Measat 3 in both HD and SD.

Inspirational, informative and entertaining, Travel Channel presents a uniquely panoramic and objective perspective on the travel experience. Programmes transport viewers to every corner of the globe in every style of travel, from luxury getaways to off-the-beaten-track adventures. The channel’s core programming includes Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey, Essential, Journey into Wine, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, Travel Today and Cruise Today.

Travel Channel International Limited is an independent London-based company. More information is available at www.travelchanneltv.asia .

About GlobeCast (www.globecast.com )

A subsidiary of France Telecom/Orange, GlobeCast is a leading provider of media management and global content delivery services for broadcasters and content creators. With a secure fiber and satellite network connected to dozens of teleports, technical operations centres, and points-of-presence worldwide, GlobeCast manages and transports millions of hours of video and other rich media each year. An integrator of audiovisual technology and a full service provider, GlobeCast works with all the actors in the audiovisual chain from production companies to broadcasters, retail organizations, cinema chains, and more. The company provides on-site service from major news and sporting events for coverage in SD, HD, or even 3D. Present in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia, GlobeCast is also an expert in international television markets, and works with new and established broadcasters to reach and secure distribution with leading pay-TV operators around the world.