News

Viu achieves 4 million users across Asia in first year of launch Service further expands to the Philippines

PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, November 29, 2016 – PCCW Media’s OTT video service, Viu, has achieved four million unique users just one year after its launch. Reputedly a game-changing video platform for Asian premium content, Viu is launched in the Philippines today as part of its regional expansion, offering viewers easy access to content on the web and on mobile while on-the-move.

Regional success with rapid growth and strong traction in Asia

Viu is now present in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines. Viu recorded over 218 million video views in the third quarter of 2016, doubling that of the preceding three months. Viu’s users have demonstrated high engagement by consuming on average 1.2 hours per day. On average, 12 videos are viewed by each user every week.

Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director, PCCW Media Group, said, “As OTT takes root and continues to develop rapidly in Asia, Viu continues to stride forward with the launch of its service in the Philippines, a vibrant market with over 30 million viewers who regularly watch videos online*. We are confident that our Philippine launch will replicate the growth and success we have experienced in the region.”

Extensive content genres and unprecedented quick delivery during Viu’s exponential growth

Viu has an extensive premium content lineup including Korean content from the top four Korean broadcasters (SBS, KBS, MBC, CJ E&M), as well as Japanese, Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hollywood and the recently-added Thai content⁺ to satisfy preferences of local viewers in different markets.

Viu has brought new excitement to the market with its unrivalled quick delivery of local subtitling, especially for its Korean content, as fast as four hours after its telecast in Korea, and many user-friendly features, thus establishing Viu as the leading Asian premium content platform popular with online users in Asia, and now Viu users in the Philippines can enjoy the same.

Apart from premium drama and entertainment shows, in order to satisfy fans, Viu also produces K1 Headlines, offering fans exciting Korean lifestyle, entertainment and celebrity bite-sized news exclusively provided by Dispatch, a top entertainment site in Korea.

Cont’d…

Viu launches in the Philippines in response to great receptiveness to OTT video consumption shown by local online viewers

The Nielsen Global Video-On-Demand Survey shows 45% of online consumers in the Philippines watch VOD at least once a day. Moreover, 82% of online consumers said they like to catch up on multiple episodes at one time so Viu’s download feature will fulfill this very need.

“Apart from online streaming, Viu’s download feature is particularly suited for the Philippine market, enabling users to view content offline by downloading to mobile and connected devices with a convenient and hassle free experience,” said Ms. Lee.

Viu freemium – a suitable business model for monetization in the Philippines

As a freemium video service^#, Viu is an effective channel for advertisers looking to reach out to consumers in the Philippines as they are the most receptive to online advertisements in Southeast Asia**. A recent research also revealed that 51% of respondents who watched VOD agreed that advertisements in VOD content give them good ideas for new products to try and 66% said they did not mind getting advertisements if they can watch free content⁺⁺. Video advertising revenue in the Philippines is expected to grow at a CAGR of 32% from 2016 to 2021^##.

For video OTT service subscription, revenue from OTT in emerging markets, including Indonesia, the Philippines, etc, is expected to grow to US$19 billion by 2019^.

Easy entertainment in the Philippines – web to mobile anytime, anywhere for FREE

Viu offers viewers in the Philippines free, fast and convenient access to the latest authorized Korean dramas and variety shows provided by the top four Korean broadcasters, SBS, KBS, MBC and CJ E&M, along with hugely popular Japanese content.

To enjoy Viu anytime anywhere, simply download the Viu app for free from iTunes or Google Play, or visit http://www.viu.com to watch on the web.

– # –

* Google Research

⁺ In specific markets only.

^# Viu today launches the free service, and the premium service will be coming soon.

** Digital TV Research, March 2016

⁺⁺ Global Video-On-Demand Survey, March 2016

^## Statista.com

^ OTT Video in Emerging Markets: Monetization Strategies and 5-Year Revenue Opportunity, Pyramid Research

Cont’d…

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 190 linear channels of local, Asian and international programming. Its premium content can also be accessed on-demand and on the go 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 over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region. In addition, MOOV is a hugely popular lossless 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 over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region.

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 overseas investments including the wholly-owned UK Broadband Limited. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.

Cont’d…

For further information, please contact:

Ivan Ho

PCCW

Tel: +852 2883-8747

Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com

Marina Leung

Magnus Muses Limited

Tel: +852 3951 0222/ +852 9203 6203

Email: Marina.leung@magnusmuses.com

Issued by PCCW Limited.

Power-Players head to Mission Hills for Lesports Connects: The China Sports Forum

HONG KONG, 28 November 2016 – Global industry leaders and sporting personalities are coming together this week to discuss the future of the sports industry in the world’s most populous country when the inaugural LeSportsConnect: The China Sports Forum kicks off tomorrow in Dongguan, southern China.

Billed the definitive gateway to connect China’s new and emerging sports business power-players, LeSports Connects: The China Sports Forum’s list of delegates reads like a ‘who’s who’ of the sports industry, with a mix of administrators, brand owners, content creators, media, promoters, and sponsors making the trip to Mission Hills’ luxury Dongguan resort in the Pearl River region of China.

Notable speakers include WWE heiress and current Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon, former Manchester United and Chelsea F.C. Chief Executive Officer, Peter Kenyon, former England footballer and entrepreneur Rio Ferdinand, as well as senior representatives from brands and rights holders operating at the forefront of the industry, including Weibo Sports, NBA China, GoPro, Baofeng Sports, ONE Championship and Manchester United FC.

With China’s State General Administration of Sport recently announcing a five-year plan to grow the Chinese sport industry to three trillion yuan (US$460 billion) by the end of 2020, supported by an unprecedented acquisition and investment spree by Chinese companies, organisers are bracing themselves for a huge interest in the sector.

Ma Guoli, Vice Chairman of LeSports commented: “We’re proud to stage the inaugural LeSports Connects: The China Sports Forum in China. The forum will bring together some of the most recognized players in the international sports industry with business leaders from around the region. We look forward to two days of valuable discussion and insight, and to contributing to the future direction of sport in this country.”

Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE said: “WWE is looking forward to participating in LeSports Connects at Mission Hills, Dongguan in China this week. China represents one of the most significant growth opportunities that the international sport and entertainment industry has seen and we see the China Sports Forum as an excellent opportunity to better understand the brand behavior and consumer trends in China, that will help shape our future business strategy.”

LeSports Connects: The China Sports Forum runs from Monday 28 November to Wednesday 30 November at Mission Hills Dongguan, China. For the latest schedule see: http://lesportsconnects.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/11/LSC-draft-programme.pdf Follow the latest news and updates at: www.lesportsconnects.com

如欲参会可于官方网站上登记你的兴趣：lesportsconnects.com

ENDS

25 November, 2016

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending Nov 25th. Curated by CASBAA, News Views keeps you in the loop. We always value your feedback, so tell us what you think!

Brought to you by:

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

NBCU is doubling down on its investment in digital platform Buzzfeed, ponying up another US$200 million. Buzzfeed claims it will remain “fully indie” despite the investment; although NBCU is also expected to take on a bigger role in handling ad sales for the digital portfolio. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence that AMC Networks has also announced it’s taking a minority stake in Funny or Die (along with Turner and HBO), again, with cross-platform ad sales at least partly in mind. To what extent these deals represent the starting gun for the “bloodbath” of media consolidation Vice boss Shane Smith has predicted remains to be seen; it’s worth noting, however, that this year has seen more than 3 0 M&A deals involving large media companies, with some US$4 billion invested by “old media” giants into new media startups.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

In the USA, it seems the recent elections may mean the end of soup-to-nuts “Title II” regulation of the broadband industry, which was imposed in the name of “net neutrality.” The Trump transition team announced that their lead transition staff for communications issues are two well-known opponents of net neutrality. One of them called the FCC’s current approach “crony capitalism pure and simple,” apparently referring to the Obama Administration’s links to Silicon Valley. A more thoughtful criticism is that the current rules may “actually inhibit capital expenditures and broadband deployment.” Unwinding the rules would be difficult, though, so a Bloomberg commentator opined that the re-stacked Commission after January 20th may just choose to leave the rules in place, but pretend they don’t exist. Wow, America learns from Asia!!!

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

Meanwhile, in yet another sign of clarity from the President-elect, even though he said he opposed the AT&T Time-Warner acquisition, his choice of telecom advisers seems to indicate the deal could very well go ahead. It’s still undergoing anti-trust scrutiny, but assuming it passes, there’s definitely a view out there that his administration will let it go forward. Of course, in case you missed it this week, he again indulged his antipathy toward the industry, summoning “media big shots” for an off-the-record dressing-down that “…was a f—ing firing squad.” And since he cited CNN in his original opposition to the AT&T deal, who knows what will actually happen if it comes across his desk?

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

There has been lots of chatter of late about Amazon Prime going global with “launches in 200 markets worldwide in December“. This could be significant as Amazon Prime Video is the other 800lb gorilla in the OTT video space. As I mentioned previously, anyone who spends $3 billion per year on tv shows, movies and music is one to keep an eye on. Actual facts are hard to find but what we know so far is that video is “on it’s way” to India, at a rumored very-low price of a low 499 rupees, including other benefits. In China, Prime is launched with no digital content. Recently, Jeremy Clarkson and the Grand Tour lads said that the show will be available worldwide in December. Exactly how one can view it and how much it will cost is still a mystery. And in Oz folks can sign up now and watch a limited catalogue. Stay tuned.

Kevin Jennings

Vice President, Programme

South Korea’s CJ E&M has announced it will launch a new TV channel for its Multi-Channel Network (MCN) broadcasting “DIA TV” in January 2017. The service will provide one-person media content to both digital and TV viewers. One-person media broadcasting was previously only available on mobile devices or PCs but in what they claim a world first, CJ E&M will air content on cable TV for the first time. With over 40 million subscribers and more than 1 billion views on YouTube per month, DIA TV is shifting gears from MCN to MPN (multi-platform network). Working with DIA TV will give individual broadcasters more support and allow them easier access to celebrities. DIA TV listed one of the strongest strengths on in one-person media broadcasting is its two-way communication system, which allows individual creators to interact with audiences in real time.

Anjan Mitra

Executive Director, India

After having exited sports telecast business by selling it to Sony, Zee group is charting a growth path through acquisitions. Few days back, Zee announced a deal with Anil Ambani’s Reliance ADA group for taking full control of Reliance’s TV ops and a 49 per cent stake in its FM radio business for approximately US 283 million, signalling the younger Ambani brother’s interest in shedding media assets, which still includes a DTH operation, to cut debts. With Dish TV announcing a deal earlier November to take control of Videocon D2h DTH services, it seems the Indian market is finally witnessing some consolidation. Keep tuned in for the next big M&A deal announcement.

Andrew Lin

Regulatory Assistant

Just two days ago, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that 4,800 websites have been blocked from 2015 to the end of September 2016, due to various offences under the law. Requests for the blocking of these websites came not only from the Royal Malaysian Police, but other enforcement agencies as well including the Health Ministry, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, and Bank Negara Malaysia. In addition, MCMC has been emphasizing the importance of educating the youth about the dark side of the internet. It is good to see that different government organizations within Malaysia are working together to combat these illegal platforms; we hope the regulators will focus on copyright violations, as well!

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

FTA-TV advertising regulators are ever-vigilant against the horrible sociopathic (read: commercial) tendencies that seem to creep into the broadcasting industry. (God forbid they should ever cast their eyes on the Internet’s bottom-feeders!) This week brought a couple of brilliantly schoolmarm-ish examples. But first, a little promo: people interested in pay-TV advertising rules can now find updated and complete summaries for 17 Asian markets on CASBAA’s “Asian Pay-TV Ad Rules” website. It’s reserved for CASBAA members, so you’ll need a member login to access the data. (To get a login if you don’t have one, write to kevinng@casbaa.com)

• In the UK the tireless Advertising Standards Authority has stepped in to protect us from ourselves and banned the new Heinz Beanz advert – in which a succession of people tap out an Ed Sheeran-ish tune on empty cans. The ban came after nine complaints from viewers that children might mimic the commercial and cut their little fingers on a jagged scrap of metal. Heinz reported that it has posted video tutorials on how to safely perform the “#Can Song” on social media sites, and said the ad did not show anyone putting their fingers inside an empty can, but nonetheless they’ve been ordered not to allow the ad to air again. Well, thanks to the Internet, you can still view it, here (with the added safety warning – we wouldn’t want you to cut yourselves).• Meanwhile in Hong Kong, TVB got its knuckles rapped for actually doing….well, advertising. They were guilty, said the Communications Authority, of “mingling programme and advertising material” in a showbiz program used to promote their My SuperTV OTT pay-TV service. This followed on an earlier case where the regulator whacked the broadcaster for too-heavy promotion of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Again, TVB complained bitterly that the guidelines about program sponsorship were not at all clear, and again they threatened to take the regulator to Court. A silver lining: things are getting nasty enough that the regulator might actually take steps to clean up the rules.

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

Immediately cancel one of your lunches next week! Seriously! Grab a 6-inch Subway and a soup and load up this fantastic 35 minute video by Richard Greenfield of BTIG Research. In “Has Content Been Dethroned By Distribution” Richard weaves in videos of statements made by leaders in the media industry from Disney, HBO, Discovery, Turner, Chernin, Apple, Netflix and others to look at the major issues facing the traditional players in the media business. A better understanding of where the business is going may just help you “solve the platform issue, solve the data issue and solve the knowing your consumer issue.” I was taking notes. Of all of the links in this week’s News Views, THIS is the one you need to click on.

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

A couple nice articles on Disney; Variety has named CEO Bob Iger “Showman of the Year” for 2016, with a nice 4500-word cover story on the man, the myth, and the legend. (Also featured, a nice video interview with Iger, conducted by director J.J. Abrams, which isn’t exactly an ad for the Star Wars franchise.) Although less epic in scope, AdWeek also ran an interesting piece on how Disney approaches millenials, in particular, through partnership with toy-maker Hasbro.

Kevin Jennings

Vice President, Programme

Well. After a good deal of controversy, PEMRA in Pakistan has announced the results of the auction of three DTH licenses and awarded Mag Entertainment, Shahzad Sky, and Startimes Communications Pakistan Ltd. licenses priced at PKRs. 4.898 billion each. There was a lot of opposition to the auction, including from the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), and the cable operators. But after a negative court injunction was overturned, PEMRA was determined to go ahead. PEMRA sees a “domestic” DTH ecosystem as important to fight against Indian content that overspills the border and is carried on cable systems.
But Oo! Oo! What do we spy in the results? Startimes, one of the winners, is a subsidiary/joint venture of a Chinese company! Not exactly domestic… (BTW, they are a serious player – Startimes is already a major DTH player in 16 African countries, and states on its website that its intention is to be one of the world’s leading media groups. They’re headed in the right direction!) Well, the auction was held, but the courts have barred PEMRA from actually issuing the non-exclusive licenses (valid for 15 years), until judicial review, so there is plenty of time for this particular TV melodrama to go on and on.

Member News

Additional News

StarHub TV Raises the Curtain on Brand New Connoisseur Pack

Singapore, 25 November 2016 – Experience the finer things in life with StarHub TV’s launch of the all-new Connoisseur Pack on 30 November 2016, 11am. Featuring seven high definition channels (including four new channels)–TV5MONDE Style HD (StarHub TV Channel 150), TV5MONDE Asie HD (Ch 152), Stingray Brava HD (Ch 536), Stingray DJAZZ HD (Ch 537), A-List HD (Ch 612), CinemaWorld (HD) (Ch 613) and CinemaWorld On Demand HD (Ch 614)–the Pack will give customers an inside look at everything from classical music to arthouse films to travel, fashion and lifestyle.

“As our customers’ tastes evolve, there is a growing demand for fine living content which has gone largely unmet. This is where the Connoisseur Pack comes in. Working with a handpicked group of content partners, we can now offer discerning customers who share a passion for good taste a fresh destination to satisfy their cultural cravings. Whether it is music, films, travel, food or fashion, the Connoisseur Pack will let customers savour the best that the world has to offer,” said Ms Lee Soo Hui, Head of Content & TV, StarHub.

TV5MONDE Style HD (StarHub TV Channel 150) – NEW
Fully dedicated to the “art of living”, TV5MONDE Style HD explores French and French-speaking finesse in all its guises from fashion to luxury goods, travel experiences, jewellery, gastronomy, wine, design, the art of gardens, architecture and cultural heritage.

TV5MONDE Asie HD (StarHub TV Channel 152)
Broadcast in French, TV5MONDE Asie HD offers a wide variety of primetime films, world-class sporting events, high-quality documentaries, kids’ programmes as well as exciting game shows and in-depth coverage of international news.

Stingray Brava HD (StarHub TV Channel 536) – NEW
Showcasing the best of classical music, opera and ballet, Stingray Brava takes music lovers to the world’s most prestigious venues such as The Royal Opera House in London, The Teatro Real in Madrid and La Scala in Milan, all from the comfort of their homes. Customers can look forward to full-length stage performances including La bohème, Otello, Aïda, Swan Lake, Tosca, and more. In addition, the channel will offer a unique selection of rare documentaries, behind-the-scene footage and exclusive interviews.

Stingray DJAZZ HD (StarHub TV Channel 537) – NEW
Stingray DJAZZ is the first and only commercial-free HD channel in the world dedicated to jazz. Featuring performances from the smallest underground venues to the grandest international stages, the channel will cover everything from smooth jazz to cool jazz, bebop to jazz fusion, and reggae to funk and the blues.

A-List HD (StarHub TV Channel 612) – NEW
A-List HD is a subscription video on-demand channel which celebrates the crème de la crème of world cinema. Customers can choose from the channel’s library of award-winning and critically-acclaimed films from all over the world, all in their original language. The channel is also known for its South East Asia Director Focus programme which features insightful interviews with renowned directors such as Lav Diaz, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Ho Yuhang, Liew Seng Tat, Boo Junfeng, Eric Khoo and Joko Anwar.

CinemaWorld (HD) (StarHub TV Channel 613) and CinemaWorld On Demand HD (StarHub TV Channel 614)
Offering commercial-free uninterrupted viewing, CinemaWorld delivers a wide selection of differentiated, exclusive and entertaining movies from around the world. Customers can expect compelling, award-winning movies, box-office successes and critics’ favourites that cross boundaries and cultures. Enjoy a whole new world of entertainment beyond Hollywood featuring international stars such as Academy Award winners Jean DuJardin and Marion Corillard, Salleh Bakri, Paz Vega and Benedict Cumberbatch. All movies are shown in their original language and subtitled in English. In addition, customers can enjoy the flexibility of watching movies on CinemaWorld On Demand HD whenever they please.

Customers can subscribe to the Connoisseur Pack for $21.90 per month (w/GST) with a 12-month contract. An HD set-top box is required to access the channels. To give customers a sample of the Pack, a free preview of TV5MONDE Style HD, TV5MONDE Asie HD, Stingray Brava HD, Stingray DJAZZ HD and CinemaWorld (HD) will be held from launch to 14 December 2016, 12 noon.

For more information, please visit www.starhub.com/connoisseur-pack.

-END-

About StarHub

StarHub is Singapore’s fully-integrated info-communications company, offering a full range of information, communications and entertainment services for both consumer and corporate markets. StarHub operates a mobile network that provides 4G, 3G and 2G services. It also manages an islandwide HFC network that delivers multi-channel pay TV services (including HDTV, Internet TV and on-demand services) as well as ultra-high speed residential broadband services. StarHub operates an extensive fixed business network that provides a wide range of data, voice and wholesale services. Over Singapore’s fibre-based Nationwide Broadband Network, StarHub offers a broad range of home and business broadband plans, as well as commercial and residential IPTV services.

Launched in 2000, StarHub has become one of Singapore’s most innovative info-communications providers, and the pioneer in ‘hubbing’ – the ability to deliver unique integrated and converged services to all its customers. StarHub, listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange since October 2004, is a component stock of the Straits Times Index, MSCI Singapore Free Index and SGX Sustainability Leaders Index.

Media Contact:

Nicholas Tee

Corporate Communications

StarHub

DID: +65 6825 5134

Mobile: +65 9737 3198

Email: nicholas.hs.tee@starhub.com

China International Broadcasting Network Selects Irdeto as Security Partner for China DRM

Irdeto’s 360 Security and Irdeto Rights for China DRM will enable CIBN to tap into the US$1.2b premium OTT services market in China

BEIJING, CHINA – 24 November 2016 – Irdeto, a world leader in digital platform security, today announced that China International Broadcasting Network (CIBN), a subsidiary of China Radio International, is its first Chinese customer for Irdeto Rights with China DRM Support. CIBN is one of the seven broadcasting networks that is licensed to distribute over-the-top (OTT) content in China by The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China (SAPPRFT). Through this new partnership, Irdeto will help establish CIBN as a frontrunner for premium content offerings, especially Hollywood content, through OTT distribution. This will also provide studios and content providers with greater confidence to enter the Chinese market.

As global video-on-demand services grow, China is emerging as one of the largest markets for OTT demand and new offerings. A jointly produced whitepaper by Dentsu Aegis Network China with OTT media powerhouses iQiyi, LeTV, MangoTV, Tencent, Youku and iPinyou, as well as research partners Miaozhen and Nielsen, estimated that 95 out of 100 TV sets sold in the country will be OTT-enabled by the end of 2016, amounting to more than 10 million TVs. Findings from the same whitepaper indicated that among China’s massive TV audience of 1.3 billion, the percentage of people viewing content via OTT platforms has increased from 13% in 2013 to 30% in 2015, and is set to reach approximately 49% by 2017.

“We are delighted to partner with Irdeto to integrate its China DRM solution to our OTT applications and set-top boxes (STBs), which will safeguard premium content on our network and platforms,” said Fu Qiang, Deputy General Manager, CIBN. “We expect revenues generated from premium OTT services in China to continue to grow over the next few years as demand for premium content increases. We are confident that our collaboration with Irdeto will improve overall viewer experience for our customers and instill greater confidence for the studios and content providers to enter the Chinese market, which will in turn generate revenue growth for our paid OTT offerings.”

“As demand for premium content increases amongst Chinese consumers, it is crucial for operators like CIBN to securely offer consumers access to high definition premium content,” said Marco Xie, General Manager, China, Irdeto. “Irdeto Rights with China DRM is a robust end-to-end solution that complies with the stringent requirements by Hollywood studios and SAPPRFT. With a world class level of security for delivery platforms, content owners can accelerate the release of new content and offer premium content to the Chinese OTT audience.”

By implementing Irdeto Rights with China DRM support, CIBN will be able to get the content protection they need in order to securely stream content to their customers, including premium content such as 4K and UHD. The solution also allows CIBN to accelerate the release of content more efficiently, an essential component given the industry is evolving rapidly. Operators and content owners will need to continually adapt and evolve with changing times to improve their content offerings and ensure a seamless user experience.

###

About Irdeto

At Irdeto, we believe that businesses must have the freedom to innovate and the confidence to take risks to be in control of their future. To help our customers take control, we secure their infrastructure and content and give them the flexibility for the future with a service-oriented approach. Irdeto’s powerful solutions and services enable content owners and providers to securely deliver media across all screens and devices in and out of the home, as well as allowing platform operators to offer innovative services beyond media. With over 40 years of expertise in security, we have the market insights from piracy and consumer data, knowhow and proven track record to be the trusted partner of choice. Irdeto’s unique heritage as a subsidiary of multinational media group Naspers (JSE: NPN) means that we are a well-established and reliable partner. Please visit Irdeto at www.irdeto.com.

For further information, please contact:

Crystal Kung

Account Manager

WE Communications

P: +65 303 8472

Email: ckung@we-worldwide.com

Katie Walsh

Director, Corporate Communications, Irdeto

Mobile: +1 603-738-9599

Email: Katherine.walsh@irdeto.com

Love Nature on StarHub TV

Singapore, 23 November 2016 – Nature lovers in Singapore will be the first in Asia to enjoy Love Nature HD (StarHub TV Channel 416) on 25 November 2016, 9am. Broadcast in stunning high definition, Love Nature HD will bring viewers on a visual journey through its slate of natural history, outdoor and environmental programming.

With over 300 hours of original natural history programming produced per year, Love Nature will offer content designed to inspire, educate and entertain. This includes thought-provoking programmes which highlight important environmental issues of the day such as wildlife conservation.

“We are excited that customers will be able to immerse themselves and discover all the wonders of the natural world through Love Nature HD’s original programming. Our Earth is filled with amazing places and we want to showcase its beauty to the widest audience possible. Hence, we are making the channel available on our FreeView tier, so all StarHub TV customers can access it,” said Lee Soo Hui, Head of Content & TV, StarHub.

“We are extremely excited about our collaboration with StarHub which will allow us to reach out to wildlife and nature lovers across Singapore with our unforgettable, cutting-edge and breathtaking content. With our commitment to conservation, it connects viewers with causes that truly matter to them, inspiring them and propelling them to take conscious steps to help solve conservation challenges and making a real difference to the natural world. Love Nature is not just television, it’s a community – come join us on StarHub,” said Jo Parkinson, Managing Director, Love Nature International.

Some of the upcoming programming on Love Nature HD will include:

Waterworld Africa [26 November, 9pm] – The mighty waterways of Africa define this incredible continent. This series explores the creatures that live on, under and around them. This ranges from the hippos and crocodiles of the Okavango Delta to the enigmatic waving of colourful mangrove crabs and mudskippers on the coastline of South Africa.

Wildlife Icons [26 November, 10pm] – This series shines the spotlight on the animals for which Africa is so well known. Be it the iconic ‘Big Five’ of the savannah, charismatic primates or vast herds of antelope, every animal is full of surprises.

Land of Primates [27 November, 9pm] – Primates are unique mammals which took a great leap during the course of evolution to enlarge their brains and become the most intelligent animals on our planet. The primate world includes lemurs and bush babies, tarsiers and pottos, monkeys and apes, and of course humans. In this series, we travel the continent to find out what makes them so successful. From the remote highlands of Ethiopia, across the savannahs of Southern Africa to the island kingdom of Madagascar – each location has a new story to tell.

Love Nature HD will be a FreeView channel, complimentary to all StarHub TV customers. An HD set-top box is required to access the channel.

For more information, please visit www.starhub.com/love-nature.

-END-

About StarHub

Media Contact:

Nicholas Tee

Corporate Communications

StarHub

DID: +65 6825 5134

Mobile: +65 9737 3198

Email: nicholas.hs.tee@starhub.com

Zee Media Corporation Limited to acquire 49% stake in 92.7 BIG FM, the Radio Broadcasting Business of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited

New Delhi, November 23, 2016 – The Board of Directors of Zee Media Corporation Limited (“ZMCL”) (BSE: 532794, NSE: ZEEMEDIA) today approved acquisition of 49% stake in 92.7 BIG FM, the radio broadcasting business of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and the execution of definitive agreements in relation to such acquisition (the “Proposed Transaction”).

The radio broadcasting business of Reliance Group is being operated in the entity – Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (“RBNL”). Reliance Broadcast Network Limited runs the largest network of FM radio channels in India – 45 operational licenses (issued under Phase II and migrated to Phase III) and 14 new licenses (issued under Phase III). The FM channels are being broadcast under the brand “92.7 BIG FM”, reaching to 45 cities, 1200 towns and over 200 million people. It reaches out to around 43 million listeners per week and engages with a large number of national and local advertisers.

Reliance Broadcast Network Limited shall be transferring the 45 operational and 14 new licenses into two SPVs respectively along with the assets and liabilities. ZMCL shall acquire 49% stake in each of these two SPVs. ZMCL and Reliance Broadcast Network Limited shall also have a call/put option to acquire/sell the balance 51% after the lock-in provisions on the permission holder of these licenses expire. As per MIB regulations, atleast 51% shareholding needs to be held by the permission holder for a minimum period of 3 years from the date the channels were operationalized. The lock-in period for the 45 operational licenses shall expire on 31st March 2018, whilst the lock-in period for the 14 licenses shall expire after the expiry of 3 years from the day all 14 licenses shall have become operational, which is expected to be around March 2020.

Mr. Rajiv Singh, COO, ZMCL said “We are pleased to announce this acquisition which shall not only be complementary to our current business but accelerate its growth too. We are currently running successfully a bouquet of 11 news and current affair channels and with the addition of 59 radio licenses, we will be reaching out to a much increased audience base and will keep them engaged on different media platforms. This acquisition shall bring about the desired business diversity and will help in achieving the sound financial objectives at an accelerated pace. We are confident that this investment will enhance value for all stakeholders and looking forward towards this exciting journey to take the company to the next level.”

Mr. Sam Ghosh, ED and Group CEO, Reliance Capital said, “We are happy to bring in Zee Media as our partner in the Radio business. This transaction is part of our strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital”.

The proposed transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals including Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of CY2017.

Acquisory Consulting LLP and KPMG LLP are acting as financial / tax advisors to ZMCL and Luthra & Luthra Law Offices is acting as the legal advisor. EY and Phoenix Legal are acting as financial and legal advisors to Reliance Broadcast Network Limited respectively.

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Notes to Editors:

About Zee Media Corporation Limited

Zee Media Corporation Limited, erstwhile Zee News Limited, is one of the leading news networks of India. It has a unique cluster of news, current affairs and regional news channels, which includes Zee News, Zee Business, India 24×7, WION, Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal, Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Zee 24 Taas, 24 Ghanta, Zee Kalinga News, Zee Purvaiya and Zee Rajasthan News. It also includes newspaper DNA. More information about Zee Media Corporation Limited and its businesses are available on www.zeenews.com.

About Reliance Broadcast Network Limited – Radio Broadcasting Business

92.7 BIG FM, launched in 2006, is India’s largest and No.1 radio network spanning 45 markets. With an increased presence of 59 stations with newly acquired frequencies in key states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Northeast India, the radio network consolidates its position to be the largest in the country, thereby widening the reach for its advertisers and stakeholders. With shows based on original content, music that engages young and the old alike, and the flamboyant spirit of its RJs, the tagline of 92.7 BIG FM, ‘Suno Sunao Life Banao’, resonates strongly with its diverse listener base across the country. More information is available on: www.reliancebroadcast.com

About Reliance Capital

Reliance Capital, a part of the Reliance Group, is one of India’s leading private sector financial services companies. It ranks amongst the top private sector financial services and banking groups, in terms of net worth. The Company is a constituent of CNX Midcap 50 and MSCI Global Small Cap Index.

Reliance Group is amongst India’s leading business houses with over 250 million customers. The Group has a strong presence across a wide array of high growth consumer-facing businesses of financial services, telecom, energy, power, infrastructure, and Defence.

Reliance Capital has interests in asset management and mutual funds; life and general insurance; commercial and home finance; stock broking; wealth management services; distribution of financial products; asset reconstruction; proprietary investments and other activities in financial services.

More information is available on: www.reliancecapital.co.in

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Media Contact:

Pallaw Kumar

Manager – Marketing

Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL)

Mobile: +91-8130889274 / 9999362623

Landline: +91-120-7153381

Email: kumar.pallaw@zeemedia.esselgroup.com

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited to acquire the General Entertainment TV Channels from Anil Ambani led Reliance Group Entities

Mumbai, November 23, 2016 – The Board of Directors of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (“ZEEL”) (BSE: 505537, NSE: ZEEL.EQ) today approved the acquisition of the General Entertainment Broadcasting Business Undertaking of Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Limited, Big Magic Limited & Azalia Broadcast Private Limited, all part of Anil Ambani led Reliance Group Entities through a scheme of demerger and execution of definitive agreements in relation to such proposed acquisition (the “Proposed Transaction”).

The TV Broadcasting business of Reliance Group Entities currently comprises two operational general entertainment channels (“BIG Magic” and “BIG Ganga”) and 4 other TV licenses.

BIG Magic is a Comedy channel catering to Hindi Speaking Markets. BIG Ganga is a leading Bhojpuri entertainment channel catering to audiences in Bihar, Jharkhand and Purvanchal. The channels are available on all major MSOs and DTH operators.

The General Entertainment TV Broadcasting business undertaking along with its assets, liabilities, licenses, trademarks etc. shall get demerged from “BIG Magic Ltd”, “Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Ltd” and “Azalia Broadcast Private Ltd” into ZEEL through a court-approved scheme.

Mr. Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, ZEEL said, “We are pleased to announce this acquisition which further adds to our expanding universe of general entertainment channels. BIG Magic gives us access to comedy genre enhancing our customer offerings. BIG Ganga, a leading Bhojpuri channel syncs with our strategy of expanding into the regional markets which offers attractive growth potential. I am confident that these two channels will make the ZEE Network channels more enriching for the audience and for the Company.”

Mr. Sam Ghosh, ED and Group CEO, Reliance Capital said, “We are happy to divest 100 per cent of our general entertainment TV business to Zee Entertainment. This transaction is part of our strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital.”

The proposed transaction remains subject to approval of the shareholders and requisite regulatory approvals including stock exchanges, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Hon’ble High Court at Bombay. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of CY2017.

Acquisory Consulting LLP and KPMG are acting as financial / tax advisors to ZEEL and the fairness opinion has been provided by IDBI Capital Markets. Luthra & Luthra Law Offices is acting as the legal advisor. EY and Phoenix Legal are acting as financial and legal advisors to Reliance Broadcast Network Limited respectively.

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Notes to Editors:

About Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) – @ZEECorporate

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited is one of India’s leading television media and entertainment companies. It is amongst the largest producers and aggregators of Hindi programming in the world, with an extensive library housing over 222,000 hours of television content. With rights to more than 3,818 movie titles from foremost studios and of iconic film stars, ZEE houses the world’s largest Hindi film library. Through its strong presence worldwide, ZEE entertains over 1 billion viewers across 171 countries.

Pioneer of television entertainment industry in India, ZEE’s well-known brands include Zee TV, &tv, Zee Cinema, Zee Action, Zee Classic, &pictures, Zee Anmol, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Cafe, Zee Studio, Zee Salaam, Zing, ETC Bollywood, Zee Q, Zindagi, Ten 1, Ten 2 and Ten 3. The company also has a strong offering in the regional language domain with channels such as Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, Zee Bangla, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Telugu, Zee Cinemalu, Zee Kannada, Zee Tamil and Sarthak TV. The company’s HD offerings include Zee TV HD, Zee Cinema HD, &tv HD, Zee Studio HD, Zee Café HD, &pictures HD, Zee Talkies HD, Zee Marathi HD, Zee Bangla HD, Ten 1 HD and Ten Golf HD.

ZEE and its affiliate companies have leading presence across the media value chain including television broadcasting, cable distribution, direct-to-home satellite services, digital media and print media amongst others. ZEEL also operates multiple digital offerings like dittoTV, OZEE, and india.com. More information about ZEE and its businesses is available on www.zeetelevision.com

About Reliance’s General Entertainment TV Broadcasting Business

The General Entertainment television thrives on an eclectic mix of shows with original content, quirky humor, strong messaging and a deep understanding of the target audience, both on a national and regional level.

BIG Magic, India’s light-hearted family entertainment channel, leads its pack with shows that are based on original content, mashed with a series of comical satires.

The channel prides itself on being a complete family entertainment package with its wide range of offerings – from hilarious sitcoms, side splitting historical and mythological comedies, laugh out loud weekend specials, stand up acts, festive specials, animated movies and blockbuster comedy films.

Its viewers are offered a daily dose of entertainment through various show formats, with unique characters who are quirky and funny.

BIG Ganga, the No.1 regional entertainment channel in Bihar & Jharkhand, offers its viewers the best mix of light entertainment. The channel stands out for its shows having local insights and festive specials, thus forming a strong connect with the audience.

More information is available on: www.reliancebroadcast.com

About Reliance Capital

More information is available on: www.reliancecapital.co.in

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Media Contact:

Jayshree Kumar / Arantxa Gonsalves

Corporate Brand – Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL)

Mobile: +91-9769286661 / +91 9820336890

Landline: +91-22-7106 1367 / 7108 5464

Email: jayshree.kumar@zee.esselgroup.com / arantxa.gonsalves@zee.esselgroup.com

Digital AD reach across Asia Pacific for 18-34 year olds improving

New digital advertising benchmarking study sheds new light on digital advertising campaign reach, helping improve campaign efficiency

SINGAPORE, 23 NOVEMBER 2016 – The success rate of digital advertising campaigns in reaching their intended audiences has lifted significantly within a number of demographic groups across Asia Pacific, in particular for the highly sought-after 18-34 year old segment, as advertisers and their media agencies become more adept with media planning and buying, according to a new benchmarking study of the global digital advertising landscape by Nielsen.

The Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings Global Benchmarks study, which assessed more than 47,000 digital campaigns across 17 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, found that across Asia Pacific, digital advertising campaigns intended for consumers aged 18 to 34 years had the highest on-target success rate, with 63% of the advertising destined for these consumers hitting the mark, up from 53% in 2015. Campaigns aimed at females within the 18 to 34 year old age group experienced the highest lift in on-target reach, posting a 15 percentage point improvement to 51%.

“The Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings benchmark report is shining new light for advertisers on how their digital advertising campaigns are faring in comparison to industry norms,” said Annette Kunst, Managing Director, Media, Nielsen Singapore. “The year-on-year performance improvement shows that an increase in independent measurement can lead to more transparency, and that ultimately improves overall reach and ad spend efficiency.”

Across platforms, advertising served up via desktop still outperforms mobile advertising when reaching broad audience segments. Desktop advertising intended for people aged 18 to 49 years achieved a 70% on-target success rate, compared to 66% for mobile. Conversely, for more niche audiences or narrower segments such as the 18 to 34 year age group, mobile has a higher success rate – 65% of mobile ads hit their mark, compared to 61% for desktop.

“Mobile’s success reaching more narrowly defined audiences reinforces that mobile devices provide a highly personalized platform with the potential for more precise connections, and that’s reflected in the rapid increase we’ve seen in mobile advertising, where 45% of the digital advertising campaigns we measure today across Asia Pacific include a mobile component,” noted Annette. “With increasing media fragmentation, marketers need to consider all the screens at their disposal when trying to reach their audience. These benchmarks can help media buyers and sellers better evaluate total digital reach.”

Looking across categories, Computer & Electronics and Travel marketers had an easier time reaching their desired audience, achieving an on-target success of 68% and 67% respectively. The Automotive and CPG sectors highlight opportunities to optimize reach and maximize return on ad spend, with 47% and 43% of digital ads respectively reaching their intended audience.

<Click here> to download a complete copy of the Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings Benchmarks for Asia Pacific.

About the Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings Benchmarks Report

This report includes data from more than 47,000 Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings campaigns across 17 markets (US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Australia) measured through 30 June 2016, where the minimum number of site observations was at least 30. A site observation is defined as the performance of a campaign on one site (>5,000 impressions) with the specified demographic. With sample sizes exceeding 30, we can reasonably expect to see stable benchmarks. The average on-target percent is the number of impressions that reached the intended demographic divided by the number of total impressions in the campaign. The on-target percent is calculated by weighting each campaign by the number of impressions it contained within each category or demographic.

About Nielsen

Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a global performance management company that provides a comprehensive understanding of what consumers watch and buy. Nielsen’s Watch segment provides media and advertising clients with Total Audience measurement services for all devices on which content — video, audio and text — is consumed. The Buy segment offers consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers the industry’s only global view of retail performance measurement. By integrating information from its Watch and Buy segments and other data sources, Nielsen also provides its clients with analytics that help improve performance. Nielsen, an S&P 500 company, has operations in over 100 countries, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.

# # #

Media enquiries: Stanley Nam / Gideon Choo

Tel: +65 9005 6352 (Stanley) / +65 9384 1799 (Gideon)

Email: Stanley.Nam@nielsen.com / Gideon.choo@nielsen.com

Sony’s ONE and AXN Channels Dominate Thursday Night Time Slots in Singapore and Malaysia

Korean drama Legend of the Blue Sea and adventure-reality series The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 drive massive ratings spike

SINGAPORE (November 22, 2016) – Sony Pictures Television Networks’ powerhouse channels ONE and AXN packed a punch in Singapore and Malaysia last Thursday, with the highly anticipated Korean drama Legend of the Blue Sea premiere winning the timeslot across all pay-TV channels, and The Amazing Race Asia topping the international English channels.

In Singapore, ONE’s Legend of the Blue Sea, starring reigning king and queen of Korea Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun, made its premiere splash on November 17 at 8:10pm, and achieved a 52 per cent higher rating than the premiere of ONE’s blockbuster, top rated drama series Scarlet Heart. During its telecast, ONE was the top rated pay-TV channel with a 47 per cent higher rating than the next channel and scooping an 81 percent share amongst the four Korean general entertainment channels.

Legend of the Blue Sea also outperformed all other channels in Malaysia, achieving a whopping 92 per cent share amongst the four competing Korean channels. The series is ONE’s highest rating premiere episode in 2016, 84 per cent higher than the premiere of Scarlet Heart.

Switching genres to AXN, the adrenaline-fueled antics of the remaining six teams captivated audiences in both markets, making The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 the top rated program of the day amongst the English general entertainment channels. In Singapore, the episode achieved a 38 per cent share in its genre, which was two and half times higher than AXN’s closest competitor.

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 continued its winning streak in Malaysia helping AXN dominate the Thursday night 9pm timeslot as the top rated English channel on Astro, garnering a 63 per cent share of viewing in its genre.

“Sony Pictures Television Networks’ channels offer viewers the very best in premium Asian and English content. Legend of the Blue Sea and The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 are vastly different viewing experiences so we are thrilled to cater to the diverse preferences of our audiences in Singapore and Malaysia. We remain plugged into the demands of the market and will keep delivering drama, variety and reality series that viewers live, breathe and crave,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing.

Legend of the Blue Sea airs every Thursday and Friday at 8.10pm / 7.10pm (JKT), within 24 hours of its Korean telecast. It is available first and exclusively on ONE. For more information, visit www.onetvasia.com/Legend; and join in the conversation on social media with the official hashtag #TheLegendIsReal.

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 airs every Thursday at 9.00pm/8.00pm (JKT) first and exclusively on AXN. More information and behind-the-scenes snippets are available at www.AXN-Asia.com/TARA and on social platforms at #AXNTARA and @TheAmazingRaceAsia.

About Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia is a leading operator of ad-supported channels including English general entertainment powerhouses AXN and Sony Channel; and Asian content giants Animax, GEM and ONE. SPT Networks’ portfolio collectively features the biggest and best titles from Korea, Japan and the U.S that are first run, exclusive and aired close to the original telecast. Taking the content beyond the screen, SPT Networks immerses viewers in its premium entertainment via large-scale festivals, celebrity fan meets and social platform conversations. In Asia, SPT Networks’ portfolio is available across 19 territories and in over 42 million homes.

www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

Media Contact

Jennifer Doig / Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

Jennifer_doig@spe.sony.com / +65 6622 4278

Source: GfK Singapore SG-TAM, target: Pay TV 4+, combined rating of ONE Mandarin and One Malay / Kantar Malaysia Astro DTAM, target: Astro individual 4+, combined rating of AXN SD and AXN HD (Data as of 22 November 2016)

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