News

Myanmar Expands Relationship with Intelsat to Enhance and Accelerate National Network Infrastructure Deployment

Government, Media and Private Networks to Leverage Hybrid Solution to Expand Access to All of Myanmar by 2022

Luxembourg and Myanmar, 1 June 2018
Intelsat (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite communications, announced today that the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) of Myanmar has broadened its relationship with Intelsat to accelerate the deployment of the country’s wireless communications infrastructure in Myanmar.

The MOTC will utilize services on Intelsat 39, a Ku-and-C-band satellite which is scheduled to replace Intelsat 902 at 62° East in 2019. Under the new multi-year, multi-transponder agreement, Intelsat 39 will host both C- and Ku-band satellite services for Myanmarsat-2 which will enable the Government of Myanmar to significantly enhance its existing network as well as the networks of other mobile operators’ and media companies. This will advance the expansion of affordable, high-speed broadband and internet connectivity to government agencies, businesses and communities throughout the country. It will also support and advance the MOTC’s goal of ensuring that 95 percent of its population will have access to broadband connectivity by 2022.

U Chit Wai, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transport and Communications Union Minister’s Office, MOTC, said, “By expanding our relationship with Intelsat, the power and efficiencies generated by Intelsat’s Globalized Network fortifies our network infrastructure, expands broadband connectivity outside of Myanmar’s urban centers and enhances the educational, health, media and government services provided to the people of Myanmar. Our partnership with Intelsat ensures that businesses will have access to fast, sustainable, high-quality broadband connectivity to support expansion of the media, energy and banking sectors and spur further economic development across the country.”

By integrating satellite solutions into its own mobile networks, the MOTC will be able to dramatically increase its overall network bandwidth, speed and reliability as it expands 3G and 4G services into the more remote areas of Myanmar. In addition, it will satisfy e-government requirements and ensure that communities have access to a broad range of government services, including healthcare and education. The satellite will also provide critical e-banking services as well as distribute informative and entertaining content to viewers throughout Myanmar.

“To build a more digitally inclusive society, we need a fresh approach to solving broadband connectivity challenges,” said Stephen Spengler, Chief Executive Officer, Intelsat. “This requires greater cooperation between the public and private sectors and a hybrid network that seamlessly integrates and leverages the strengths of different technologies to extend the communications infrastructure beyond city centers. That is why we are excited to build upon our relationship with the MOTC. By integrating Intelsat’s next-generation solutions into existing networks, together, we can build a robust and resilient communications infrastructure that reaches everyone and further enhances the lives of the people of Myanmar.”

Supporting Resources:
• Intelsat Broadband Services: http://www2.intelsat.com/e/48312/solutions-data-telecoms-/6w45bp/339233870

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.

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Contact
Jason Bates
Media Communications Manager
jason.bates@intelsat.com
+1-703-559-7044

Celestial Tiger Entertainment Reteams with Hong Kong Tourism Board on Second Original Production on Action Channel KIX

The New Reality Series Extreme Ends to Star Celebrities from across Southeast Asia

Hong Kong (May 31, 2018) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today that it is collaborating once again with Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on a second original production to be shot in Hong Kong. The reality series, called Extreme Ends, will be shown on CTE’s top-rated action channel KIX. Prior to Extreme Ends, Hong Kong Tourism Board had collaborated with CTE to produce the original production The Ultimate BROcation.

Set in Hong Kong, Extreme Ends showcases the richness and diversity of the island, where travelers can experience the best of everything and discover Hong Kong like a local. The four-episode series, slated to begin production in July, will follow the adventures of four celebrities from four different Southeast Asian countries. Each celebrity will bring along his or her travel companion, be it their best friend, family member or colleague, to experience the “extreme” sides of Hong Kong. Each episode will feature a theme showcasing the compact variety, fascinating contrasts and non-stop intensity and distinctively trendy attributes of Hong Kong, which makes the city unique, memorable and instantly recognizable.

Casting has already begun in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, to identify celebrities with vibrant personalities, off-the-chart energy levels and a huge appetite for adventure.

“We are delighted that Hong Kong Tourism Board has come aboard once more to collaborate with us on an original idea that will put a different spin on travel shows,” said Andy Chang, Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales, Marketing and Original Productions, Celestial Tiger Entertainment. “With the success of our previous collaboration, we are certain Extreme Ends will show viewers across Asia a completely different side of Hong Kong, and perhaps, a different side of the celebrity cast, they have not seen before.”

“We are thrilled to produce another exciting and extremely entertaining destination series which goes beyond conventional travelogues,” said Betty Tsui, Vice President, Programming – KIX and Thrill, Celestial Tiger Entertainment. “For Extreme Ends, we plan to utilise different shooting techniques to demonstrate the extreme contrasts more dramatically. This ensures our action-loving and adventure-seeking KIX audience will see the most interesting extremes Hong Kong has to offer.”

“We are glad to partner Celestial Tiger Entertainment again, given the success of The Ultimate BROcation. Hong Kong remains as Southeast Asians’ destination of choice for its diversified dining options, shopping experiences, nightlife and events; as well as thrilling adventures overseeing breathtaking natural sceneries. The celebrities from the different Southeast Asian countries in the series will definitely bring new insights and inspire the audience to create their very own authentic experiences when they visit Hong Kong, and discover Hong Kong like a local,” said Raymond Chan, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board.

CTE’s previous collaboration with HKTB, The Ultimate BROcation, followed the adventures of four male celebrities from across Asia as they went on the ultimate holiday of every guy’s fantasy in Hong Kong. The reality series won its premiere timeslot against other regional English general entertainment (GE) channels in the Philippines and Malaysia among its targeted adult male pay TV audience*.

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*Source: Kantar Media (Philippines National). 14 Dec 2016, Wed 21:00-22:00; C&S Males/ C&S Males 20-39; ranked by average audience, across regional English GE channels (incl. AXN, Diva Universal, E!, Fox, Fox Crime, HITS, KIX, Lifetime, RTL-CBS, Sony Ch., Star World, SYFY, Tru TV, Universal Ch., Warner TV)
*Source: Kantar Media (Malaysia DTAM, Live data). 14 Dec 2016, Wed 21:05-22:05; Astro Males 20-39; ranked by average audience, across English GE channels (incl. AXN, AXN HD, Diva, Diva HD, E!, Fox HD, FX HD, Hits HD, ITV Choice, KIX HD, Lifetime HD, MTV, Star World, Star World HD)

Media Contact:
Pauline Poon
Celestial Tiger Entertainment
Marketing Communications Manager
T: 852 2239 6131
E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

Daphne Hi
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Manager, Public Relations
T: 65 6432 0110
E: daphne.hi@hktb.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; CCM, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; cHK, a general entertainment channel offering cool, chic, and contemporary celebrity-powered Hong Kong entertainment; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; MIAO MI, the Mandarin edutainment channel created for preschool kids across Asia; and THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel. 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.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and to enhance visitors’ experience once they arrive. For more information, please visit DiscoverHongKong.com.

11 OF DISCOVERY’S CHANNELS COULD DISAPPEAR FROM STARHUB’S PLATFORMS

– Subscribers might lose Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Asian Food Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel and HGTV Discovery Science, Discovery Asia, Eurosport, and Setanta
– Discovery is fighting for diversity of content and consumer choice in Singapore

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2018 – For more than 20 years, Discovery’s brands have informed and entertained Singapore viewers with the highest quality content about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. In Discovery’s recent negotiations with StarHub, we have unfortunately reached an impasse as StarHub is not prepared to pay fair value and have announced their decision to cease transmission of all 11 Discovery channels on their platform. All we are asking for is the equivalent of a cup of coffee per customer per month. We have a responsibility to now take the extraordinary step of informing our viewers that they may lose all the Discovery channels they are paying for on StarHub.

After June 30, StarHub subscribers will no longer be able to watch Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Asia, Eurosport and Setanta on both StarHub TV and streaming service StarHub Go, should a resolution not be met. Discovery’s expanded lifestyle offering – with the recent addition of HGTV, Asian Food Channel, Food Network, and Travel Channel to our portfolio – will also no longer be available on StarHub platforms after August 31. Discovery currently makes up a crucial part of the StarHub English PayTV space and dominates Lifestyle with its channels comprising a significant portion of the offering.

In Singapore, Discovery’s portfolio of channels reached over 1.3 million viewers in the past year, driven by the top five flagship channels – Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Asian Food Channel and HGTV. Despite a downward trend in overall English pay TV ratings (Jan 1-April 30 2018 vs Jan 1-Dec 31 2017), the combined Discovery portfolio showed a 10% increase in ratings this year, a strong indication that viewers are not just engaged with our channels but that our content resonates more than ever before. Viewership data also shows that our flagship channels have strong affinity with the core target audiences.

Shows like Fast ‘N’ Loud and Running Wild With Bear Grylls on Discovery Channel; Cake Boss and Say Yes To The Dress on TLC; Tanked and My Cat From Hell on Animal Planet; Property Brothers and Fixer Upper on HGTV; Family Kitchen With Sherson and Cooking For Love on Asian Food Channel are very popular and have garnered huge followings. Fans will undoubtedly be upset to lose their favourite shows, especially with the much-anticipated annual Shark Week coming up in July.

Despite StarHub’s announcement, we still hope to resume discussions so that StarHub viewers can continue to enjoy their much-loved shows from Discovery. In the meantime, fans can still watch Discovery’s channels on Singtel TV. Singtel subscribers currently enjoy Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Asia, Eve, DMAX, and Eurosport on other broadcast platforms in Singapore. In addition, a selection of Discovery programmes and previous seasons of hit series are available via Discovery Watch Now/Discovery Watch Now Binge on the Discovery Channel Asia website (www.discoverychannelasia.com).

This action is not one we take lightly and we apologise to all our loyal and passionate fans for the inconvenience. We encourage StarHub customers to voice support for their favourite Discovery channels and programmes by calling the StarHub Customer Service Hotline at 6820 1633.

For more information and updates, please visit KeepDiscovery.sg and follow @DiscoverySEAsia, @TLCsea, or @AnimalPlanetSEA on Facebook.

#KeepDiscovery

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About Discovery
Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps and Discovery Kids Play; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player and Motor Trend OnDemand; and digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media. Discovery’s portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Turbo/Velocity, Animal Planet, and Science Channel, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe. For more information, please visit www.corporate.discovery.com and follow @DiscoveryInc across social platforms.

BLUE ANT MEDIA ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW CARRIAGE DEALS FOR ZOOMOO IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

ZooMoo, a children’s nature broadcaster for preschoolers, is now available on over 10 platforms across Asia-Pacific

(Singapore – May 29, 2018)Blue Ant Media, an international content producer, distributor and channel operator, announced today new carriage deals for ZooMoo, a preschool nature channel for the Kids 2-7 category, across Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. The deals highlight ZooMoo’s ongoing expansion across Asia Pacific, now available on 10 platforms across the region.

A joint venture with DirectTV Latin America, an AT&T company, ZooMoo is comprised of over 500 hours of original content, combining spectacular wildlife footage with puppetry, animations and narration to create a unique viewing and learning experience for preschool viewers, aged 2-7.

The recent crop of deals, via Blue Ant Media’s Kids & Global Networks division, has seen ZooMoo expand its presence in Myanmar earlier this year via Canal+ Myanmar FG, a national pay TV service that operates in partnership with local media player Forever. The channel has also launched in Indonesia on K-Vision, a pay TV and satellite service provider; in Papua New Guinea on subscription television provider, Click TV; in Vietnam through a branded block with the country’s satellite digital television company, K+; and across the Philippines via Solar Entertainment’s new digital platform, EasyTV.

ZooMoo’s original programming is now airing across the region on multiple platforms including Fetch and the Seven Network in Australia; MNC Vision, First Media, and BIGTV in Indonesia; DhiraaguTV and Medianet in Maldives; and Digicel Play in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Nauru, Samoa and Tonga.

“It has remained our mission to deliver high quality programming to audiences across the region. We are also firm believers that stimulating children’s minds and opening their eyes about wildlife and conservation at an early age will make them good stewards of this planet. Our new partnerships with different platforms in Southeast Asia are vital to support ZooMoo’s ongoing expansion to engage with more audience and let them know more about wildlife and nature,” says Beatrice Lee, CEO, Blue Ant Media, Asia Pacific.

Blue Ant Media Asia Pacific is a wholly-owned subsidiary of international producer, distributor and channel operator, Blue Ant Media. The Blue Ant Media Asia Pacific channel portfolio includes Love Nature 4K, ZooMoo, Blue Ant Entertainment, Blue Ant Extreme and Arcade Cloud.

Blue Ant Media is a privately held, international content producer, distributor and channel operator. From our production houses around the world, we create content for multiple genres including factual, factual entertainment, short-form digital series and kids programming. Our distribution business, Blue Ant International, offers a catalogue of 3,000+ hours of content, including the largest 4K natural history offering on the market. Blue Ant Media’s international channel business offers a portfolio of media brands such as Love Nature (International), ZooMoo Networks (International), Smithsonian Channel Canada, BBC Earth (Canada), Blue Ant Entertainment (International), Blue Ant Extreme (International) and HGTV (New Zealand). Blue Ant Media is headquartered in Toronto, with operations in Los Angeles, Singapore, Auckland, Dunedin, London, Washington, Sydney, Beijing and Taipei. Blueantmedia.com. Follow us on: Twitter/LinkedIN/Instagram

# # #

Contact:
Kezia Romblon
Communications Manager, Blue Ant Media Asia Pacific

kezia.romblon@blueantmedia.com
+63 919 9997800

Hong Kong Customs take enforcement action against retail sellers of Illicit Streaming Devices (ISDs).

Eight persons arrested and charged with Copyright offences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Hong Kong, 28 May 2018 – As part of Operation Trojan Horse, Hong Kong Customs recently undertook a series of raids against four retail outlets in Sham Shui Po and Wan Chai. Over a two-day period (25-26 May 2018), Hong Kong Customs raided retail outlets and arrested four (4) shop owners and four (4) salespersons found to be selling pre-loaded TV boxes (also known as Illicit Streaming Devices – “ISDs”) which provide access to pirated movies and TV shows. The arrested persons were all charged with copyright offences. Over 350 ISDs were seized, including brands such as the Ubox, EVPad, BossTV, and Magic Box.

During a press conference today to announce the enforcement action, a Hong Kong Customs spokesperson said “Hong Kong Customs will continue to strengthen its searches at ISD shop hotspots, cracking down on those who sell devices that allow for the stealing of Pay TV channels. Whether the rights-holders are based locally or internationally, both are protected under the Copyright Ordinance. Customs wants to remind salespersons that selling circumvention devices, or providing circumvention services that allow users to watch Pay TV channels for free, is a serious offence”.

The Hong Kong Customs spokesperson went on to say that “Customs wants to urge consumers to watch Pay TV through legal avenues. Users of ISDs will not only face disconnections but also may have their private data stolen by malicious actors”.

Neil Gane, the General Manager of Cabsaa’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) said “We commend the great work of Hong Kong Customs in clamping down on syndicates who profit from the sale of Illicit Streaming Devices. The prevalence of ISDs in Hong Kong and across South East Asia is staggering. The criminals who sell ISDs, as well as those who operate the ISD networks and pirate websites, are profiting from the hard work of talented creators, seriously damaging the legitimate content ecosystem as well as exposing consumers to dangerous malware”. Gane also noted that the unprecedented growth in delivery of legal creative content over global broadband networks is being undermined by a surge in the sale of TV boxes with pre-loaded infringing applications.

Online video and broadband distribution has the potential to be a massive economic growth engine with analysts forecasting market growth of more than 20% over the next five years, benefiting consumers and creators of quality video content within Hong Kong and other Asian countries. But this growth potential is threatened by piracy.

In the past two years there have been many new roll-outs of online content services across the Asia Pacific region, by existing players as well as new ones. Unfortunately, the likelihood of success for legitimate online content suppliers is severely reduced by online access to pirated content via ISDs and streaming websites, resulting in the expectation of some consumers to get ‘something for nothing’.

“The illicit streaming device (ISD) ecosystem is impacting all businesses involved in the production and distribution of legitimate content”, said Louis Boswell, CEO of Casbaa. “That is why content producers, distributors and content platforms are coming together and forming associations such as Casbaa’s Coalition Against Piracy to combat this threat to their industry.”

Casbaa’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) includes leading video content creators and distributors in Asia. Members include: beIN Sports, Casbaa, The Walt Disney Company, Fox Networks Group, HBO Asia, NBCUniversal, Premier League, Turner Asia-Pacific, A&E Networks, Astro, BBC Worldwide, CANAL+, Cignal, La Liga, Media Partners Asia, National Basketball Association, PCCW Media, Singtel, Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, TVB, True Visions, TV5MONDE, and Viacom International Media Networks.

-ends-

About Casbaa

Casbaa is THE trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. Casbaa leads the fight against video piracy, publishes in-depth reports and hosts conferences and seminars aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

Contact Casbaa

For media contacts and additional background contact:

(Ms) Kay Bayliss
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
pr@casbaa.com

Celestial Tiger Entertainment Acquires First and Exclusive Rights to the Top Four Highest-grossing Chinese Movies of All Time

Hong Kong (May 24, 2018) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today that it has now secured first and exclusive pay TV rights to the top four highest-grossing movies of all time in China. The new deals include Operation Red Sea with Emperor Motion Pictures and Detective Chinatown Vol. 2. with mm2 Entertainment Pte Ltd. The deals also secured pay-per-view (PPV), video-on-demand (VOD) and over-the-top (OTT) rights for CTE’s channels in key Southeast Asia markets. Along with Wolf Warrior 2 and The Mermaid, CTE has now acquired all top four highest-grossing movies of all time in China with an accumulated box office gross of US$2.5 billion.

“We are so excited to secure rights to all top four highest-grossing Chinese movies of all time,” said Ofanny Choi, Executive Vice President, TV Networks, Celestial Tiger Entertainment. “Together with five exclusive output deals, we realize our commitment to deliver the biggest Chinese blockbusters and the biggest stars to our viewers across Southeast Asia.”

Directed by award-winning action director Dante Lam, Operation Red Sea stars Yi Zhang and Jiang Du. The movie, about a terrorist plot to obtain nuclear materials under the cover of a violent coup, showcases the deadly skill and precision of the Chinese elite assault team taking on the situation. Operation Red Sea is now the top second highest-grossing film of all time at the Chinese box office, with US$ 571 million in ticket sales, following Wolf Warrior 2 with over US$ 889 million.

Detective Chinatown Vol. 2, sequel of the hit comedy Detective Chinatown, is directed by Chen Sicheng and stars Wang Baoqiang and Liu Haoran. When the case of a New York Chinatown godfather’s missing son turns into a murder investigation, the detective duo (played by Wang and Liu) team up again to hunt down the killer with help from the International Detective Alliance. Detective Chinatown Vol. 2 is now the top third highest-grossing film of all-time in China with box office gross of US$ 532 million.

CTE has the highest number of exclusive output deals among Chinese movie channels in the region, including deals with renowned Hong Kong movie studios Distribution Workshop, Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia, Mega-Vision Project Workshop and Universe Entertainment.

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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; CCM, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; cHK, a general entertainment channel offering cool, chic, and contemporary celebrity-powered Hong Kong entertainment; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; MIAO MI, the Mandarin edutainment channel created for preschool kids across Asia; and THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel. 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.

Star India to have 17 different feeds for IPL finale

MUMBAI: Star India is amplifying the reach of Indian Premier League (IPL) finale with 17 different feeds. The broadcaster will also air the final match on Star Plus and Star Gold. It will also eight language feeds with the addition of Malayalam and Marathi feeds.

The finale will be aired across Star Sports’ bouquet of channels, Star Sports bouquet (Star Sports 1 English, Star Sports 1 HD English, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 HD Hindi, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Select SD English, Star Sports 1 Select HD English), Star Plus SD, Star Plus HD, Star Pravah SD, Star Pravah HD, Star Gold SD, Star Gold HD, Star Suvarna Plus, Star Maa Movies, Star Jalsha Movies, Asianet Movies.

Star Plus will telecast a two-hour prelude –‘Cricket Finals…Party to Banti hai’ hosted by Ranbir Kapoor followed by the final match. Other celebrities joining the party include Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandes, Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor.

Additionally, the new faces of Star Plus –Ravi Dubey, Radhey Gaurav Sareen, Kulfi Aakriti Sharma, Mariyam Deshna Dugad will also amplify the entertainment quotient of the finale. That’s not all this IPL has been literally rewarding for fans. By simply watching the matches on the Star TV network and while playing Watch’nPlay on Hotstar, viewers stand a chance to win an SUV and 10 lakh other prizes every match.

Star Pravah will carry the Marathi language broadcast for the first time in the history of the IPL with Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Swwapnil Joshi joining the celebrations on the channel while the Malayalam language feed will be broadcast on Asianet Movies.

The Dugout on Star Sports Select will continue to cater to core Cricket fans who want to stay ahead of the game, by taking viewers deep inside the game. The ball-by-ball coverage of the playoffs will entail predictive and prescriptive analysis – covering deep insights, rich data, and video analytics, demonstrations – by Dean Jones, Scott Styris, Anil Kumble, Kumar Sangakkara, Darren Sammy, Brett Lee, Mike Hesson etc.

The evening will reimagine the arena of sports broadcasting by bringing families from a wide range of demographics to witness the finale together, in a never-seen-before manner.

BBC News in Thai and Burmese on Thailand’s Khaosod

BBC’s news content in Thai and Burmese is now available via Thailand’s leading news website, Khaosod. Selected, daily updated stories from the BBC News Thai website, bbc.com/thai, and the BBC News Burmese website, bbc.com/burmese, appear on Khaosod’s Thai- and Burmese-language indexes.

BBC News Thai Editor, Nopporn Wong-Anan says: “I am delighted to see our news stories published on a respected website such as Khaosod. I hope that, thanks to this collaboration, new users in Thailand will be able to sample our journalism – from BBC News Thai and our colleagues at BBC News Burmese – and be informed by the BBC’s globally trusted news coverage.”

Executive Editor of Khaosod, Chumchan Chamniprasart, comments: “Khaosod is excited to enter a partnership with the BBC in disseminating news, articles and interviews with various viewpoints from BBC News Thai and BBC News Burmese in an age when vast amounts of information circulate. We are firm in our belief that, as accurate mainstream news sources, both Khaosod and BBC serve the public through journalism.”

BBC News Thai reaches around 1.6m people every week via its website bbc.com/thai and social platforms such as Facebook (with over 2.2m followers), Instagram and YouTube. The service covers national, regional and international politics, as well as business, culture, health, technology, science and entertainment, women’s issues and social affairs. BBC News Thai also carries material from BBC Learning English for Thai-speaking learners.

BBC News Burmese reaches a weekly audience of 6m via the website bbc.com/burmese, Facebook (with over 13.3m followers, more than a million of whom are in Thailand), Twitter and YouTube, daily radio broadcasts and a Monday to Friday TV news programme.

BBC New Thai and BBC News Burmese are part of the BBC World Service.

Ends//

For more information, please contact:

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

Satellite industry to enter operational phase of Crisis Connectivity Charter for support of global disaster relief

180518 - Eutelsat_Press Release
Eutelsat to leverage its global satellite resources and technical expertise to support Emergency Telecommunications Cluster’s response efforts

Paris, Luxembourg, 18 May 2018 – Members of the satellite community, including Eutelsat, signed yesterday contribution agreements with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), on behalf of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), stepping up their commitment to support global disaster relief. These contribution agreements are the final steps in operationalizing the Crisis Connectivity Charter signed in late 2015 between the EMEA Satellite Operators Association (ESOA), the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA) and the ETC. The Crisis Connectivity Charter signed by Eutelsat, Arabsat, Global Eagle, Hispasat, Inmarsat, Intelsat, SES, Thuraya and Yahsat, will help the humanitarian community by greatly enhancing their access to vital satellite-based communications when local networks are affected, destroyed or overloaded following disasters.

Under the contribution agreements, the Charter Signatories are now committing satellite equipment and capacity that will be dedicated for humanitarian purposes during emergency responses. The ETC, under the global leadership of WFP, will be able to activate the Charter when disaster strikes and identify which pre-planned solutions are immediately available for any given region and need in order to meet a 24-hour deployment timeline after a crisis. Eutelsat’s contribution agreement consists principally of pre-allocated bandwidth on four of its satellites across the globe, complemented on the ground by ready-to-deploy satellite kits.

Simon Gray, Eutelsat’s Vice President of Humanitarian Affairs and Coordinator for the Crisis Connectivity Charter, commented on this milestone: “The satellite industry is the first sector where such a unified effort has been undertaken to standardise disaster response on a global scale. Today, the UN has the unprecedented ability to immediately access the right equipment and capacity in order to re-establish communication where it is needed.”

180518 - Eutelsat_Press Release_2

Eutelsat has been actively involved with the humanitarian community for 25 years, sharing industry’s belief that satellite services play an important role in disaster relief. With the increasing number of protracted, complex emergencies and high demand for bandwidth, the commitments from the global satellite industry are timely and will be critical assets for the humanitarian community. The satellite industry’s contributions will enable Internet access during emergencies to support humanitarian operations including logistics, urgent medical care, food delivery and the coordination of relief efforts.The Charter Signatories have also provided training and capacity building for WFP and ETC partners’ field-staff on the installation and use of the satellite equipment to be deployed.

Since signing the Charter, satellite operators have been active on all continents supporting WFP, governments and NGOs during Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and in Haiti, Nepal and Vanuatu to name just a few. Via satellite they have enabled VOIP, WiFi and Internet Access to support supply logistics, urgent medical care and coordination of relief efforts.

About Eutelsat Communications
Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world’s leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Over 6,800 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat assembles 1,000 men and women from 44 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service.

Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).

For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com

Press
Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com
Christina Darvasi Tel: +52 55 2629 5847 cdarvasi@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

PCCW Media launches “Now E”, a brand new one-stop entertainment OTT platform

Easy • Entertainment • Everywhere

PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, May 17, 2018 – PCCW Media, a leading pan-Asia entertainment and media company, introduces Now E, a one-stop entertainment OTT platform with international and Asian dramas and movies, and world-class sports events, for viewers especially the Millennials to enjoy their favourite content anytime, anywhere with no strings attached.

Now E teams up with leading and exclusive content partners including HBO, MOViE MOViE, Now Baogu, Viu, and top international studios^, offering thousands of hours of premium content ranging from Hollywood blockbusters, US dramas, Asian movies and dramas, and variety shows. Also, sports fans can catch live action of world-class sports content on the same app, including the upcoming 2018 FIFA World CupTM and many more to come. Users can also access the latest Hollywood and Asian blockbusters and concerts on a pay-per-rent basis in July.

Now E will be available for download on Apple App Store and Google Play later this month. Each user can register up to five devices*, enjoy video viewing with two concurrent streams, and Airplay/Chromecast to TV. Now E can be accessed via smartphone, tablet, PC and the newly introduced Now E Android TV Box.

The Now E box is the first Google Android TV box offered by Hong Kong operator and will be first available through The Club, HKT’s unified loyalty and rewards program, as well as HKT and CSL Mobile retail outlets, enabling users to enjoy on TV screen their favourite content and download favourite games and TV apps from Google Play.

To meet the video consumption habit of the Millennials, Now E provides a ground-breaking and hassle-free pricing model, allowing users to subscribe the service by day, in addition to subscription by month or season.

Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media Group, said, “PCCW Media is very excited to add a new member to our media service family. Now E means “Easy• Entertainment•Everywhere” which will be a perfect fit for the individual with Millennial lifestyle. Today, modern viewers consume more online video than other audiences. They prefer watching online for greater flexibility and demand for personalized content. We are confident that Now E will stand out from the rest as the most preferred OTT service as Now E is a single OTT platform which provides exclusive Asian and international movies, dramas and world-class sports events.”

Registered users will enjoy a one-month free trial of the Entertainment Combo during the promotion period#. For more information about Now E, please visit www.nowe.com.

– # –

^ Appendix 1 for the details of Now E content available at launch.
* Appendix 2 for the key features of Now E.
# Appendix 3, 4 & 5 for the details of Now E pricing and promotion offers.

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Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media Group, and Mr. Derek Choi, Head of Pay-TV, unveil the Now E service.

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Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media Group (7th from left), Mr. Bruce Lam, Chief Marketing Officer of CSL Mobile (6th from left), Mr. Ringo Ng, Managing Director of HKT Consumer Group (6th from right), Mr. Derek Choi, Head of Pay-TV (7th from right), Ms. Teresa Ng, Head of Marketing (5th from right), together with celebrities kick off the Now E service.

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Now E service launch ceremony.

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 180 linear channels and on demand library of local, Asian and international programming. Its premium content can also be accessed 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 OTT (over-the-top) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and over 15 markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India. In addition, MOOV is a hugely popular 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 OTT (over-the-top) 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

Stella Wong
PCCW
Tel: +852 2888 2253
Email: stella.wm.wong@pccw.com