News

Mega-Choice launches news and entertainment focused TV platform in Ghana with Eutelsat

Photo credit Istock Derrek Hires

Eutelsat Corporate – Jan 25, 2017 09:07 GMT

Accra, Paris, 25 January 2017 — Mega-Choice Digital Network, an associate company of Crystal TV, Ghana’s first private television network, today officialised the launch of its new Direct-to-Home TV service in Ghana at the International Summit on Content Management for Digital Broadcasting and Media taking place in Accra. A ten-year contract has been inked with Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) for capacity connected to the African service area of the EUTELSAT 16A satellite to support the launch of Mega-Choice that will feature well-known national and international channel brands.

Mega-Choice is focusing marketing of its new package to viewers in Ghana and will leverage the high power, premium coverage and popularity of EUTELSAT 16A to extend to other West African markets in a second phase. The new platform begins with a varied mix of free-to-air and pay channels and a strong accent on news and entertainment. The first channels – Aljazeera English, Crystal TV Prime, Crystal TV Xtra, Crystal TV Plus, Deutsche Welle, E TV Ghana, EWTN Africa & Asia, France 24 English, Narrow Gate TV, GMP Newsworld, CGTN, Paradise Music Channel, Metro TV and many others will be available to homes as Free-to-Air and Free-to-View programmes while Filmbox Africa, Filmbox Arthouse, Filmbox Action, Fightbox HD, Docubox, FashionBox, Fast & Fun Box, Madscreen Box, 360 Tunebox, Homeland TV, AMNET, Junior World TV and other premium channels including VOD content will be offered as pay-TV content.

Mega-Choice Group Chairman, Dr. Chief Crystal-Djirackor, said: “Eutelsat’s commitment towards the rollout of the Mega-Choice broadcast platform is beyond comparison. Eutelsat has made our journey to space with our broadcast services, very smooth and less challenging. Relying on the rich experience and expertise of Eutelsat, Mega-Choice Digital Network can now guarantee the best of broadcasting services to its clients across sub-Saharan Africa, enriching the EUTELSAT 16A satellite neighbourhood with quality and compelling content.”

Michel Azibert , Chief Commercial and Development Officer of Eutelsat, added:“We are delighted to take our relationship with Mega-Choice to a new level with the launch of this new platform on EUTELSAT 16A and to be part of the team that will see Mega-Choice deliver on its promise of digital quality, channel diversity and strong African content.”

About Mega-Choice Digital Network

Mega-Choice Digital Network, an associate company of Crystal Radiovision Network (CRYSTAL TV), is operated as a Digital Satellite TV platform, providing Down-to-Home (DTH) broadcast services and in collaboration with Crystal TV, offers Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services to viewers in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa. Mega-Choice Digital employs the latest DVB-S2/T2 transmissions technology and has over 36 SD and HD free-to-air and pay-TV programs, with available space to accommodate other TV channels on its platform. With state-of-the-art playout facilities and uplink teleport services for content contributions and distributions; Mega-Choice Digital is poised to be the dominant network and service provider for broadcasters in Africa. With a selection of exciting, enchanting and world class entertainment and news information bouquets for everyone, Mega-Choice Digital is just irresistible.

Contact Mega-Choice in Accra at:

Press

Sarah Twinkle Djirackor   Tel: + 233 57 229 1675, + 233 57 229 1683

info@crystaltvghana.com

Technical & Operations

Prince Hari Crystal   Tel: + 233 57 229 1687

phc@crystaltvghana.com
About Eutelsat Communications

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

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

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

For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com

Press
Vanessa O’Connor Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com
Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com

Investors and analysts
Joanna Darlington Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 jdarlington@eutelsat.com
Cédric Pugni Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

 

Photo credit Istock Derrek Hires

January 2017

CASBAA Monthly header

With the Chinese New Year around the corner, on behalf of CASBAA’s Board of Directors and Executive Office, we wish you all a prosperous Year of the Fire Rooster!

Although none of us pretend to be feng shui masters, depending on who you ask, this year is expected to bring financial success, but also a lot of change.  And while people are expected to be more polite this year than they were during the Year of the Monkey, there will also be a need for clarity and quick decisions as the Fire Rooster Year progresses.  All of which is either positive, or negative, depending on your perspective!

But regardless of what the experts say the Rooster augurs, we hope that it brings nothing but the best to all of our Members and their families.  All of us in the Executive Office are committed to working closely with all our members in the year ahead, and we look forward to continued mutual success. Thank you again for your support, and 恭喜發財 —  Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Year in Review 2016

It is our great pleasure to share with you the annual CASBAA Year in Review 2016, which will provide an opportunity for all our members to connect and be informed in detail about CASBAA’s activities and achievements in the past year. An electronic copy is available for download here.

CASBAA’s submission to USTR on intellectual property protection

It’s that time of year again.   (No, not the holiday season…..)   The US Trade Representative has issued its annual request for comments on intellectual property protection throughout the world.   CASBAA submits an annual brief, representing our US member companies, about policies and practices in markets in our region.   (Nobody knows what policymaking in Washington will be like after the Administration changes on January 20th, but the process is mandated by law, so it continues in any case.)  Our brief is due on February 9th.   All members are welcome to submit views to CASBAA before the end of January; complaints and plaudits – if any – are both welcome.  And of course companies are also welcome to submit their own views to USTR, here’s the link for the information.

CASBAA OTT Summit 2017

Early Bird Rates End 26th Jan

CASBAA’s annual OTT Summit will help you discover the impact of Over-The-Top video services on the future of TV. Industry experts from across the region and the world will delve into compelling issues and innovative case studies, including the transformation of the traditional media industry to digital, viewership trends, engaging with audiences through social media, OTT assembly line, distribution, viewer retention and advertising. Take a journey from content to commerce, study the relationship between venture capital and tech investment, and explore sustainable scalability for mass and niche channels on March 1 in Singapore. This Thursday is the last day to take advantage of the early bird rates: don’t let it slip by and register

here
.

CASBAA OTT Tech Showcase 2017

In conjunction with the OTT Summit, CASBAA will also host the OTT Tech Showcase 2017 on 28th February, which will focus on  “How to Capture & Keep the Paying Customer ”; “Consumer-Focused Content through the Cloud” and “Device Platforms for Premium Video”. Please click  here for event details. Register your interest with Mandy Tsui at mandy@casbaa.com / +852 3929 1728.

CASBAA collaborating with Indonesian Broadcasting Commission on regulatory policy

CASBAA is working with the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) on discussions of modern regulatory policy.  In a Jakarta meeting with CASBAA representatives on January 16, KPI Chairman Yuliandre Darwis invited CASBAA and member companies to attend/speak at an International Conference in late February that KPI would organize for the Islamic Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF). The KPI Chairman also welcomed CASBAA’s plans to organize an in-country seminar in Jakarta on TV regulation later this year; the two organizations are now exploring possible dates.

From left:

KPI chairman –
Yuliandre Darwis

CASBAA Resident Liaison in Jakarta – Bettina Cavenagh

CASBAA Chief Policy Officer – John Medeiros

KPI Chief Legal Adviser – Dr. Fredrich Yunadi

Head of Public Relations Planning and Cooperation Division – Mr. Umri.

CASBAA Next – Ask Me Anything

Beatles or Stones…Coke or Pepsi…boxers or briefs? These were just some of the questions that were covered in the first AMA (Ask Me Anything) hosted by the CASBAA Next Committee. On January 19, CASBAA Next members had a meeting/webinar with Turner’s President of Asia Pacific, Ricky Ow, for a private discussion. This new format proved very insightful as the Next members explored Ricky’s perspective on the state of the industry, where the business is heading, Turner’s plans and Ricky’s career advice for Next members. More AMA’s are planned for future Next meetings. BTW, only one question stumped him, Swiftie or Belieber?

CASBAA New Event Page

This month CASBAA will launch a redesigned, more viewer-friendly event mini-site, which will feature a new search-enabled layout and event-by-event navigation on the same panel, and will allow you to have a quick glance at upcoming events in a more eye-pleasing way. Furthermore, each event subpage will enable you to share its content on social media. So, Tweet, Share and keep your friends posted about industry events they can’t afford to miss. Do have a look and tell us what you think about the new event page!

Switch on with CASBAA and our Members’ video:

www.youtube.com/user/CASBAA

Upcoming Event

Feb 8 – 25th Convergence India

Feb 9 – CASBAA Regulatory and Anti-Piracy Group Webinar

Feb 15, 11a.m. – CASBAA OTT and Connected Media Group Webinar

Feb 28 – CASBAA OTT Tech Showcase (Singapore)

Mar 1 – CASBAA OTT Summit 2017 (Singapore)

Mar 2, 9.30a.m. – CASBAA Technical Advisory Group Webinar

Mar 3 – CASBAA OTT Roundtable (Mumbai)

May 22 – CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum (Singapore)

Jun 27 – CASBAA Taiwan in View (Taipei)

Aug 17 – CASBAA Philippines in View (Manila)

Sep – CASBAA India Forum (New Delhi)

Sep 6 – ContentAsia Production

Sep 7-8 – ContentAsia Summit

Nov 6-9 – CASBAA Convention 2017 (Macau)

WWE superstar John Cena to host “Nickelodeon’s 2017 Kids’ Choice Awards” airing in Asia on monday, 13 march

SINGAPORE, 25 JANUARY 2017 WWE Superstar, actor and television host John Cena is set to host Nickelodeon’s 2017 Kids’ Choice Awards, airing in Asia on Monday, 13 March at 10.30am (TH/WIB) and 11.30am (HK/MY/PH/SG), with a same-day encore at 4pm (TH/WIB) and 5pm (HK/MY/PH/SG). The only event where kids’ votes count and the biggest stars of the day line up to get slimed, Nickelodeon’s 2017 Kids’ Choice Awards will celebrate kids’ favourites from across the worlds of film, television, music, pop culture, animation and more. With stunts and surprises at every turn, the show will air from USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles and be seen by kids around the globe on Nickelodeon channels in more than 180 countries and territories. Additional Kids’ Choice Awards news, including categories and presenters, will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards is the biggest party for kids, and I’m so excited and honored to host this year’s show,” said Cena. “I have a lot of big surprises in store so bring on the slime!”

“John Cena’s energy and larger-than-life personality will bring the most excitement, comedy and fun to this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards,” said Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, Senior Vice President, Talent and Events for Nickelodeon.  “He’s a big kid at heart, and we can’t wait to give kids around the world a front row seat to this year’s show.”

Click HERE for John Cena’s bio.

While this will be Cena’s first time hosting the global show, he is beloved worldwide by the Nickelodeon family, having previously hosted Australia’s Kids’ Choice Awards in 2008, as well as undergoing a sliming at the first UK Kids’ Choice Awards.

The presenting international sponsor of the Kids’ Choice Awards 2017 is Smurfs: The Lost Village.

Nickelodeon’s 2017 Kids’ Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions.  Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz are executive producers.

 

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company’s portfolio includes television programming and production around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social initiatives. Nickelodeon’s brands reach 1.1 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 160 countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information about Nickelodeon in Asia, visit www.nick-asia.com.

# # #

 

Media Contact

Loh Bi Feng

Viacom International Media Networks

Manager, Communications, Southeast Asia

t: +65 6420 7154   m: +65 9002 9607

Twitter: @VIMNAsia_PR

Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards is the biggest party for kids, and I’m so excited and honored to host this year’s show. I have a lot of big surprises in store so bring on the slime!

John Cena

John Cena’s energy and larger-than-life personality will bring the most excitement, comedy and fun to this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards. He’s a big kid at heart, and we can’t wait to give kids around the world a front row seat to this year’s show.

Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, Senior Vice President, Talent and Events for Nickelodeon

AXN Tops 2016 Ratings in South East Asia Driven by The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, MacGyver and Quantico

SINGAPORE (January 25, 2017) – AXN dominated  2016 ratings among English general entertainment (GE) channels in South East Asia, maintaining its lead as the top channel in the genre collectively in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.

Securing a 26 per cent share during full day programming, and a 28 per cent share during prime time (6pm-1am) among 22 English GE channels across the three markets, AXN was buoyed by a strong mix of reality and drama series including the return of top rated The Amazing Race Asia season 5, a re-imagined premiere season of MacGyver and season 2 of Quantico featuring Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra.

“This year AXN celebrates 20 years of broadcasting in Asia and the channel continues to deliver on its original vision of providing smart and thrilling English entertainment to viewers across the region. AXN shaped the action and adventure genre in Asia, and pioneered successful pan-regional original productions including Asia’s Got Talent, The Amazing Race Asia and The Apprentice Asia. Looking ahead, we’re upping the ante with more exciting originals, including the highly anticipated return of Asia’s Got Talent,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Last year, AXN reached over eight million viewers every month in Malaysia and was the most watched English GE channel in the country, with over 1.5 times the rating of its closest competitor. Viewers in particular were captivated by thrill of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 ensuring the series consistently won its Thursday night timeslot in the English GE genre.

In the Philippines, Cash Cab Philippines, Asia’s only gameshow on wheels, fascinated AXN viewers as host Ryan Agoncillo quizzed unsuspecting passengers for prize money. The channel enjoyed the highest monthly reach of 3.8 million viewers among all English GE channels, and resonated particularly well with the affluent ABC1 audience as the highest rated English GE channel among them.

Viewers in Singapore continued their love affair with the genetically blessed crime-fighting crew from Hawaii 5-0 and FBI drama Quantico, making AXN the highest rated English GE channel on StarHub during prime time (6pm-1am) from August to December 2016, among both 4+ and affluent PMEB* viewers, according to SmarTAM. The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was highly popular, securing AXN’s top spot in its Thursday evening timeslot among all English GE channels.

Source: Kantar Media Malaysia DTAM (2016 data) / Kantar Media Philippine TAM service All Urban Panels (2016 data) / Singapore StarHub SmarTAM (Aug-Dec 2016 data), consolidated viewing activity, Target: Pay TV 4+, combined HD+SD rating for channels with same content on both services

English GE channels: AMC, AXN, Channel V, Comedy Central Asia, Diva Universal, E!, FOX, FOXCRIME, FX, HITS, ITV CHOICE, KIX, Lifetime, MTV, RTL CBS Extreme, RTL-CBS, Sony Channel, STAR World, SYFY, TRU TV, UNIVERSAL CHANNEL, Warner TV.

*PMEB refers to Professionals, Managers, Executives and Business Owners

Jennifer Doig

Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, English Content

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

10 Changi Business Park Central 2, #03-01

Hansapoint@CBP, Singapore 486030

T: 65 6622 4278  M: 65 9852 1459

a Sony Company

www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

Notice: This message is intended for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under law. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail or by telephone at (65) 6622 4278 and immediately destroy all copies of this message.

ZEE Entertainment Q3FY17 Earnings Release & Financial Statement

The Board of Directors of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) (BSE Code: 505537, NSE Code: ZEEL.EQ, Reuters Code: ZEE.NS, Bloomberg Code: Z IN) in its meeting held on January 24, 2017, has taken on record the unaudited consolidated financial results of ZEE and its subsidiaries for the quarter ended December 31, 2016.

Please find the Financial Results & Earnings Release for your reference and necessary use. Please let us know in case you require additional information on the same. The results are also available on the company’s website www.zeetelevision.com

RTL CBS Entertainment climbs to number three during primetime among general entertainment channels on cable TV in the Philippines

Manila, 23 January 2017 – RTL CBS Entertainment has climbed to the number three position during primetime (6pm to 10pm) in December 2016 among general entertainment (GE) cable TV channels in the Philippines, based on the latest data released by Nielsen last week.

RTL CBS Entertainment started the year 2016 placed eighth among GE channels, the channel’s increase in the ranking for primetime viewing last month is attributed to huge gains in key groups throughout the year among all cable TV channels in the Philippines.  In the Female viewer segment, the channel jumped 33 places higher, while it saw a 31-place leap in the Housewives viewer category. RTL CBS Entertainment also grew its young adults 13- to 19-year-old segment, leaping 39 places higher from the start of the year.

Among the top performing programs on the channel in December 2016 were Bull, The Odd Couple, Man With a Plan, Scorpion, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and Mat Franco’s Got Magic.

Now ranked third in primetime viewing among cable TV GE channels in the Philippines, RTL CBS Entertainment (launched October 2013) has overtaken the lead of older and well-established channels including Warner, StarWorld, Universal, E! and Jack TV for the coveted primetime slot.

Source: Nielsen TV Audience Measurement (coverage December 2016)

 

RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network

RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network is a venture of two of the world’s largest content producers: RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, content and digital, and CBS Studios International, the leading supplier of programming to the international market place. The Network has two channels: the general entertainment channel, RTL CBS Entertainment and the male-skewed entertainment channel, RTL CBS Extreme. Both channels are widely distributed in the Asia Pacific and are localized in five languages.

 

About RTL CBS Entertainment

The general entertainment channel with the best mix of reality, drama, comedy and daily programmes. It features shows aired express from the U.S. or U.K. including series Bull, Scorpion, House of Cards, Elementary and The Odd Couple; talent competitions Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor UK; dailies Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden. It is also home to some of the biggest award shows in the world. Aired live, these include The Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Music Awards, the People’s Choice Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

 

Contact:

Omar Gepiga

omar.gepiga@rtlcbsasia.com

+65 9770 0833

CTE Finishes 2016 with Stellar Ratings Across the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore

The Ultimate BROcation_jpgHONG KONG (January 24, 2017) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, ended 2016 on a high note with stellar ratings across its channels in key markets.  These stellar ratings give CTE the second most top-rated channels among all international channel providers in the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore respectively, and involve CTE’s full suite of live-action channels (Celestial Movies, Celestial Classic Movies, cHK, KIX and Thrill).

In the Philippines, CTE was second among international channel providers with the greatest number of channels in the top 30 [1].  For the second half of 2016, KIX, Thrill and Celestial Movies Pinoy all placed among the top 30 most-watched pay TV channels in the Philippines.  In addition, KIX, Thrill and Celestial Movies Pinoy hit their highest viewership ever in December [2]. The December ratings for the three channels grew by 29%, 77% and 69% respectively as compared to the previous five months [3].  Programmes such as CTE-produced reality show The Ultimate BROcation and combat sports series such as Lucha Underground on KIX, movies including A Christmas Horror Story on Thrill as well as Paris Holiday on Celestial Movies Pinoy helped hit a record-high in December.

In Malaysia, CTE is the number one international channel provider with the greatest number of top 20 channels watched by Astro Chinese 20+ and is tied for the #1 spot, with the greatest number of top 30 channels [4].  For the full year of 2016, CCM, CM and CM HD were the most-watched regional movie channels with Astro Chinese 20+ [5].  Meanwhile, among Astro 20+ viewers, KIX HD was the #1 English general entertainment (GE) channel in 2016 [6].

In Singapore, CTE ranked second among all international channel providers with the greatest number of reported channels in the top 30.  For the month of November and December in 2016, CM, CCM, cHK and KIX all placed within the top 30 most-watched pay TV channels among pay TV 20+ audiences [7].

– END –

Sources:

Kantar Media (National Philippines). Whole day.

[1] C&S 20+; Top 30 cable & satellite channels; counting excludes local channel provider(s); Jul-Dec 2016; ranked by average audience.

[2] since data availability in national panel (KIX & Thrill from June 2012/ CM Pinoy from May 2016); based on monthly audience.

[3] Dec 2016 vs. Jul-Nov 2016

Kantar Media (Malaysia DTAM). 2016; whole day; consolidated (as of Jan 4, 2017). Ranked by average audience on an individual channel basis.
[4] Astro Chinese 20+; Top 20/ Top 30 pay TV channels on Astro; counting excludes local channel provider(s)

[5] Astro Chinese 20+; Regional movie channels (incl. Celestial, Celestial HD, Celestial Classic, Cinemax, Fox Action HD, Fox Family HD, Fox Movies, Fox Movies HD, HBO, HBO HD, Sundance HD, TVB Classic Movies).

[6] Astro 20+; English GE channels (incl. AXN, AXN HD, Diva, Diva HD, E!, Fox HD, FX HD, Hits HD, ITV Choice, Lifetime, Lifetime HD, KIX HD, MTV, Star World, Star World HD)

SG-TAM. Nov-Dec 2016 (data as of Jan 17, 2017). Whole day.

[7] Pay TV 20+; Top 30 Pay TV channels; counting excludes local channel provider(s); ranked by average audiences on an individual reported pay TV channels basis.

 

Media Contact:

Pauline Poon

Celestial Tiger Entertainment

T: 852 2239 6131

E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a leading independent media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company creates and distributes branded pay television channels and services targeted at Asian consumers.
CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television services including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the premier 24-hour first-run Chinese movie channel in Asia and beyond; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; CELESTIAL MOVIES PINOY, the Chinese movie channel that is programmed, dubbed and promoted specifically to Filipino viewers; cHK, the Chinese entertainment channel offering the latest Hong Kong and other Asian blockbuster movies, alongside highly-anticipated Chinese dramas and series; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; KIX 360, the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for KIX; MIAO MI, the Mandarin “Edutainment” channel created for preschool kids across Asia; THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel; and THRILL 360, the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for THRILL.  All of CTE’s channel brands are available as linear, on-demand and over-the-top services.  CTE also produces original production for its bouquet of channels.

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

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

Turner’s Kids Brands Begin 2017 On Top Once Again Across Asia Pacific

Cartoon Network, Boomerang, POGO and Toonami lead the pack in 2016 and look forward to a multi-platform 2017

HONG KONG (January 23, 2017) – The combination of Turner’s four kids brands in Asia Pacific – Cartoon Network, Boomerang, POGO and Toonami – was the region’s No. 1 international kids portfolio across nine measured markets for the whole of 2016.*

Building on the same leadership position achieved in 2015, the group again finished the year with the highest category share in the kids’ genre throughout the region. Turner’s off-air, digital touchpoints for its brands also showed significant growth during the past 12 months.

MarkEyers-Turner
Mark Eyers, Chief Content Officer for Turner’s Kids Networks in Asia Pacific

Mark Eyers, Chief Content Officer for Turner’s Kids Networks in Asia Pacific, said: “This is awesome news for us, and is just one of many highlights during a huge 2016. We welcomed back mega-franchises like Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls on Cartoon Network, saw some world-class content debut on POGO and Toonami, as well as witnessing a spike in reach and distribution for Boomerang.”

Ben10 Vert Camp Image_G

Turner is forging new ways of developing content and telling stories that converge creativity and technology. Way more than a traditional TV series, a great example of this is Cartoon Network’s recently-launched MagiMobile, which was conceived at the beginning of the concept development process. The app is an integral part of the overall experience for the network’s latest new franchise, Mighty Magiswords, and empowers users to build their own massive collection of Magiswords, just like the heroes in the show.

A raft of games, apps and consumer products will launch through the year. Already this January, in addition to MagiMobile, Cartoon Network launched the Ben 10: Up to Speed mobile game. Mobile, web and console game are all planned 2017, as are major upgrades to Cartoon Network Watch and Play and Cartoon Network Anything apps, and to the brands’ websites.

  • Total visits to Cartoon Network’s regional presence across web, mobile and apps in 2016 saw an 11% increase year-on-year.**
  • In 2016, downloads of Cartoon Network Anything were up significantly by 558% year-on-year; Cartoon Network Watch and Play saw a 61% download increase.**

“Looking ahead, 2017 will be the year when our shows go truly multi-platform and are consumed by young audiences in new ways,” added Mr. Eyers. “We’ll have almost 800 half-hours of new content on Cartoon Network and Boomerang alone, much of which will debut on our apps perfectly complementing our TV schedules. This also includes some great new original content from our own region, such as games and shorts by creators based in Australia, India and Korea.”

As Cartoon Network gears up for an even bigger year, distribution in the region has pushed past 135 million households. Sister brands Toonami and Boomerang are at over 15 and 30 million, respectively, and POGO sits at 64 million households.

 

New episodes in 2017 include:

–       From Cartoon Network Studios – Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, Mighty Magiswords, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball and Adventure Time

–       Originals from Cartoon Network Asia Pacific – Roll No. 21, Lamput, The Sketchy Show, Bill and Tony, and Beat Monsters

–       From Warner Bros. Animation – Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, Teen Titans Go!, Justice League Action, Bunnicula and Looney Tunes

–       Acquisitions / co-productions – Oggy and the Cockroaches, My Knight and Me, Dragon Ball Super, Chhota Bheem, Mighty Raju and Yokai Watch!

 

-Ends-

* Data sources: OzTAM national STV overnights (Australia), BARC Media Workstation (India), Nielsen (Korea, Taiwan, Thailand One-Merged), MediaLogic (Pakistan), Kantar Media (Philippines MegaTAM, Malaysia DTAM Live + As Live), GFK (Singapore – trial data July-September 2016, SG TAM October-December 2016). 2016 full year. Local Kids Targets; Ranking among Kids Channels.

** Data source: Omniture. Period: Jan – Dec 2016 vs. Jan – Dec 2015.

 

Media enquiries:

James Moore, Turner Asia Pacific

James.Moore@turner.com / +852 3128-3720

 

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout the region, running 61 channels in 14 languages in 40 countries. These include CNN International, CNNj, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, POGO, Toonami, World Heritage Channel, 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.

 

Leena Singarajah Appointed Managing Director, Asia, Scripps Networks Interactive

Leena Singarajah Appointed Managing Director, Asia, Scripps Networks InteractiveSINGAPORE – 23 January 2017 – Media veteran Leena Singarajah has been named Managing Director, Asia, for Scripps Networks Interactive. Effective immediately, Singarajah will be responsible for continuing to develop and execute the growth strategy for the Scripps Networks lifestyle business across the region. Based in Singapore, Singarajah will report to Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive.

“Leena is a consummate professional and widely respected for her deep knowledge of the region and the industry. Her strategic vision, combined with her operational expertise, will be critical as we look to further expand our business across the region,” said Chang.

Singarajah joined Scripps Networks in 2014 as Head of Distribution and Ad Sales, Asia-Pacific, responsible for developing strategies to continue growing distribution and building our regional and local ad sales business. Since joining, Singarajah has overseen the expansion of HGTV in the region and considerably strengthened the regional and local ad sales businesses.

Prior to joining Scripps Networks, Singarajah served as Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Business Development, Asia Pacific for IMG Media, where she was responsible for overseeing content and channel distribution. During her tenure, she launched IMG Media’s first and only fully-owned 24-hour sports channel, EDGEsport.  She also oversaw IMG Media’s Entertainment Division portfolio, including a wide-ranging, high-volume lifestyle catalogue.

Singarajah is a graduate of both the Malaysian Institute of Management, where she obtained her associate’s degree in business administration, and the University of Technology Malaysia, where she received an associate’s degree in electrical engineering.

About Scripps Networks Interactive

Scripps Networks Interactive (Nasdaq: SNI) is one of the leading developers of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the Internet and emerging platforms. The company’s lifestyle media portfolio comprises popular television and Internet brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively engage more than 190 million U.S. consumers each month. International operations include TVN, Poland’s premier multi-platform media company; UKTV, an independent commercial joint venture with BBC Worldwide; Asian Food Channel, the first pan-regional TV food network in Asia; and lifestyle channel Fine Living. The company’s global networks and websites reach millions of consumers across North and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. For more information, please visit scrippsnetworksinteractive.com.

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EVONNE BAATH | Assistant Manager, Marketing & PR

#12-21 Symbiosis Tower, 3 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore 138633

Office: +65 6809 1318 (DID), 6835 8838 (Main) | Mobile: +65 9459 3123

Evonne.baath@scrippsnetworks.com

SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE | The Leader in Lifestyle Media | scrippsnetworksinteractive.com

Asian Food Channel | Food Network | Travel Channel International | HGTV Asia

asianfoodchannel.com | foodnetworkasia.com | travelchanneltv.asia | hgtv.asia 

CCTV launches HD broadcasts of three flagship channels from Eutelsat HOTBIRD video neighbourhood

CCTV launches HD broadcasts of three flagship channels from Eutelsat HOTBIRD video neighbourhood
Photo credit: CGTN
Eutelsat Corporate – Jan 23, 2017 11:34 GMT

Paris, 23 January 2017 – China Central Television (CCTV), has signed a long-term distribution contract with Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) to broadcast three of its flagship channels in High Definition across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

CCTV-4 HD, CGTN HD (formerly CCTV News) and CGTN-Documentary HD (formerly CCTV Documentary) are now available in High Definition in Chinese and English from the high-power HOTBIRD satellites. The channels broadcast free-to-air and complement Standard Digital versions already available from the region’s leading broadcasting neighbourhood.

Eutelsat started broadcasting CCTV channels in 2008 and currently broadcasts on seven Eutelsat satellites serving Europe, Africa and the Middle East. China Global Television Network, or CGTN, is China’s new international media organisation, launched by CCTV in December 2016.

About Eutelsat’s HOTBIRD neighbourhood

Eutelsat’s cluster of three high-power HOTBIRD satellites at 13° East provide prime coverage of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. They deliver an unrivalled line-up of over 1,000 channels in 40 languages to over 135 million homes through Direct-to-Home reception, cable, IP and DTT networks.


About Eutelsat Communications

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

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

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

For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com

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