News

League of Legends esports world qualifier with connectivity provided by PCCW Global

Outcome underscores the message that PCCW Global is connecting gamers globally

HKT (SEHK:6823) – HONG KONG, August 26, 2016 PCCW Global, the international operating division of HKT, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider, have recently collaborated with Hong Kong Esports Limited (“HKES”) to broadcast and support a major esports event. With the production support of HKES and resilient high speed and ultra-low latency connections provided by PCCW Global, Internet platform company Garena successfully hosted the League of Legends Master Series (LMS) Summer 2016 Grand Final at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo on August 21.

This professional esports event saw regional players compete for a slot at the League of Legends (LOL) World Championship to be held in the USA later this year. The five-hour event was watched by more than 3,000 fans at the venue and live by over 1 million viewers online. In such instance, on-site Internet connection has to be flawless.

PCCW Global’s vast experience enabled the team to deliver a bespoke, critical, jitter free and low latency connection at 22ms between Hong Kong and Taiwan where the Garena managed official LOL servers are located. In terms of gameplay, 22ms RTD is as responsive as being physically next to the host servers. This is needed in order to deliver the finest solution to meet the extraordinarily high IT standards of professional esports players.

Mr. Frederick Chui, Senior Vice President of Global Data Sales & Presales, PCCW Global, said: “PCCW Global is proud to have been the international connectivity sponsor of this event. We delivered the best possible gaming experience for the professional players and the best possible live streaming for spectators, ensuring super low latency for the full five hours with extensive onsite support. Our message here is simple – PCCW Global is committed to esports and to providing the best connections for gamers globally.”

Mr. Derek Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of HKES, said, “We were extremely pleased with PCCW Global’s support during the LMS Summer 2016 Grand Final. Top class dedicated fiber connectivity and Internet solutions are a crucial aspect of hosting a successful international esports tournament, and the event provided an excellent demonstration of understanding and commitment of PCCW Global to esports.”

PCCW Global collaborated locally with HKT’s leading broadband service, NETVIGATOR, which has recently launched the “Gamer Pack” to further show its commitment to gamers.

– # –

cont’d …

About Hong Kong Esports Limited

Founded in 2013, Hong Kong Esports Limited (HKES) is a leader in the hottest global trend of Esports. Currently with offices in Hong Kong and Taiwan, HKES is one of the top companies in Asia focused on Esports Content, Esports Events, Esports Media and our Esports Teams. HKES has organized numerous professional Esports tournaments including the Elite Challenge League (ECS), Campus Cup, and Hong Kong Esports Tournament. With more than 1.5 million followers on it’s social media platforms, HKES plans to bring innovation to the gaming industry via a revolutionary upcoming HKES Apps. HKES’ company mission is to bring it’s passion around Esports to the entire Asia Pacific region first, and eventually to a Global scale.

About PCCW Global

PCCW Global is the international operating division of HKT, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider, which is majority-owned by PCCW Limited. Covering more than 3,000 cities and 150 countries, the PCCW Global network supports a portfolio of integrated global communications solutions which include Ethernet, IP, fiber and satellite transmission solutions, international voice and VoIPX services, managed network & security services and our expanding “as-a-service” solutions including OTT video and Unified Communications.

PCCW Global is headquartered in Hong Kong, and maintains regional centers in Belgium, China, France, Greece, Japan, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. To learn more about PCCW Global, please visit www.pccwglobal.com.

About HKT

HKT (SEHK: 6823) is Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider and leading operator in fixed-line, broadband and mobile communication services. It 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 sales, outsourcing, consulting, and contact centers.

HKT offers a unique quadruple-play experience in Hong Kong delivering media content on its fixed-line, broadband Internet access and mobile platforms jointly with its parent company, PCCW Limited.

HKT also provides a range of innovative and smart living services beyond connectivity to make the daily lives of customers more convenient, whether they are at home, in the workplace, or on the go.

For further information, please contact:

 

Ivan Ho
PCCW Group
Tel:      +852 2883 8747
Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com
W Y Choy

HKESports

Tel:      +852 3952 0168

Email: ychoy@hkesports.com

 

Issued by HKT Limited.

26 August, 2016

news_views_header

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending August 26th. 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:

d759fbc53fdd6799325c96eada19516e

Christopher Slaughter

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

Now that Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman has resigned, the company is moving forward with a new CEO (who is actually a 30+ year company veteran), with five new directors on its board, and what feels like not column inches, but column MILES of speculation about its future.  Certainly, there are lessons to be learned from the highly dramatic boardroom battle that led to this; but what really matters is that the company can now move beyond the often-tawdry headlines and get down to business.


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

A year ago, the New Zealand government really ballyhooed its launch of a study on how to update the country’s TV regulations for the digital era.   There were green papers, and discussion papers and lots and lots of issues raised, including about “Content Regulation in A Converged World.”  Now the results of the exercise are apparent, and the Government has announced (drumroll, please)……a few minor changes in the Broadcasting Act.   (OTT content, including VOD but not YouTube, will be covered by content guidelines, and some tiny steps were taken to allow a bit more Sunday advertising on TV, to push broadcasters a tiny tiny tiny bit toward a more even footing with OTT competitors.   But given all the attention, and the raised expectations, the industry thought the final outcome was pretty thin gruel:  “timid, too late and disappointing.” 


Mark Lay

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

Shane Smith of Vice Media is never one to mince words. This week he gave the MacTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival where had a lot to say about Big Media.  “Baby boomers have had a stranglehold on media and advertising for a generation. That stranglehold is finally being broken by a highly educated, ethnically diverse, global-thinking, hard-to-reach generation, and media is having a hard time adapting to this rapid change.”  “We all know what we have to do. Three screens, one screen with OTT and innovative monetization. That’s the Holy Grail. Everyone knows that, but are we going towards that? The hour-long lecture can found here. And if you still need some more wisdom from the “self declared spokesman for the no-bulls#!t generation” you may enjoy the post-lecture interview.


Kevin Jennings

Kevin Jennings

Vice President, Programme

The signs have been all over the US the past couple weeks, and now it’s confirmed: Rio Olympics viewing on TV was down by 18%, but streaming exploded. Part of the explanation for that is the “m” word (millenials), although advertisers seem to be satisfied with the results, which still kept NBC on top of the network ratings during the 17 days of broadcasting, and delivered the most profitable Olympics in history.  Nonetheless, there is still plenty of post-mortem hand-wringing being done, and even network executives acknowledge “…we have a lot to learn about consumer behaviour.”  They’ve got two years to study, before the Winter Olympics descend on Pyeong Chang, South Korea; but at this rate, by 2018, everything might have changed again.


Anjan Mitra

Anjan Mitra

Executive Director, India

Mukesh Ambani’s hunt for 100 million Reliance Jio subscribers is making telecom firms edgy. An edgy headline certainly that could be dubbed biased towards Reliance, but there’s no denying India’s telecoms sector is readying for some bloodbath. The war of words between incumbent telcos and Reliance JIO has not only reached regulator TRAI, but is also knocking on PM’s door for likely intervention. This soap opera has just begun and promises more twists and turns than fictional ones airing on Indian telly.


Christopher Slaughter

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

Although we follow industry news from overseas quite closely, we also like to make the point that not all trends are created equal; now a new study from pollsters YouGov confirms that, showing that almost half of Asia Pacific viewers aren’t aware of Netflix’s launch in their market.  The study also shows that while locally-grown Asian streaming services are making inroads, the most-watched streamer is still YouTube.  Best news? There’s still a dance in the old dame yet — 83% of respondents still watch TV via broadcast TV channels.


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

It’s always nice to be noticed.   The UK Minister for Intellectual Property, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, passed through HK this week on her way to some heavy-lifting policy stuff, in China.   While here she gave a speech on IP enforcement, and one of the aspects of close UK-HK cooperation was work together to deal with the problem of “black box” streaming media STBs.  And she paid tribute to CASBAA by name because of our work on black boxes!    


Christopher Slaughter

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

It was the pull-quote from a Variety article about CNN boss Jeff Zucker a couple weeks ago that set the cat amongst the pigeons: “I don’t think Vice and BuzzFeed are legitimate news organizations. They are native advertising shops. We crush both of them.”  You can’t talk smack like that and not have it be noticed.  Whether it “…ignited a fight for the future of news” is another matter, although it did ignite a sarcastic Twitter stream from BuzzFeed in response.  Now the web service (“…better known for listicles and cat videos…”) is reorganising into two divisions, BuzzFeed News and BuzzFeed Entertainment, a none-too-subtle statement that it is serious about news — serious enough to ring-fence it away from the listicles-and-cat-videos stuff.


Kevin Jennings

Kevin Jennings

Vice President, Programme

First there was wifi on planes and now we’ll have live sport matches to contend with, all disturbing my G&T time: Travellers in Australia will soon be able to experience the “Spirit of Australia” at 30,000 feet once Qantas begins streaming live cricket matches. The airline is in the final stages of negotiations with Cricket Australia to allow passengers to live stream matches on domestic and international flights, with a trial set to run on domestic routes, before full roll-out in 2017. The decision is getting mixed bag of responses from die-hard cricket lovers, with some heralding the move while others are not as enthused, with one more cynical  commentator saying “Long haul flights are boring enough without having to inflict more pain on passengers watching us lose again”. Whatever next.


Mark Lay

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

Have we mentioned lately that voting is underway for the 2016 Emmy Awards?  We’ve definitely mentioned that there are a crazy number of categories and nominees, so many that it’s sort of crazy to think any one person can have watched them all.  But as usual, there’s a lot of handicapping going on in the run-up to the September 18 awards show; of particular interest is the new “Best Limited Series” category.  And if you haven’t seen it, the latest from the “Honest Trailers” guys (who were also nominated for an Emmy…?) is full of Emmys LOLs.


Member News
Additional News

ITV Choice set to sail on Global Eagle Entertainment cruise lines

(Hong Kong, 26 August 2016) ITV is partnering with Global Eagle Entertainment to supply the ITV Choice channel to cruise ship passengers around the globe.

Cruise audiences now have a wide variety of beloved British programming to enjoy on-board. Upcoming dramas include the highly anticipated lavish mini series documenting the story of the girl who became one of history’s greatest monarchs, Victoria and Aiden Turner returns as Ross Poldark, the dashing adventurer in 18th century Cornwall, England in series 2 of Poldark. Entertainment highlights include the UK’s favourite talk show, The Jonathan Ross Show, heart-warming Paul O’Grady: For the Love Of Dogs and the revival of beloved nineties comedy drama Cold Feet, which follows the complicated lives of the much-loved gang played by original cast stars James Nesbitt, John Thomson, Robert Bathurst, Hermione Norris and Fay Ripley who now head from their 30’s into their 50’s.

ITV Choice also broadcasts Britain’s best-loved soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, with the soaps airing within 48 hours of the UK.

Global Eagle Entertainment delivers the channels to the maritime Industry via the on-board TV service, MTN-TV, the global TV network of GEE. MTN-TV serves 27 cruise lines and is on more than 130 cruise ships around the world. The MTN-TV C-Band fully encrypted network is on three overlapping satellite beams providing global coverage.

Launch Cruise lines include:
All Leisure
Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Lindblad Cruises
ResidenSea
Seabourn
Thomson Cruises
Viking River Cruises
Noble Caledonia
Ponant Cruises

About ITV Choice
Part of ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, ITV Choice is the big British entertainment channel with a great big heart, available throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa, reaching over 100 countries and territories. ITV Choice shows award-winning dramas, brilliant gameshows, star-filled entertainment and inspiring documentaries, all brought to you by famous faces from Britain and around the world.

About Global Eagle Entertainment
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. is a leading provider of satellite-based connectivity and media to fast-growing, global mobility markets across air, sea and land. Supported by proprietary and best-in-class technologies, GEE offers a fully integrated suite of rich media content and seamless connectivity solutions that cover the globe. With approximately 1,500 employees and approximately 50 offices on six continents, GEE delivers exceptional service and rapid support to a diverse base of customers around the world. Find out more at: www.geemedia.com

– ENDS –

For further information:
Natasha Storer
Marketing & PR Manager
Natasha.storer@itv.com
Direct: 852 2511 9701

Bill Witiak
General Manager MTN-TV
Bill.Witiak@emcconnected.com
Direct: 1 954 330 6554

Kantar unveils the world’s most advanced hybrid model in Norway to deliver Total TV & Video Currency

Kantar appointed to deliver Total TV & Video Rating from 2018

London & Oslo, 25 August 2016 – The Norwegian TV audience measurement steering committee has awarded Kantar the new contract for the provision of TV Ratings. The service will run for five years initially from 2018, with the option to extend until 2028.

From 2018 the TV currency in Norway will measure all TV and Video content wherever it’s consumed in what will be the most advanced hybrid model for TV and video measurement yet seen in the world.

The new service will comprise of two panels. Kantar Media[i] will apply their increasingly sophisticated mathematical algorithms to fuse the two panels in the early hours each morning to report a single data set as the Norwegian TV currency moves to a “Total TV and Video rating” (TVOV)

The first panel, a single source representative panel of 3,000 individuals will measure:

  • Viewing on the TV set whether live, time-shift or on-demand (Core TV). Using Kantar Media’s PeopleMeter technology the service will use their best-in-class watermarking technology alongside their audio matching technology to enhance content detection of 150 channels.
  • All TV and video content that is streamed or accessed over the internet through tablets, smartphones, PC’s and connected devices (Extended TV). Kantar Media’s secure home router meter combined with Kantar’s on-device internet measurement technology, will passively measure all viewing both in and out of the home.  Kantar will calibrate panel data with the online census data for both programmes and commercials to deliver granular audience data of the highest quality.

The panel of 3,000 individuals (10-79 years) will be supplemented with a further 300 children aged 2-9 years.

The second panel will measure all TV and video content consumed out of home (OOH). It will report based on a representative sample of 1,500 individuals aged 10+ and use Kantar Media’s watermarking technology for content detection with Médiamétrie’s RateOnAir device, a portable meter carried by panellists which measures their individual viewing outside the home. Kantar has been measuring out of home viewing in Norway since July 2014 and the new technology being deployed will deliver ever greater accuracy as well as measurement of new platforms.

The steering committee members include the following broadcasters NRK, TV 2 AS, MTG AS and Discovery Networks Norway. The announcement follows a competitive direct pitch with Ipsos. The new service will continue to be delivered by Kantar’s TNS Gallup team.

John Richard Hewitt, Head of Research at TV 2 and head of the steering committee, stated: “TNS Gallup have been delivering high quality TV ratings to Norway since the turn of the century. Norwegians like to consume TV and video content anywhere and anytime. With approx. 30% of the population owning a second home and ownership of tablets have grown from 7% to 68% and smart phone devices have grown from 46% to 88% in the last five years, it is critical that broadcasters are making informed decisions using the most accurate, holistic TV currency data. Equally important is facilitating holistic media buying decisions at advertisers and agencies. TNS Gallup presented an innovative technically sound proposal building on their many years of measuring TV in Norway. We are confident that, as our partner of choice, TNS Gallup, will maintain the highest possible standards whilst delivering a TVOV for Norway.”

Richard Asquith, Global CEO of Audience Intelligence at Kantar Media “In recent years commentators in the US and elsewhere have lauded Norway as being at the forefront of TV measurement. We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with the Norwegian TV industry, breaking new ground with our award-winning techniques and hybrid models.  We are proud to be entrusted to build and deliver the most advanced hybrid model to date as we transition from Television to Total Video measurement.”

Kantar Media conducts TV measurement services in over 55 markets worldwide. This latest announcement follows renewals and new contracts secured in Denmark, Netherlands, Thailand, Romania and Israel.

[i] In Norway Kantar Media trades as TNS Gallup.

Turner Appoints LBE Director For Asia Pacific

Turner-Eric Lee

Eric Lee to lead Cartoon Network’s location-based entertainment business

HONG KONG (August 25, 2016) Turner Asia Pacific has appointed Eric Lee to lead its growing location-based entertainment (LBE) business for the region. Effective immediately, he is tasked with identifying opportunities to develop consumer-facing experiences such as waterparks, theme parks, branded retail and entertainment spaces. These environments utilize Cartoon Network’s global kids’ IP such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, We Bare Bears and Adventure Time, as well as Turner’s other youth-focused brands including Tuzki.

This is a new position for Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), Turner’s licensing and merchandising arm, and demonstrates its commitment to developing more LBE initiatives around the region. Mr Lee’s appointment is a part of a wider strategy by Turner to become an even more consumer-centric and IP-focused company.

Clément Schwebig, who is Turner Asia Pacific’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and oversees CNE, said: “Eric is a talented and experienced individual who will straight away look to forge strategic relationships with local partners that will enable us to engage existing fans and win over new ones. LBE and the themed attraction business has huge potential for growth in Asia Pacific, and Cartoon Network’s world-famous franchises are well-loved by kids and families across the region.”

The appointment comes at a period of growth for both the industry and Turner’s extensive portfolio of IP. Cartoon Network Amazone, the waterpark in Thailand which opened in 2014, is going from strength to strength; and earlier this year, Turner opened a Tuzki-themed restaurant in Shanghai, China, and the first of a planned series of Cartoon Network retail stores in Seoul, Korea.

Meanwhile in Dubai, Cartoon Network is all set to open its own themed zone at IMG Worlds of Adventure. And in a number of other Asian markets, LBE projects in the CNE pipeline include Family Entertainment Centers and Retail-Dining-Entertainment experiences.

Mr Lee joins Turner from Rovio Entertainment in Europe, where he held the position of Director for Global LBE. There, he worked with large-scale licensing deals and led innovative projects such as the first ever Angry Birds 4D film and Angry Birds VR experience. He has also held roles in Jack Rouse Associates and JBJ Associates, and has worked on projects such as Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, Crayola Experience in the US, Sochi Theme Park in Russia, and Angry Birds parks in the UK, Russia and Qatar.

-Ends-

For further information, contact:
James Moore, Director of Communications, Turner Asia Pacific

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

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Asia Pacific, is responsible for building world-class licensing programs across its franchises including The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, We Bare Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball, Mixels, and other Cartoon Network and Adult Swim originals. CNE connects with millions of Cartoon Network fans through consumer and home entertainment products, promotional licensing, interactive games, publishing, live events and location-based entertainment such as the Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark in Thailand.

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout the region, running 63 channels in 14 languages in 37 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 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.

Intelsat Announces Successful Launch of Intelsat 36

Expands MultiChoice’s Leading Direct-to-Home Services in Sub-Saharan Africa

Luxembourg, 24 August 2016
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, today announced the successful launch of the Intelsat 36 satellite. Intelsat 36 was launched from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Liftoff occurred at 6:16 p.m. EDT. The satellite separated from the rocket’s lower stage at 6:57 p.m. EDT, and the Intelsat launch team has confirmed signal acquisition.

Built for Intelsat by Space Systems/Loral (SSL), Intelsat 36 is designed to enhance Intelsat’s media neighborhoods serving Africa and the Indian Ocean regions. The Ku-band payload was built to support MultiChoice, the leading direct-to-home platform in South Africa. The C-band payload provides in-orbit resilience for Intelsat’s leading video content distribution neighborhood at 68.5° E. Intelsat 36 will be collocated with Intelsat 20.

“Intelsat 36 is a testament to our dedication to working closely with our customers in Africa to support critical growing infrastructure needs in the region,” said Stephen Spengler, Chief Executive Officer, Intelsat.

“Having consistent and affordable access to informative and entertaining content is vital to a community and its citizens.  Intelsat 36 will enable MultiChoice to extend high definition channels throughout the region via one of Africa’s premier video neighborhoods.  We are proud to once again partner with MultiChoice as they continue to deliver high quality and compelling educational and entertainment services to their customers throughout sub-Saharan Africa.”

Intelsat 36 is the 58th Intelsat satellite launched by Arianespace.

Resources:

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

Intelsat Safe Harbor Statement 
Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. When used in this release, the words “may,” “will,” “might,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “outlook,” and “continue,” and the negative of these terms, and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.

The forward-looking statements reflect Intelsat’s intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions, anticipations, projections, estimations, predictions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Intelsat’s control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Known risks include, among others, market conditions and the risks described in Intelsat’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015, and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission..

Because actual results could differ materially from Intelsat’s intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions, anticipations, projections, estimations, predictions and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements with caution. Intelsat does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact
Michele Loguidice
Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
michele.loguidice@intelsat.com
+1 703-559-7372

With two kung fu films, HBO cautiously tests the waters in China

Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia

Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia attends the “2nd Global Film Industry Value Chain Development Forum” during the 18th Shanghai International Film Festival on June 15, 2015. (Photo by VCG via Getty Images)

For American film and TV show creators and distributors, it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing in China recently.

Online video portals have been ordered to limit foreign films and TV shows to 30% of their offerings, driving down licensing fees. Authorities are discouraging broadcasters from using imported TV formats to make programs such as “The Voice of China.” This spring, the government closed down Walt Disney Co.’s movie streaming service, and Apple’s as well.

That hasn’t discouraged HBO from testing the waters. On a steamy August morning, HBO Asia Chief Executive Jonathan Spink was tromping around Hengdian World Studios, China’s largest film and TV production base, passing popsicles around an outdoor set where filming was wrapping up on the premium channel’s first two original productions in China.

In the grove of bamboo, a dummy corpse dripping with fake blood perched on a fence as cicadas buzzed in the trees.  Another mannequin, hog-tied and strung up by a rope, dangled from a tree over a bed of large spikes. But this was no Chinese version of “Game of Thrones.” HBO Asia is moving cautiously out of the gate, with two made-for-TV kung fu movies, “Master of the Drunken Fist: Beggar So” and “Master of the Shadowless Kick: Wong Kei-ying.”

The Mandarin-language films are being co-produced with China Movie Channel, a division of state broadcaster China Central Television, or CCTV. China Movie Channel, also known as CCTV6, will handle distribution on the mainland, while HBO will air the films across Asia.

MTV Debuts New Made-in-Asia “OK Dance-Oke” Music Show And “MTV Asia Spotlight” Monthly Artist Special

Also Set to Premiere Two New Music Chart Shows

SINGAPORE, 22 AUGUST 2016 – Youth entertainment brand MTV is presenting a bumper crop of content for music and dance fans in Asia. Music video dance tutorial programme Ok Danceoke is a new music show which debuted in August while regional monthly artist special MTV ASIA SPOTLIGHT will premiere in September. Both Ok Danceoke and MTV ASIA SPOTLIGHT are produced in Asia. Next month, the network will also roll out two new music chart shows EDM Countdown and Viral Countdown, adding to four existing chart shows Chart Attack Top 10, Alternative Countdown, Asia Countdown, and Urban Countdown which went on-air since June.

 

OK DANCEOKE

Ok Danceoke, the ‘Karaoke of Dance’, teaches signature dance steps and moves in an interesting and creative manner. The weekly half-hour programme sees instructors breaking down the choreography of the latest music videos to help fans groove confidently to their favourite songs in the comfort of their homes. Viewers are encouraged to get active and dance along as they brush up on their knowledge of the names and steps of the dance routines shown.

Each episode consists of six music videos and episodes air on Tuesdays at 8pm (TH/WIB), 9pm (SG), 10pm (MY), and Saturdays at 2.30pm (PH). The show also airs as individual music video segments on the channel throughout the day and selected videos will be made available on MTV’s website. Watch/embed a video of the programme HERE.

Ok Danceoke is shot and produced in Singapore. Production began at the end of February and is ongoing. Instructors featured in the show are Melissa Lim (a.k.a. Cat Lady) from Recognize Studios, Mohammad Alif (a.k.a. Alif Aircho) from Danz People, and Chloe Jong from Limited Edition. Lim is a versatile dancer with over a decade of experience. Her dance style is a unique mix of femininity and masculinity, and she specialises in waacking and hip hop. Alif has been a dancer for 12 years and is a member of the Freekzy Nutz crew that represented Singapore in the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in 2010 and 2011. He is also part of the Havoc crew which won the Super 24 dance competition this year. Jong has been dancing for four years and represented Singapore in the Hip Hop International 2016 Competition in Las Vegas. Her crew, Limited Edition, won the Super 24 competition in 2015. She is also a member of the crew Hot Topic, which clinched third place in the PULSE! Street Dance Competition 2015 and Black Out Dance Competition 2015.

 

MTV ASIA SPOTLIGHT

Next, MTV will premiere MTV ASIA SPOTLIGHT, an all-new music feature gives audiences access to popular and up-and-coming acts from within Asia, showcasing the spotlighted artist’s music videos, interviews, performances and other exclusive content throughout the month. With MTV ASIA SPOTLIGHT, the aim is to grow the awareness and appreciation of Asian music for fans in the region to enjoy. It takes viewers first to well-known Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna, where fans will get to watch an interview and her acoustic performance of “Crush” from her third studio album, Chapters.

MTV ASIA SPOTLIGHT kicks off on-air on MTV on Thursday, 1 September with repeats during the month. Selected content will be integrated within the weekly music and lifestyle show The MTV Show which airs on Saturdays at 1pm (TH/WIB), 2pm (PH/SG) and 3pm (MY). Additional content will also be posted to MTV’swebsite and social platforms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

NEW MUSIC CHART SHOWS

Two new music chart shows EDM Countdown and Viral Countdown premiering in September have been developed to whet music lovers’ ever-growing appetites for different music genres. MTV VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer will also lend a touch of journalism to three of the chart shows where they decode key music trends and discuss exclusive music news and in the process, help fans discover new music and artists. There will be a total of six chart shows available on the channel.

 

  • Alternative Countdown

– Dive into the alternative world of MTV with the top five indie songs you need to check out this week

– Airs on Tuesdays at 3.30am (PH), and Thursdays at 2.30pm (TH/WIB), 3.30pm (SG), and 4.30pm (MY)

 

  • Asia Countdown

– Discover Asia’s local favourites every week

– Airs on Tuesdays at 9.30pm (TH/WIB), 10.30pm (SG), and 11.30pm(MY), and Wednesdays at 3.30am (PH)

 

  • Chart Attack Top 10

– VJs Alan and Hanli cover a weekly round-up of the 10 most popular tracks out there

– Airs on Sundays at 10am (TH/WIB), 11am(SG), 12pm (MY), and Tuesdays at 12am (PH)

 

  • EDM Countdown (New)

– VJs Alan and Hanli give you a weekly dose of the five most popular electronic and dance music tracks.

– Premieres on 1 September, Thursdays at 9.30pm (TH/WIB), 10.30pm (SG), and 11.30pm (MY), and 2 September, Fridays at 3.30am (PH)

 

  • Urban Countdown

– Tune in every week and immerse yourself in the MTV urban jungle, with the hottest songs in R&B, hip hop, soul, and futuristic R&B.

– Airs on Wednesdays at 9.30pm (TH/WIB), 10.30pm (SG), 11.30pm (MY), and Thursdays at 3.30am (PH)

 

  • Viral Countdown (New)

– VJs Alan and Hanli share the trending tracks across major social music sites.

– Premieres on 5 September, Mondays at 8pm (TH/WIB), 9pm (SG), 10pm (MY), and 10 September, Saturdays at 3.30am (PH)

###

 

About MTV

MTV is the world’s biggest youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of nearly 785 million households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. Outside of the United States, MTV 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 platforms. For more information about MTV in Asia, visit www.mtvasia.com.

 

Media Contacts

Viacom International Media Networks

Loh Bi Feng

Manager, Communications, Southeast Asia

t: +65 6420 7154  m: +65 9002 9607

Twitter: @VIMNAsia_PR

Raemier Francis

Assistant, Communications, Southeast Asia

t: +65 6420 7260

International Pop Icon Britney Spears And Multi-platinum Recording Artist Nick Jonas To Perform At 2016 “mtv Video Music Awards”

Rising Star G-Eazy will Join Britney for the First Time for World-Premiere Performance of “Make Me…” from Her New Studio Album “Glory”

Ty Dolla $ign Joins Jonas for Performance of “Bacon” from His Latest Studio Album “Last Year was Complicated”

SINGAPORE, 18 AUGUST 2016 – Returning to the VMA’s stage for the first time in 10 years, multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Britney Spears announced that she’ll thrill fans with a world-premiere performance of “Make Me…” ft. G-Eazy from her new, ninth studio album, Glory, at the 2016 “MTV Video Music Awards.” The appearance is the first time fans will see a live performance from Spears’ new album, set for release by RCA Records before the VMAs. “Make Me…” collaborator and multi-platinum selling rapper, G-Eazy, will join Spears on stage for the first time for an unforgettable performance.
Multi-platinum recording artist Nick Jonas today announced that he will hit the streets of New York City in a special performance, presented by Pepsi. He will perform his hit single “Bacon” ft. Ty Dolla $ign from his second solo studio album, “Last Year was Complicated,” making his debut as a solo artist during the VMA’s main show. The 2016 VMAs will air LIVE from New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden for the first time ever on Monday, 29 August at 8am (TH/WIB) and 9am (MY/PH/SG). It will air on MTV LIVE HD on Tuesday, 30 August at 7.30pm (TH/WIB) and 8.30pm (HK/MY/PH/SG).
In keeping with the spirit of this year’s show celebrating the creative expression of artists, Spears made her announcement across social media with a video created by experimental L.A.-based experimental director Radical Friend. To view the video – in which Spears is heard reflecting on the VMAs as a python winds through a sultry neon-lit room with remnants of her past VMA performances – click HERE (embed code below).
Jonas made his announcement with a video that was custom-created by Brooklyn-based motion graphics artist, Zolloc. To view the video – click HERE (embed code below).

Britney Spears

With 28 nominations and 5 wins, Britney has been a mainstay at the VMAs with some of the most memorable and talked about moments in their history. Some of those moments include her 1999 medley performance of “Baby One More Time” / “Tearing Up My Heart” with *NSYNC, her 2000 fiery performance of “Oops I Did It Again,” her white python-clad performance of “Slave 4 You,” steamy lip lock with Madonna, her 2011 Video Vanguard Award and so much more.
Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Britney Spears is one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history with nearly 100 million records sold worldwide. In the U.S. alone, she has sold more than 70 million albums, singles and songs, according to Nielsen Music. Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Spears became a household name as a teenager when she released her first single “…Baby One More Time,” a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash and international hit that broke sales records with more than 27 million copies sold worldwide and is currently 14x Platinum in the U.S.

Her musical career boasts countless awards and accolades, including six Billboard Music Awards and Billboard’s Millennium Award, which recognizes outstanding career achievements and influence in the music industry as well as an American Music Award and the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award. So far, Spears has earned a total of six No.1-debuting albums on the Billboard 200 chart and 24 top 40 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 — five of which went to No. 1. Spears has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won for Best Dance Recording in 2005.
Her cutting-edge pop concert Las Vegas residency, “Britney: Piece of Me,” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has been voted “Best Show in Las Vegas” and “Best Bachelorette Show in Las Vegas.” Spears also has been creating fragrances for over ten years, to date has introduced 19 fragrances, available in over 90 countries around the world.

Nick Jonas

Island Records artist, Nick Jonas, introduced himself as a fully-formed solo artist on his hit, self-titled debut, released in November 2014. The critically-acclaimed album included the double-platinum and #1 U.S. radio hit, “Jealous” and his sultry chart-climbing radio single, “Chains.”

Jonas, also an accomplished actor, stars in the gritty television show ‘Kingdom’ — a mixed martial arts drama that premiered in the fall of 2014. He recently appeared in two more high-profile roles, a guest-starring role in Fox’s horror-comedy series, ‘Scream Queens’ and a lead in the critically-acclaimed ‘Goat’ produced by and featuring James Franco.
A recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jonas released his sophomore solo album “Last Year Was Complicated” in June of 2016, which debuted as the Billboard #1 selling album of the week and includes the platinum hit “Close” featuring Tove Lo.
Most recently the solo powerhouse joined his longtime friend, Demi Lovato, on their “Honda Civic: Future Now” tour which will be touring throughout North America until early this fall.

G-Eazy

Bay Area rapper G-Eazy is 2016’s biggest breakout hip hop artist. He has skyrocketed to superstardom with the release of his sophomore album When It’s Dark Out (RVG/BPG/RCA Records) which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and Top Rap Albums Chart and #5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums Chart and now is RIAA certified platinum selling over 1 million copies in the US. The album features his smash single “Me, Myself, and I” with Bebe Rexha which is certified 3 times platinum and has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. The track was #1 at both Top 40 and rhythm radio for 2 weeks and reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On Spotify, “Me, Myself, and I” has over 455 million listens and peaked at #2 on the US and #3 on Global Charts.
G-Eazy is currently wrapping arguably one of the biggest tours of the summer, The Endless Summer Tour, where he is headlining amphitheaters and arenas across the country and included sold out shows at Barclays Center in Brooklyn NY, The Forum in Los Angeles, CA and an momentous hometown show outside of Oakland at The Shoreline Amphitheatre in front of 22,000 strong. This year alone he has played over 150 shows and performed on The Today Show, The Late Show Starring Jimmy Fallon twice, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Coachella, and most recently Lollapalooza.

Ty Dolla $ign

Los Angeles born R&B Singer, Tyrone Griffin more notably known as Ty Dolla $ign shot to stardom with his breakout mixtape, 2012’s Beach House. His hit single “My Cabana” was not only last summer’s round the clock party anthem, but it figures to be played in every pool and beachside cabana around the country. Ty Dolla $ign has written some of the most well-crafted and melodic pop songs on the radio. He is one of the most popular street rappers in LA, but it wasn’t until he wrote and produced his hit “Toot it and Boot it,” that he earned radio airplay.
Spears, Jonas, G-Eazy, and Ty Dolla $ign join previously announced performer and 2016 “Video Vanguard” recipient Rihanna for this year’s show.

Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer for the 2016 “MTV Video Music Awards.” Garrett English, Erik Flannigan, Sandy Alouete, Lee Lodge and Jen Jones are Executive Producers.
Garrett English also serves as Executive in Charge of Production for MTV. Hamish Hamilton is Director. Wendy Plaut is Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent.
Want to stay in tune with all things VMA? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and check out the official 2016 VMA Playlist from MTV & Spotify at spotify.com/VMA.
Official sponsors of the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards include: Orbit® Gum, PANTENE®, PEPSI®, Taco Bell®, Trojan™ Brand Condoms, truth®, TWIX® and Verizon.
EMBED CODE – BRITNEY SPEARS VIDEO:

About MTV

MTV is the world’s biggest youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of nearly 785 million households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. Outside of the United States, MTV 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 platforms. For more information about MTV in Asia, visit www.mtvasia.com. 

Media Contacts
Raemier Francis
Assistant, Communications, Southeast Asia
t: +65 6420 7260
e: raemier.francis@vimnmix.com

Twitter: @VIMNAsia_PR

Loh Bi Feng
Manager, Communications, Southeast Asia
t: +65 6420 7154 m: +65 9002 9607
e: loh.bifeng@vimn.com

19 August, 2016

news_views_header

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending August 19th. 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:

Sony Pictures

Christopher Slaughter

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

CASBAA CPO John Medeiros and I have been in Seoul this week, so we can be forgiven for our new addiction to Korean drama — specifically, the drama around China’s clampdown on Korean TV shows that has serious financial implications for the local production industry, particularly since China accounts for about 40% of the overseas exports of Korean shows.  Of course, it’s actually all about the military, right?  That is, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, or THAAD, intended to protect against North Korea’s eminently logical leadership and their tendency toward nuclear brinksmanship; but which China thinks could be a loaded gun pointed directly at it.  But the ban isn’t stopping the fans, although certain advertisements with questionable political messages aren’t really helping much. Like any good drama, there are cliffhangers a-plenty, enough to keep you tuning in week after week: watch this space.


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

It looks like 4K/UHD broadcasting is finally arriving, as a commercial offering.   A few weeks ago, we reported that sales of 4K TV sets in Japan have really taken off.   In Korea this week, we learned that – although there are only an estimated 50,000 4K/UHD sets in Korean homes, several pay-TV operators are aggressively rolling out competitive UHD channel offerings.  IPTV operators SK Broadband and KT Olleh have 3 UHD channels each, while direct broadband competitor LG U+ has one.  The UHD king, though, is KT Skylife, with five operating UHD channels.   Meanwhile, in Europe,Sky began its broadcasts of English Premiership games in UHD, and the upcoming IBC show is full of UHD announcements.  And in Hong Kong, PCCW is moving to offer 4K to its subscribers as well.    Research companies say UHD equipment in homes is multiplying rapidly.


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Here’s the department of “I read it on the Internet, so it must be true:”  Last week, Singapore’s Parliament passed the legislation to reorganize the Media Development Authority (MDA) and the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA).  Reports detailed the new functions to be exercised by the merged IMDA, and the IT promotion/security part of IDA, which will now be called GovTech.  Okay, that’s all pretty straightforward.   Except I was led to all this by having this internet report pop up in my press feed, alleging that GovTech is “a new censorship agency.”   Huh???    Part of a “modern information war against independent news sites.”    Huh???  Lion City paranoia seems alive and well.


Mark Lay

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

Media companies are engaging with social media in different ways. Digiday has a great piece this week on How Sky News distributes video on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. With the Premier League just kicking off, Sky Sports used Facebook and YouTube to stream their popular “Soccer Saturday”. Though, a number of media companies are resisting striking deals with Facebook Inc. for its video features. “TV executives say they’ve been put off by the tech company’s constantly-shifting goalposts and its failure to articulate a clear path for content owners on how they’ll make money from participating in its video offerings.”


Kevin Jennings

Kevin Jennings

Vice President, Programme

Twitter is apparently in talks with Apple to bring the Twitter app to Apple TV. According to a report in the New York Times the deal would allow Apple TV users to use the Twitter app to stream NFL football games and other live content under Twitter’s growing number of video deals. In April Twitter agreed to pay the NFL around USD 10 million to stream 10 games and to sell only a portion of the ad inventory exclusively. (Facebook had reportedly set tougher terms in the bidding, under which the social network wanted to sell all the ads that would air during the games.) Twitter will stream its first NFL game on Sept. 15.  But the question is will its $10 million deal pay off?


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Media Business Asia has this interesting take on the situation of Thailand’s SVOD industry.   MPA’s Vivek Couto will explain his take on developments in Thailand at CASBAA’s Thailand in View Conference, on September 6, in Bangkok.   Don’t miss it.  


John Medeiros

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

And in piracy news this week:   
·  US Courts told Kim Dotcom to buzz off, he can’t have his money back (until he sits through a trial, anyway.)  But he continues to fight extradition, thus delaying the final outcome, whatever it will be.  
·  Responding to a suit filed by Tata Sky, the Delhi High Court said YouTube is obligated to pay attention to the videos it hosts, and may not host illegal content related to piracy.  (In this case, vids offering instruction on how to hack into Tata Sky’s pay-TV bouquet.)  No more of this approach for YouTube.
·  Three cheers for the PIPCU IP police, in the UK, who raided a black-box streaming TV operation that was broadcasting to “tens of thousands of people across the globe.”
·  Most of the content industry these days doesn’t believe in suing end-users.   But a Singapore law firm has got powers of attorney from some independent film makers, and they’re going after the downloaders.   Batten the hatches; I foresee stormy weather ahead.  


Jane Buckthought

Jane Buckthought

Advertising Consultant

UK’s subscription-free satellite TV service Freesat is enabling the first live audience measurement service showing viewing free-to-air (FTA) behaviour in real time.  The anonymised data is captured from over 100,000 connected Freesat set-top boxes and then processed by TVbeat’s platform. Data available includes info on Audience Flow, for viewers moving across channels and programming; Audience Retention, for returning viewers to the same series; Time-Shifted Data based on PVR usage, and VOD Impact with data from catch-up and other on-demand services.


Christopher Slaughter

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

The Rio Olympics still have a couple days to go, and as we mentioned last week, this edition of the Games has been an interesting bellwether for digital disruption.  No question about it, ratings for linear television have fallen in the US, although the full picture won’t emerge until after the last torch has been blown out in Brazil.  But despite the lower ratings, NBC is still confident that it will win plenty of gold of its own, and that this will be the most profitable Olympics for the peacock network yet.


Andrew Lin

Andrew Lin

Regulatory Assistant

Last week, authorities of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) sent an e-letter to Pokemon Go developer Niantic, requesting that they establish Pokemon-free zones around dangerous areas, religious places, state property, and private property. Officials believe that playing Pokemon Go in sensitive locations could be a threat to national security. It did not come as a surprise that people flooded social media with their frustration and disbelief.


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