IGC will lead team providing global service to the American Forces Network (AFN) using six satellites and five teleports

McLean, VA, April 24, 2018
Intelsat General, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intelsat (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite communications, today announced that the Company will distribute television and radio programming to U.S. servicemen and women stationed around the world, working with the support of three other satellite and ground service providers.

Intelsat General has been carrying the global satellite feed for the American Forces Network (AFN) for more than 15 years, bringing U.S. troops on land and at sea a wide variety of television and radio programming. The new one-year contract with four renewable option years will involve six satellites and five teleports at various locations around the globe, as well as the IntelsatOne terrestrial fiber network. The other partners involved in providing the service are SES Government Solutions, Korea Telecom and Allen Communications.

“We have been supporting the American Forces Network for a number of years and this new contract will allow us to continue to distribute programming that is so important to the morale of our troops at home, at sea and abroad,” said Rick Henry, VP of Sales and Marketing for Intelsat General. “Our globalized network enables AFN programming to reach more than one million service men and women stationed in the most remote areas of the globe, allowing them to feel closer to home whether they are watching an NFL football game or an episode of a television series.”

The AFN will provide Intelsat General with three data streams for distribution globally, using uplink teleports in California and Maryland in the United States as well as South Korea and Germany. Intelsat will distribute the AFN programming to ships at sea and fixed military bases in the Atlantic Ocean Region, the Indian Ocean Region, and the Continental U.S., Greenland, Central America and Cuba.

The American Forces Network, based at Fort Meade in Maryland, traces its origins to a single Army radio station established in Kodiak, Alaska, to entertain isolated soldiers at the beginning of World War II. It has since grown to provide a wide range of around-the-clock radio and television programming from a variety of commercial sources, giving U.S. troops worldwide the same access to news, sports and entertainment that they might enjoy at home.

About Intelsat General
Intelsat General (IGC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intelsat, operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite communications. IGC provides its government and commercial customers with high-quality, cost-effective, communications solutions via Intelsat’s leading satellite backbone and terrestrial infrastructure. Our customers rely on IGC to provide secure and seamless broadband connectivity, video communications, and mobility services for mission-critical operations anywhere on the globe through our open, inter-operable architecture. www.intelsatgeneral.com

24-Hour network celebrating music legends from the 1980s to the 2000s to enter Asia for the first time on AGILASAT, Solar Digital’s TV platform on 2 May 2018

BALI, 24 APRIL 2018 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), today announced its expanded collaboration with Solar Entertainment Corporation, content provider and television network, to debut MTV Classic in the Philippines. This marks the first time that the 24-hour music channel will be available in Asia. Effective 2 May, MTV Classic will be offered on AGILASAT – a joint venture TV satellite service between Solar and global satellite operator ABS that delivers premium entertainment via direct-to-operator facility to households in the country.

“Building on the success of last year’s collaboration on MTVph, we’re thrilled to bolster our strategic collaboration with Solar with MTV Classic and officially debut it for the first time in the Philippines. This reinforces the importance of the Filipino market as we deepen our brand presence here, which demonstrates our commitment to strengthen programming, local engagement and to cater to the viewing preferences of Filipino audiences,” said Paras Sharma, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Southeast Asia, Viacom International Media Networks. “Whether it’s Nirvana or Destiny’s Child, MTV Classic is the home for music legends that shaped pop culture via their music videos.”

MTV Classic showcases the artists and hits that have been part of the music landscape since the network’s inception in 1981. The 24-hour music channel will feature a non-stop music programing mix of rock, R&B anthems, classic power ballads and retro pop from some of the world’s greatest superstars including, Madonna, Duran, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Spice Girls, Queen, U2, Whitney Houston, Prince and more.

Rene Esguerra, Chief Operating Officer of Solar Digital Media Holdings, Inc., added, “We are excited to continue working with VIMN and extend the iconic MTV brand on our platform. The addition of MTV Classic will appeal to a range of audiences both young and old, bringing AGILASAT closer to our goal of meeting the key content needs of our subscribers.”

The launch of MTV Classic follows the initial collaboration between VIMN and Solar to launch MTVph in the Philippines last year.

###

About AGILASAT
AGILASAT is a groundbreaking free-to-view TV service that delivers sports, news, lifestyle, kid movies, general entertainment, and local programming to homes across the Philippines. It will host a bouquet of up to 50 high-quality local and international channels. Distribution of AGILASAT is through a built-in package with partner Pay TV providers (DTO).

This new service will be available on C-band via the ABS-6 satellite covering the entire country. Unlike most Ku-band DTH services, the C-band service is more resistant to rain degradation.

About Solar Entertainment Corporation
Solar Entertainment Corporation is one of the largest content providers and channel operators in Southeast Asia. It is committed to elevating the network to a global standard and maintaining Solar as a leader and innovator in the industry. Until today, Solar continues to widen its programming to meet the demands of emerging audiences. www.solarentertainmentcorp.com

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.

About Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and more. Viacom brands reach more than 3.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries and territories via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties, in 40 languages. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com, blog.viacom.com and the Viacom Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

Media Contact:
Viacom International Media Networks
Adeline Ong
Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Asia
e: adeline.ong@vimn.com

Premier entertainment technology and security solution provider, NAGRA, is working closely with movie theatre owners and the cinema buying Group-NATO to transform movie theatres into entertainment centers via myCinema

Phoenix, AZ – Washington, D.C. – April 23, 2018 – NAGRA, a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company and the leading provider of digital content distribution and content protection, and the Cinema Buying Group-National Association of Theater Owners have signed a definitive partnership agreement. Under the agreement NAGRA will bring alternative content and live event cinema to the CBG-NATO membership. myCinema, the new NAGRA broadband-based solution premiering at Cinemacon 2018, will offer a large catalog of titles both live and previously recorded content to theater circuits of all sizes with a significant focus on serving the independent theater owners represented in the Cinema Buying Group-NATO.

With today’s announcement of a business development and marketing agreement between NAGRA and the Cinema Buying Group-NATO, theatre owners in North America can contract with NAGRA with the help of CBG-NATO to efficiently deploy the myCinema service into their theatres.

“In the 21st century theatres are becoming diverse and energized entertainment centers for the communities they serve,” said Bill Campbell, Managing Director of NATO’s Cinema Buying Group. Mr. Campbell further stated, “With myCinema, theatre owners are able to offer a broad range of alternative content and live events, including live musical events, sporting events and Broadway shows, faith-based programming and independent films from around the globe, as well as unique e-sporting events and leagues. The imagination is the only limit and the programming library theater management can choose from is growing constantly. This is an exciting new evolution in theatre programming.”

NAGRA will announce the public launch of myCinema at the upcoming Cinemacon 2018 event in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 23-26, 2018. This innovative new service will empower cinema owners and operators to revitalize their entertainment enterprise, expand their customer base and enhance the cinema-going entertainment experience.

myCinema enables owners and operators to schedule and promote music events, sporting events, opera, ballet, Broadway, first-run independent film, re-releases of some of the best known and beloved film franchises, cinematic TV, eSports, content from around the globe, and more. Featuring excellent quality presentation of the best available content, the NAGRA solution will empower cinema owners to increase their revenue and expand the entertainment services they provide to their existing and growing base of customers. Launching this year in North America, the NAGRA service leverages the best available streaming, sound, data/recommendations, loyalty programs and high-value content security solutions, pioneered by NAGRA and its technology experts.

“Working with industry leaders and the Cinema Buying Group-NATO is an excellent way to expedite the deployment of myCinema,” said Tim Warner Jr, Vice President Exhibitor Relations, NAGRA. “These trusted relationships help cinema owners recognize the great opportunity that alternative content and live events hold for them and for their customers. As well, NAGRA’s new myCinema service helps theatre owners benefit from the greater opportunity and revenue from the deployment of digital cinema within their enterprises.”

“myCinema is a win-win for theatre owners. It provides CBG members the opportunity to more effectively appeal to the diverse interests of their individual communities and the audiences they serve,” continued Bill Campbell. “By programming high-quality events, presentations and experiences at any time of the day, myCinema allows for and encourages improved attendance during off-peak periods through non-traditional uses of our member theaters. This program is exactly the kind of programming option that was envisioned during the industry’s conversion to digital cinema and is evidence that the CBG remains attentive to all areas of operations in our program offerings. We are very excited to be able to offer NAGRA’s myCinema to our loyal members.”

Please visit www.mycinema.live to subscribe for media alerts.

About Cinema Buying Group-NATO
Cinema Buying Group-NATO, a semi-autonomous buying program of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), is a group of over 400 independent movie theater companies formed to combine the buying capacity of the membership for purposes of: securing volume discounts and competitive pricing and/or terms across a broad spectrum of relevant and vital products and services; offering enhanced promotion and merchandising of movies and concessions; developing strategic relationships with manufacturers and suppliers by offering cost-saving products or services that can be passed on to members that elect to buy; and ultimately providing greater access to available opportunities for the member companies. CBG-NATO also serves as a vehicle for industry manufacturers and suppliers to partner with this important and vital membership in ways that can offer meaningful upside to both the supportive vendor partners and participating CBG-NATO members.

About NAGRA
NAGRA, a digital TV division of the Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S), provides security and multiscreen user experience solutions for the monetization of digital media. The company offers content providers and DTV service providers worldwide secure, open and integrated platforms and applications over broadcast, broadband and mobile platforms, enabling compelling and personalized viewing experiences. Please visit dtv.nagra.com for more information.

Media Contacts

Brad Wardlow
Cinema Buying Group – NATO
469-628-6363
bkw@cbgpurchasing.com

Ivan Schnider
Marketing Communications
+41 21 732 09 40
ivan.schnider@nagra.com

Christine Oury
Marketing Communications
+1 415 962 5433
christine.oury@nagra.com

Tim Warner
Exhibitor Relations
+1 406 461 4618
tim.warner@nagra.com

A solid vote from the top entertainment company in Thailand for Viu’s freemium OTT video model

PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, April 20, 2018 – Viu, a leading pan-regional OTT video service by PCCW Media Group, has made inroads in bringing local content to the online video audience in Thailand with a content deal with GMM Channel, one of the largest entertainment companies in Thailand. The deal also signifies Viu’s continual expansion of localized content to suit the viewers in different markets.

This milestone deal adds up to 200 hours of selected premium content from GMM25 under GMM Channel for Viu audience in Thailand, beefing up its already massive volume of Asian premium content available on the platform. It also bears testament to the success of freemium OTT video model spearheaded by Viu, which offers all viewers free access to its content with ad-support, while premium subscribers can enjoy a wealth of features on the OTT platform.

Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director, PCCW Media Group, said, “We can expect substantial synergy in this collaboration that will benefit us both. Since Viu coined the pioneering free and premium tiers of services tailored for different viewing habits of Asian netizens, the number of monthly active users has grown to over 16 million by the end of 2017. Our extensive audience base can ensure local broadcasters like GMM Channel may further expand their reach, whereas the premium program lineup from GMM25 will enable us to offer more relevant, highly localized content to attract more viewers. We look forward to working closer with more content providers like GMM Channel to deliver more engaging local content to our users.”

Amassing the highest digital TV viewership on social media platforms in Thailand, GMM25 is renowned for its realistic approach and “taboo-themed” dramas, which are particularly popular among the millennials who form the majority of online video audience. GMM25’s programs always feature famous cast members, remarkable cinematography and a powerful screenplay, all essential elements that strike a chord with local viewers.

Ms. Boosaba DaoRueng, Group Chief Executive Officer of GMM Grammy Public Company Limited, said, “GMM25 offers a variety of content such as huge hit based-on-true stories drama and unique variety shows which speaks well to audiences of the new generation. The ever so growing millennial audiences make our collaboration with Viu an essential move. We aim to cross function our existing audiences and capitalize on these millions of active users. To capture the increasing number of OTT users, both GMM25 and Viu are focused on constantly pioneering and innovating both the content and the platform. With these major factors, we are confident the collaboration will see both of our business goals meet.”

Viu will be the only OTT platform to watch, on demand, certain selected premium GMM25 programs for up to the first 30 days after the initial local telecast and online simulcast by GMM, such as the well-liked Love Song Love Series, as well as The Crime, which stars veteran actors Oil-Thana and Ja-Natthaweeranuch in a crime investigation series that follows a group of skilled police officers who take on challenging cases. The immensely popular variety show Club Friday Show* will also enjoy an exclusive headstart on Viu. All Viu users in Thailand can enjoy the selected latest GMM25 content right after local telecast and GMM online simulcast while premium users can enjoy additional features such as unlimited episode download and HD 1080p video quality.

– # –

* Viu OTT platform will be the only OTT platform to watch, on demand, the Club Friday Show in the first 15 days subsequent to the initial local telecast and GMM online simulcast.

About Viu
Viu is a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service operated by PCCW Media Group. It is available in 15 markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Middle East countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Operating with both an ad-supported tier and a premium subscription tier of service with more features, Viu delivers premium Asian content in different genres from top content providers with local language subtitles as well as original production series under the ‘Viu Original’ initiative.

Viu offers users express delivery of telecast content, streaming and download features, and localized user interfaces. With the patented Dynamic Adaptive Transcoding technology, Viu can provide smooth, unbuffered viewing experience regardless of device or network conditions.

The service can be accessed via Viu app (available for free on App Store and Google Play) on connected devices, e.g. smartphones and tablets, as well as on web by logging into www.viu.com.

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.

Through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, PCCW also operates a domestic free television service in Hong Kong.

Also wholly-owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong and mainland China.

In addition, PCCW holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and other overseas investments. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.

About GMM Channel
GMM Channel, also known as GMM25, is a Thai digital terrestrial television channel, a subsidiary of GMM Grammy Public Company Limited, which is the largest media conglomerate entertainment company in the country, launched in 2014. GMM Channel offers a variety of content, such as huge hit based-on-true stories drama and unique variety shows speak well to audiences of the new generation, making GMM Channel a prominent choice of entertainment renowned for realistic contents as well as innovative contents. The subsidiary enables GMM Channel to provide a full total media solution with radio, concerts, on ground events, and online media, completing GMM Channel’s entertainment services as a modern entertainment outlet.

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

Natthakan Achariyapermsin
GMM Channel Company Limited
Tel: +66 2836 7260
Email: natthakan.ach@gmmchannel.com

SINGAPORE (April 19, 2018) — Virginia Lim has been promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager at Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia, it was announced today by George Chien, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific.

Based in Singapore and reporting to Chien, Lim will oversee the management and operations of SPT Networks’ portfolio in Southeast Asia and in China. In her capacity as General Manager, Lim will also be responsible for both distribution and advertising revenue as well the overall content strategy.

“Virginia is a highly respected leader in Asia with a proven track record of delivering premium content throughout the region. With content being core to SPT Networks, Asia, Virginia’s business leadership will solidify our ability to maintain our strength in linear television while executing our soon-to-be announced digital, direct-to-consumer businesses. Additionally, with the new infrastructure that Virginia is putting in place, I am confident that she will drive new innovations that adapt to the consumer needs,” said Chien.

Lim joined SPT Networks, Asia in 2008 and since then has been instrumental in growing the company’s five genre-defining channels – AXN, ONE, GEM, Animax and Sony Channel – in 20 territories across the region and reaching 47 million households.

“This is a challenging yet exciting time for the industry, and with our talented team at SPT Networks, Asia, I am confident that we will continue to deliver the best in Asian and English general entertainment, while at the same time creating significant value for both our business partners and consumers,” said Lim. “I’m optimistic about the next chapter in our story as it promises to be SPT Networks’ best one yet.”

Lim’s announcement coincides with the recent appointment of Derek Wong as Vice President of Production and the promotion of Avani Bhanchawat to Vice President of Advertising and Sponsorship Sales, who both report to Lim. Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines operations will continue to report to Chien.

About Sony Pictures Television Networks
Sony Pictures Television Networks operates branded entertainment channels reaching nearly two billion subscribers around the world. Based in Culver City, Amsterdam, Budapest, London, Madrid, Miami, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Singapore and Tokyo, Sony’s linear and digital networks offer high quality film and television content from Sony Pictures and third-parties, as well as original content commissioned globally and locally. Sony Pictures Television Networks is a division of Sony Pictures Television Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

Media Enquiries:
Jennifer Doig
Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia
jennifer_doig@spe.sony.com / +65 6622 4278

The Company Acquired Exclusive Rights in Southeast Asia to the Highest Number of Award-Winners among Pay TV Networks

Hong Kong (April 16, 2018) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, revealed today that it has first and exclusive rights to six award-winning films, the highest number of award-winning movies honoured at the 37th Hong Kong Film Awards in Southeast Asia among all regional pay TV networks. The Hong Kong Film Awards took place last night at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. A total of 19 awards were given out during the four-hour ceremony.

Among the winners to which CTE has exclusive first run rights for its channels Celestial Movies and cHK in key Southeast Asian markets, is Best Film-winner Our Time Will Come. The Ann Hui-directed historical drama also won Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction and Best Original Film Score. Other winners premiering only on CTE channels include Paradox, Chasing the Dragon, Shock Wave, Wu Kong and Concerto of the Bully.

“It’s a great honour that our company boasts first and exclusive rights to the highest number of award-winning titles at the 37th Hong Kong Film Awards in Southeast Asia. This reaffirms our commitment to acquire the highest quality movies for our viewers through our long-term relationships with the top Chinese movie producers.” said Ofanny Choi, Executive Vice President, TV Networks, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.

The full list of award winners to premiere exclusively on CTE channels are:
Our Time Will Come: Five awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction and Best Original Film Score
Paradox: Best Actor, Best Action Choreography and Best Sound Design
Shock Wave: Best Supporting Actor
Chasing The Dragon: Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography
Concerto of the Bully: Best Original Film Song
Wu Kong: Best Visual Effects

This year, Celestial Movies not only celebrates its 15th anniversary, but also its continued strong rating performance across the region. In Malaysia, CTE’s Chinese movie channels – Celestial Movies, Celestial Movies HD and CCM – are the top three most-watched regional movie channels among Astro’s Chinese 4+ subscribers this year*. Meanwhile, in Singapore, among SingTel TV’s Chinese audience, cHK was the third most-watched channel among all pay TV channels this year**.

– END –

*Source: Kantar Media, Malaysia DTAM
Note: Jan-Feb, 2018, Astro Chinese 4+/ 20+, ranked by Rtg (‘000) across movie channels on Astro, whole day, consolidated data (as of Mar 6, 2018)
**Source: SG-TAM
Note: Jan-Feb, 2018, Singtel Chinese 4+/ 20+, ranked by Rtg (‘000) across reported pay TV channels, whole day, consolidated data (as of Mar 7, 2018)

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

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment
CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a leading independent media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company creates and distributes branded pay television channels and services targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television services including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the premier 24-hour first-run Chinese movie channel in Asia and beyond; CCM, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; cHK, a general entertainment channel offering cool, chic, and contemporary celebrity-powered Hong Kong entertainment; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; MIAO MI, the Mandarin edutainment channel created for preschool kids across Asia; and THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel. All of CTE’s channel brands are available as linear, on-demand and over-the-top services. CTE also produces original production for its bouquet of channels.

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

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

Hyperplay to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 4 and 5 August 2018

SINGAPORE, 13 APRIL 2018 – Riot Games, the videogame publisher behind the game League of Legends, played by 100 million players monthly, and youth entertainment brand MTV announced today the introduction of Hyperplay, the first integrated ASEAN esports and music festival. Hyperplay is presented by the Singapore Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Youth Council (NYC) of Singapore, and will integrate the two biggest pop culture pillars of this generation, esports and music, into a weekend event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Streaming live across the two-day ticketed event on Hyperplay.sg, with key segments broadcast live across South-East Asia, the first edition of Hyperplay will feature the first ever League of Legends ASEAN tournament with national teams from the 10 ASEAN countries. They will clash head-on in two days of intense League of Legends matches, where the victorious team will earn the title of ASEAN champion.

“Riot has been engaging in musical collaborations with great artists for years. A lot of gamers are also music fans, but it is exciting to see that a lot of talented musicians are also gamers, with whom we can create tailored music experiences within our game universe. With Hyperplay, we hope to deliver a great event that gaming fans will enjoy, and that an even broader audience will see it as an opportunity to discover the richness of the gaming culture,” said Johnson Yeh, Managing Director of Riot Games for Greater China and South-East Asia.

The esports tournament will share the stage with MTV Spotlight, comprised of four electrifying music performances by international, regional and local artists. The music performances will also be edited into a 60-minute “MTV Spotlight” special, which will premiere on 21 August on MTV in South-East Asia.

“The opportunity to collaborate with Riot Games is timely as esports is growing at a rapid pace in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. There is a natural synergy between esports and music and with MTV’s expertise in creating compelling music and pop culture experiences, we are amplifying the discovery of a new entertainment experience in the region. With Hyperplay, we are looking to connect with new audiences in the esports genre through a bespoke music platform featuring a diverse range of talents, and the distribution of music and esports content to a much wider audience base,” Paras Sharma, Senior Vice President of Southeast Asia, Viacom International Media Networks.

Further details of Hyperplay, including the artist line-up, will be announced in the run up to the event. Registration for the esports tournament will begin in the coming weeks, with qualifiers beginning in May. Tickets for the event go on sale in May.

NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information and news updates by following Hyperplay on Facebook.

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About the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth www.mccy.gov.sg
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth seeks to inspire Singaporeans through the arts and sports, strengthen community bonds, and promote volunteerism and philanthropy. Since its inception in November 2012, MCCY has been actively engaging the arts, heritage, sports, community and youth sectors.

The Ministry aims to bring into sharper focus the efforts to build a more cohesive and vibrant society, and to deepen a sense of identity and belonging to the nation. MCCY will work with its stakeholders to create an environment where Singaporeans can pursue their aspirations for a better quality of life and together, build a gracious and caring society we are proud to call home.

About the National Youth Council (全国青年理事会)
At NYC, we believe in a world where young people are respected and heard, and have the ability to influence and make a difference to the world. Together with our partners, we develop a dynamic and engaging environment where young people can realise their aspirations and play a part in making Singapore an endearing home for all.

About Riot Games
Riot Games was established in 2006 by entrepreneurial gamers who believe that player-focused game development can result in great games. Riot’s mission is to be the most player-focused company in the world.

About League of Legends
League of Legends is a fast-paced & skill based competitive online game. Two teams of powerful champions, each with a unique design and play-style, battle head-to-head across multiple battlefields and game modes. With an ever-expanding roster of champions, frequent updates and a thriving tournament scene, League of Legends offers endless replayability for players of every skill level. Over 100 million people globally play every month.

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.

About Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and more. Viacom brands reach more than 3.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries and territories via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties, in 40 languages. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com, blog.viacom.com and the Viacom Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

Media Contact:
Veronica Foo
Community Manager
Riot Games
T: +65 9621 4323 | e : vfoo@riotgames.com

Adeline Ong
Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Asia
Viacom International Media Networks
t : +65 9366 7323 | e : adeline.ong@vimn.com

A record for peak concurrent viewers on Hotstar was established during the match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders; CDN powered by Akamai

MUMBAI/BANGALORE, India – April 12, 2018 – Hotstar, India’s largest premium video streaming platform, leveraged Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKAM), the world’s largest and most trusted cloud delivery platform, to set a global streaming record on the Akamai platform for the ongoing VIVO Indian Premier League held in India, for the match between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the 10th of April, 2018.

Viewership for the game peaked at 5.5 million concurrent viewers. This is the largest on the Akamai platform for any live sporting event in the world and the largest for any single event online by a broadcaster. This is ahead of the previous high on the Akamai platform of 4.8 million peak concurrent users, established by Hotstar during the India and Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy Final in June 20171. The concurrent viewership of VIVO IPL on Hotstar exceeded the peak viewership of 4.6 million for the streaming of the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2017.

The Vivo IPL experience on Hotstar has been reimagined to be leagues ahead of the sports experience on any platform in the world, with features like Watch’NPlay, a game that tests the viewers’ cricket smarts as they watch a match, as well as VR and social features, that make the experience more immersive than ever before.

“Crossing 5 million on a live sporting event is like breaking the 10-second barrier in the 100 meter dash. We are proud that we are the first to get here. But, of even more importance, we are excited that fans have embraced the immersive sports experience on Hotstar that has brought together live streaming, the expression of fan emotions and an interactive always-on game. This is the future of video online and we are excited to shape it. At this scale, we will be clearly testing the ability of different parts of the Internet to keep up with the dramatic growth in fan followership. And, we are delighted that Akamai has been a partner that has always walked in step with our ambitions and delivered the scale that we seek,” said Ajit Mohan, CEO, Hotstar.

“Hotstar is one of the pioneers in the live streaming industry in India, and has changed the way hundreds of millions of people consume content. With the hyper growth of mobile-first users, it’s important that platforms catering to them factor in the right technology to provide an experience that rivals, if not supersedes, a traditional broadcast experience. Akamai’s partnership with Hotstar has changed how people enjoy a variety of content ranging from general entertainment to live sports anytime, anywhere and on any device,” said Parimal Pandya, Vice President, Media, APJ, Akamai Technologies.

Vivo IPL, in its eleventh edition this year, started on 7th April and is a 60 day tournament that will conclude on 27th May. The tournament is streaming live on Hotstar in six languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Hindi and English.

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About Hotstar
Hotstar is India’s largest premium streaming platform with more than 100,000 hours of drama and movies in 9 languages, and coverage of every major global sporting event. Launched in early 2015, it is one of India’s most downloaded apps and has attracted more than 350 million followers on the back of a highly evolved video streaming technology and high attention to quality of experience across devices and platforms. Hotstar has appropriated top spots on the Google Play Store as well as the Apple App Store, and been named among the most popular apps of 2017 on both platforms.

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Anmol Pandya, Text100: +91 9930749772, anmol.pandya@text100.co.in

About Akamai
As the world’s largest and most trusted cloud delivery platform, Akamai makes it easier for its customers to provide the best and most secure digital experiences on any device, anytime, anywhere. Akamai’s massively distributed platform is unparalleled in scale with over 200,000 servers across 130 countries, giving customers superior performance and threat protection. Akamai’s portfolio of web and mobile performance, cloud security, enterprise access, and video delivery solutions are supported by exceptional customer service and 24/7 monitoring. To learn why the top financial institutions, e-commerce leaders, media & entertainment providers, and government organizations trust Akamai please visit www.akamai.com, blogs.akamai.com, or @Akamai on Twitter.

Contacts:
Hyacinths Pennefather
Akamai Technologies
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Sandeep Deb Varman
20:20 MSL
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BBC Studios today announced a deal with Orient International (Holding) Co. Ltd that will see the Asia premiere of Oceans: Our Blue Planet, a Giant Screen film version of Blue Planet II, in China. This deal includes the exclusive distribution rights to both 2D Dome and 3D Giant Screen formats of the film in China.

The Asia premiere of Oceans: Our Blue Planet will be held in the China Science and Technology Museum based in Beijing, China, on 15 April 2018.

Produced by long-time collaborators BBC Earth and OceanX Media, Oceans: Our Blue Planet takes audiences on a global odyssey into the largest and least-explored habitat on Earth. Featuring OceanX’s research vessel, the Alucia, the film is directed by Mark Brownlow (Blue Planet II, Tiny Giants) and Rachel Butler (Blue Planet II, Shark), and narrated by Kate Winslet (Titanic, Revolutionary Road, Snow Bears). The Chinese version is narrated by well-known dubbing talent Ji Guanlin, who has dubbed for both local and international stars including Jennifer Lawrence in Hunger Games and Anne Hathaway in Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Kelvin Yau, GM, Greater China, BBC Studios commented: “In the last two years, we have seen BBC’s natural history content gaining huge traction in China. BBC’s blue chip natural history titles, Planet Earth II, Blue Planet II and the BBC Earth film, Earth: One Amazing Day have all been extremely successful with audiences in China. We hope that this larger than life, immersive experience of the 2D Dome and 3D Giant Screen formats will enhance and extend the experience of our premium natural history content.”

“We are very pleased to once again partner BBC Studios to launch Oceans: Our Blue Planet in China. We pride ourselves on delivering quality content for science and technology museums across China, and BBC Earth’s premium natural history content is a natural fit for us. We are excited for the premiere of Oceans: Our Blue Planet and hope that families and school groups will visit the museums to learn more about our watery worlds.” said Ji Sheng Jun, Vice President of Orient International (Holding) Co. Ltd.

Other BBC Earth Giant Screen films that have been licensed to Orient for distribution are Tiny Giants and Earthflight, of which the latter was recently distributed to another two science and technology museums in Daqing and Liaoning. Each film is 40 minutes long and will run between six months and a year in cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenyang and Hefei, as well as Hong Kong.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:

Jeanne Leong
BBC Studios
Tel: +65 6849 5292
Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

Jessie Lim
BBC Studios
Tel: +65 6849 5295
Email: Jessie.Lim@bbc.com

About BBC Studios
BBC Studios, a global content company with British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group. Formed in April 2018 by the merger of BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios, it spans content financing, development, production, sales, branded services and ancillaries. BBC Studios’ award-winning British programmes are internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms. It has offices in 22 markets globally, including six production bases in the UK and production bases and partnerships in a further nine countries around the world. The company, which makes 2500 hours of content a year, is a champion for British creativity around the world and a committed partner for the UK’s independent sector. BBC Studios has revenue of £1.4bn, and returns around £200m to the BBC Group annually, complementing the BBC’s licence fee and enhancing programmes for UK audiences.

About BBC Earth

BBC Earth is a global portfolio brand that invites audiences everywhere to engage with the wonders of our universe. We bring amazing premium content, television and experiences to the world, across multiple platforms including branded channels, live events, digital & social media, AR/VR, theatrical releases for cinema & giant screen films, and consumer products. We believe that celebrating and connecting with our world is more important than ever, across nature, science, space and the human race. Along with our partners we are continually innovating to find new stories and experiences to bring insight, enlightenment and fresh perspectives to inspire us to think and feel differently about our world. From the epic to the everyday, BBC Earth brings you face to face with heart-pounding action, mind-blowing ideas and the sheer wonder of being part of this amazing planet we call home. BBC Earth is a commercial and global consumer brand managed by BBC Worldwide outside of the UK.

About OceanX Media

OceanX Media is a nonprofit media company whose aim is to create groundbreaking media rooted in cutting-edge science that inspires global awareness about the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ocean and its inhabitants. Founded by Creative Director Mark Dalio, OceanX Media partners with leading broadcasters, research institutions, conservation organizations and other production companies to chronicle open expeditions aboard the Alucia research vessel. As an innovative media platform leveraging scientific research and ocean exploration, OceanX Media creates content spanning short-form, broadcast, IMAX and 360-degree virtual reality to galvanize the global audience toward greater stewardship of the world’s oceans. OceanX Media is the media arm of OceanX, an initiative of the Dalio Foundation. For more information, visit www.OceanX.org.