GEM Expands Channel Distribution to Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore

Premieres First Original Production: “We are Asia – Dean Fujioka & Friends”

Set to Broadcast Nippon TV’s “The Music Day 2016 – Beginning of Summer” Live from Japan on July 2

SINGAPORE (June 29, 2016) – GEM, the joint-venture entertainment channel between Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks and Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV), announced today the expansion of its distribution to Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, making the channel available to viewers on over 10 pay-TV platforms across six markets in Asia.

Since its launch in 2015, GEM has carved a niche in the premium Asian entertainment space offering first-run and exclusive dramas, comedies and variety entertainment shows from Japan and other northeast Asian markets. Earlier this month, the channel made its foray into original production with the global premiere of “We are Asia – Dean Fujioka & Friends”, a five-part entertainment documentary series featuring Dean Fujioka and rising star Shuhei Nomura, rock band WEAVER, and video projection dance sensation Siro-A.

Ang Hui Keng, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, said, “GEM is gaining traction in Asia as it cements its position as the top destination for high quality, express content from Japan and northeast Asia. We’re focused on taking GEM beyond the screen and into the lives of fans across the region via talent tours, local filming and fan meets. Our new series, ‘We are Asia – Dean Fujioka & Friends’, marks the first original series for GEM, and will pave the way for more localized content in the future.”

Atsushi Hatayama, President, International Business Development, Nippon TV, said, “We are happy to know that GEM and its lineup of compelling content have been well-received by our viewers and pay-TV platforms across the region. We are looking forward to welcoming new viewers in the Philippines and Indonesia where Japanese content has not been shown before on this scale. The Singaporeans have a great appreciation for Japanese content, and can now watch it without delay. We are dedicated to bringing express telecast shows to GEM so viewers should look forward to catching the latest shows close to the Japan broadcast.”

In addition to the channel’s first original production, viewers can look forward to Japan’s hottest music event of the year, Nippon TV’s “The Music Day 2016 – Beginning of Summer”, which will be broadcast live and exclusive for the first time on GEM from 5:00pm until 10:00pm on Saturday, July 2, 2016. This annual music event brings together Japan’s top artists in a festival that celebrates the very best of J-pop.

Fans of Japanese and northeast Asian entertainment can now enjoy GEM on the following pay-TV platforms in Asia:

Indonesia: Indovision, MyRepublic, Nexmedia, Skynindo and Transvision
The Philippines: Via ACCION’s distribution network of provincial cable affiliates
Singapore: Launching August 1, 2016 on Singtel TV

GEM is already available on PPCTV in Cambodia, nowTV in Hong Kong and TrueVisions in Thailand.

Jennifer Doig
Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, English Content
Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

10 Changi Business Park Central 2, #03-01

Hansapoint@CBP, Singapore 486030

T: 65 6622 4278 M: 65 9852 1459

a Sony Company

www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

HBO Asia releases first episodes of “THE NIGHT OF” and Season Two of “BALLERS” for non-subscribers to watch on HBOasia.com

Sample two new HBO Original Series for free this July

SINGAPORE, JUNE 28, 2016 – Known and loved by fans worldwide for its premium Emmy^®-winning shows, HBO Asia has just announced that the network will release the first episodes of its new miniseries, THE NIGHT OF, and the new season of BALLERS, with subtitles where available, for non-subscribers in *19 Asian territories including Singapore and Hong Kong, to sample for free this July.

hbo
THE NIGHT OF

From July 18 for a week, the first episode of THE NIGHT OF will be on HBO Asia’s website (www.hboasia.com) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/HBOAsia) for all to watch.

A riveting new eight-part HBO Original miniseries about the intricacies of a complex New York City murder case with cultural and political overtones, HBO subscribers get to watch THE NIGHT OF first, when it premieres in Asia the same time as the US – Monday, July 11 at 9am (8am Thai.Jkt), with a same day primetime encore at 9pm (8pm Thai.Jkt) on HBO.

Starring John Turturro and Riz Ahmed, and based on the British drama series, “Criminal Justice”, HBO’s THE NIGHT OF is created by Steven Zaillian (“Schindler’s List”) and Richard Price (HBO’s “The Wire”), executive produced by Zaillian, Price, Jane Tranter, Peter Moffat and the late James Gandolfini. Directed by Zaillian and James Marsh from teleplays by Price and Zaillian.

hbo2
BALLERS

From July 25 for two weeks, the first episode of BALLERS will be released on HBO Asia’s website (www.hboasia.com) for all to stream.

Looking at the whirlwind lifestyles and real-life problems of former and current football players, BALLERS stars Dwayne Johnson as ex-superstar Spencer Strasmore, who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for today’s players in sun-soaked Miami. Andy Garcia joins the show this season as a new cast member.

Created by Stephen Levinson (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”), HBO’s hit comedy series kicks off its ten-episode second season in Asia the same time as the US – Monday, July 18 at 10am (9am Thai.Jkt), with a same day primetime encore at 10pm (9pm Thai.Jkt) on HBO.

THE NIGHT OF and BALLERS will also be on HBO GO and HBO On Demand (in territories where available). More information on these titles can be found in the press releases attached.

*19 Asian territories:

Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

# # #

ABOUT HBO ASIA

Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes that are produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia and offers a bouquet of channels and services including 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels in standard-definition and high-definition – HBO, HBO SIGNATURE, HBO FAMILY, HBO HITS, CINEMAX and RED by HBO – as well as HBO GO and HBO ON DEMAND. HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in Asia. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

HBO and Home Box Office are service marks of Home Box Office, Inc. Used with permission

For more information, please contact HBO Asia:

Karen Lai

Director, Communications

Tel: (65) 6381 1796

Email: karen.lai@hboasia.com

Angela Poh

Manager, Communications

Tel: (65) 6381 1838

Email: angela.poh@hboasia.com

Chan Zi Ning

Executive, Communications

Tel: (65) 6381 1746

Email: zining.chan@hboasia.com

24 June, 2016

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending June 24th. Curated by CASBAA, News Views keeps you in the loop. We always value your feedback, so tell us what you think!

Brought to you by:

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

As of July 1, China is strictly curtailing TV programmes based on overseas formats. A new policy issued by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SAPPRFT) imposes a bevy of restrictions on how channels can make use of foreign formats, restricting the number of such programmes and the times they can be shown. Commentators noted this was the latest continuation of SAPPRFT’s crackdown on the Chinese satellite TV space. The justification is simple: “Only self-innovated TV programs with Chinese cultural inheritance and characteristics can better carry the Chinese Dream themes, the socialist core values, as well as patriotism and Chinese fine traditions.” And just in case broadcasters are tempted to favour ratings over patriotism, SAPPRFT head Tian Jin followed that edict with a stern warning in The People’s Daily the next day — toe the party line or face disciplinary action.

Anjan Mitra

Executive Director, India

Indian Government relaxed foreign investment norms in various sectors, including media by bringing carriage services under automatic route for investments. But opinion is divided on whether it would attract actual investments; especially when the whole eco-system continues to be a challenging one with various policy measures, at times, working at cross-purpose. However, USIBC feels these reforms likely to boost India-US ties, though the organisation’s plea to relax foreign investment norms in news media sector went unanswered — for the time being at least.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

The music industry enlisted an A-list of well-known artists, including Taylor Swift, U2 and Paul McCartney, to implore the U.S. Congress to make changes in the DMCA Copyright Act. The “take-down” procedures envisioned by the act don’t provide real-world protection, they said, and besides “It’s impossible for tens of thousands of individual songwriters and artists to muster the resources necessary to comply with its application.” Some cynics said this all had to do with ongoing Youtube negotiations with music companies. Maybe yes, maybe no…..but it’s interesting that just a couple weeks ago the British music industry was saying the same thing. Anyway, there is a very real legal issue about old laws mandating unworkable copyright procedures in the digital age….and we hear the exact same thing about YouTube from many Asian video producers! (But of course, if you want to believe The Masters of the Universe (aka Silicon Valley), it’s all about a few greedy musicians.)

Mark Lay

Vice President, Singapore

A whole lot of streaming video news this week. At Viacom there is more playing than just the Sumner-Shari-Philippe Show, they have launched their first direct-to-consumer VOD platform. Xumo, (who?, yes, exactly, and that’s the point) Streams in Two More OTT Channels. BitTorrent is now looking to launch a TV news network. Vanity Fair believes that the Days of Cord-Cutting Nirvana May Be Over. Variety wants to coin a new name for online content, “community programming.” Hmmm…brings back memories of Bob and Doug McKenzie. And this gent has found a solution to “too much TV”, watch it at 1.6x the speed. Check it out. He may be onto something

Kevin Jennings

Vice President, Programme

Samsung has announced it has acquired the Canadian digital advertisement startup AdGear, The AdGear acquisition comes on the heels of an earlier report form the WSJ outlining Samsung’s push to expand advertising initiatives. The acquisition of the media software and ad services company could have far reaching consequences with Samsung expected to increase ads as it expands the Smart TV service and looks at ways to verify TV audiences across digital and mobile.

Staying in South Korea, the cable broadcasting company D’Live (part of C&M ) has announced it has signed an exclusive STB licencing deal with Netflix for its service in Korea . The Korea Times had reported that negotiations had failed a few months back for a Netflix-exclusive deals with SK Broadband and LG Uplus over profit sharing disagreements. D’Live is Korea’s third-biggest cable TV operator and subscribers will be able to access Netflix services by clicking a Netflix-only button on the remote control.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Thai pay-TV Operator CTH announced a cessation of most pay-TV operations on August 1. It’s been a long and difficult road for the company, which started as a cooperative of cable operators buying a few foreign channels, and morphed several times, finishing as a DTH operator. Its moment of glory came in 2012, when it won the Premier League 3-year contract with an unprecedentedly high bid. But that proved to be its undoing, as it never succeeded in recouping the outlay. After BeIN sports won the latest EPL contract award, droves of CTH’s subscribers fled. Regulators are worried, saying 40,000 remaining customers could be left in the lurch. And for now, it’s very unclear what will happen to them.

Meanwhile, in Singapore, there’s whining in the Straits Times: Omigod, soccer prices are high… My reaction is: “Qu’ils regardent du tennis.” Or, they could watch a more Asian sport, like Sepak Takraw.

Jane Buckthought

Advertising Consultant

Thinkbox UK, the marketing body for commercial TV in the UK responds to the dubious research faucet that has been sponsored by YouTube. It has been leaking all over the industry says Thinkbox. YouTube’s latest claims are obviously for the benefit of advertisers, but let’s examine the advertising opportunity closely. 0.6% of video advertising is seen on YouTube; 94% is seen on TV, in full and with sound

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

It was only a couple years ago that analyst Benedict Evans declared “Mobile Is Eating The World”… now he’s updated that presentation, starting with a simple but critical grammatical change in the title: “Mobile Ate The World.” He makes a lot of solid points in the presentation, and expands further in his 16 Mobile Theses. Among my favourites: “We should stop talking about ‘mobile internet’ and ‘desktop internet’ — it’s like talking about ‘colour’ TV as opposed to black and white TV.”

Kevin Jennings

Vice President, Programme

In what many might consider being a little late to the party, the social media network Tumblr has announced it will add live video. The update should help the Yahoo-owned social network compete with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and YouTube and it claims to differentiate itself. Users will be able to share live video to Tumblr from YouNow, Upclose or YouTube after they connect those accounts with their Tumblr account. And while we’re on the subject of being late for the party… Amazon is thought to be planning to enter the Indonesian market and has a rumoured war chest of some US$600M to be used in the first year. While the move would beprimarily focused on e-commerce the inevitable question for us is will they be bringing Amazon Video to the market – Indonesian government regulations on OTT notwithstanding.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

European officials be warned: After India, the Internet shock troops are aiming in your direction. “Fight for the Future,” a US-based net lobbying group funded largely by companies selling VPNs and other services that ride on the top of the internet, is promoting an “internet slowdown day” on June 28th.. They’re pushing widgets for people to put on their websites, social media, etc. that will not only have cute graphics but will (surprise surprise) generate mass copycat emails to the committee of European regulators considering how to implement their version of net neutrality. (I’m betting the officials will give “due regard” to the mass-generated emails……but anyway Fight for the Future will surely quote in its fundraising how many millions it generated!) Their position has non-credible statements like “For too long, Europeans have been stuck with inferior Internet access because ISPs have been allowed to create fast lanes and slow lanes.” (Really? It’s fast lanes that did it all???) And so there you have the essence of modern internet lobbying: cute graphics, sweeping slogans, and click-and-run advocacy.

Christopher Slaughter

CEO

A roundup of stories this week on various industry Big Names: The Murdoch Brothers make changes at Fox, Viacom boss Philippe Dauman makes his “last stand”, ex-DreamWorks boss Jeffrey Katzenberg has thoughts on 3D, and Disney’s Bob Iger talks China and more.

John Medeiros

Chief Policy Officer

Here’s a lovely closing thought: even when the US elections are finished, we may not be rid of Donald Trump. Besides the disturbing possibility that he might win……it seems that if he loses, he wants to come back to the TV industry!

Some additional links you might be interested in:

Member News

Eutelsat First in the World to Achieve New Quality Certification From World Teleport Association (WTA)

WTA awards Tier 4 Certification to Eutelsat’s Paris-Rambouillet teleport

New York City, Paris, 23 June 2016 – The World Teleport Association (WTA) today announced that Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) has achieved Full Tier 4 Certification for its Paris-Rambouillet teleport in France under WTA’s recently launched Teleport Certification Programme. Tier 4 is the highest of four quality tiers and the Paris-Rambouillet Teleport is the first in the world to achieve that level of Certification.

Foundation of quality of service

The Certification programme involves a rigorous assessment of teleport facilities, technology and operating procedures, which together form the foundation of quality of service. The programme begins when the teleport operator completes a +170-item questionnaire covering business continuity, transmission chains, satellite and terrestrial connectivity, safety, security including cybersecurity, and the network operations centre. Procedural questions examine satellite and terrestrial capacity management, service continuity, physical and cybersecurity processes, and change management.

WTA analysed the company’s completed questionnaire and issued a Provisional Certification in April. Eutelsat then hosted a 2-day site audit by a WTA-approved engineering consultant in May. The audit had three goals: to validate the self-reported information in the questionnaire, to note positive and negative variances, and to offer recommendations for improvements in facilities and procedures. The resulting Tier 4 Certification of Eutelsat’s Paris-Rambouillet Teleport will remain in effect for three years before re-certification is required.

José Sanchez, Eutelsat’s Director of Service Operations, said: “The achievement of the Tier-4 WTA certification represents new international recognition of Eutelsat’s customer service standards, complementing our ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications. To be awarded this highest level of certification shows the commitment of our teams to providing the highest quality of service to our customers and the remarkable performance of our facilities at the Paris-Rambouillet teleport in terms of infrastructure, security and operational procedures.”

“The success of our Certification programme depends on its adoption by teleport and satellite operators,” said WTA executive director Robert Bell. “It is their participation and support that translates a comprehensive quality programme like this one into a global standard, which in turn drives quality improvements that benefit customers around the world. In that context, Eutelsat’s Tier 4 Certification at its Paris-Rambouillet teleport is good news for the entire industry, and we are grateful for the leadership shown by Eutelsat.”

A new benchmark for teleport operators worldwide

WTA’s Teleport Certification Programme aims to serve both teleport operators and their customers by creating an objective, transparent, and internationally accepted method for teleport operators to document the quality of their operations for customers and strategic partners. It also aims to provide a means for customers to select teleport vendors delivering the price-performance level that is appropriate for their applications.

Click here for a list of certified teleports.

For more information about the Teleport Certification Programme, visit http://www.worldteleport.org/?page=Certification or email WTA Membership Director Randall Barney at rbarney@worldteleport.org.

About World Teleport Association
Since 1985, the World Teleport Association (www.worldteleport.org) has focused on improving the business of satellite communications from the ground up. At the core of its membership are the world’s most innovative operators of teleports, from independents to multinationals, niche service providers to global carriers. WTA is dedicated to advocating for the interests of teleport operators in the global telecommunications market and promoting excellence in teleport business practice, technology and operations.

For more information
Matthew Owen, Communications Manager,
World Teleport Association
mowen@worldteleport.org
Tel: (+1) 212-825-0218 x105

About Eutelsat Communications

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

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

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

For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com

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

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

Turner’s Cartoon Network Greenlights Sixth Season of the Amazing World of Gumball

Season Five of Award-Winning Series from Cartoon Network Studios EMEA Returns

(LONDON & LAS VEGAS) June 23, 2016 – Cartoon Network today announces that it has greenlit a sixth season of the global hit animated series, The Amazing World of Gumball, further building on the studio’s hugely successful comedy slate and the show’s outstanding performance to date. Produced in the UK and Germany, the mixed media family sitcom has become a global favourite since it first launched in 2010.

The multiple award-winning series has scooped 28 international awards to date including six BAFTAs and an Emmy®. Production began this month at Cartoon Network’s EMEA studio, Great Marlborough Productions, in Shoreditch, London. Season five is slated to begin airing from September 2016 internationally and is set to premiere next year in North America.

Now in its fourth season, The Amazing World of Gumball cleverly combines live action with 2D and 3D animation to chart the adventures of the energetic and fearless blue cat – Gumball – and his idiosyncratic family, the Wattersons. The series is created by Ben Bocquelet, executive produced by Sarah Fell and series-directed by Mic Graves.

The show reached more than 165 million viewers globally in Q1 2016. Additionally it has an increasingly strong presence across digital platforms, with the latest global mobile game launch Agent Gumball reaching #1 overall in the iTunes charts on iPad in five countries and #1 in the Kids category in 27 countries. Last year’s EMEA-developed app Rainbow Ruckus also ranked number one in the iTunes paid apps chart in 27 countries across the globe and a top #5 paid app in 65 countries in its launch week. To date, Gumball has produced almost 7 million app downloads worldwide, attracted more than 9 million Facebook fans and has generated 8 million views on its YouTube channel this year alone. Added to this, awareness and affinity among the channel’s core audience is at an all-time high and is growing among girl audiences too – in other words, kids love it!

Patricia Hidalgo, Senior Vice President, Chief Content & Creative Officer, EMEA Kids & International Kids Strategy at Turner commented: “The Amazing World of Gumball is a great example of how a European production can establish itself as a top performing kids’ animation around the globe and a pillar to Cartoon Network’s ratings and DNA globally. We continue to be thrilled by its performance, not just on our linear channels but on multiple Cartoon Network platforms right across the world and there was really no question that we’d be taking Gumball’s amazingly imaginative world into a sixth season.”

Ben Bocquelet, Series Creator, The Amazing World of Gumball, added: “Gumball, Darwin and the Watterson family have so much more to give and I’m excited to be working with our fantastic team at Cartoon Network Studios here in London to create a sixth season of The Amazing World of Gumball. We have big plans for the show and are already working on new episodes that we hope will have audiences laughing louder than ever. Thank you to Cartoon Network for truly supporting the show and our creative vision, and apologies once again to my family who are about to be the butt of another series of jokes.”

The Amazing World of Gumball follows the Wattersons, a totally normal family. Dad is your regular 6’4” pink rabbit who stays at home while Mom works in a rainbow factory. Their kids are pretty standard too—there’s Gumball, a blue cat with a giant head; Anais, a four-year-old genius bunny; and Darwin, a pet goldfish who became part of the family when he sprouted legs. At the heart of the show is Gumball who faces the trials and tribulations of any twelve-year-old kid—like being chased by a rampaging T-Rex, sleeping rough when a robot steals his identity, or dressing as a cheerleader and doing the splits to impress the girl of his dreams. Simple everyday issues we’ve all been through.

The Amazing World of Gumball is an animated family sitcom for kids that offers a warm hearted, funny and surreal kid perspective into everyday life, in a way that they and their families can relate to. Season Four is currently airing on Turner channels across the globe and Season Five is set to roll-out from September 2016.

-Ends-

For further information, contact:
James Moore

Director of Communications, Turner Asia Pacific

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

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network, the number one kids’ channel in Asia Pacific, offers the best in original animated content including the multi-award-winning global hits Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball and Adventure Time and new comedy We Bare Bears. In 2016, the network welcomes back new series of popular franchises Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls. Cartoon Network is available in 31 countries throughout Asia Pacific and is currently seen in more than 88 million pay-TV homes. Internationally, it is seen in 192 countries and over 370 million homes, and is an industry leader with a global offering of the best in award-winning animated entertainment for kids and families, known for putting its fans at the center of everything by applying creative thinking and innovation across multiple platforms. Cartoon Network also reaches millions more through its websites, games and apps, including Cartoon Network Watch and Play and Cartoon Network Anything.

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout Asia Pacific. In the region, Turner Asia Pacific runs 63 channels in 13 languages in 37 countries, including 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. It 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.

HBO’s Highly Anticipated Game of Thrones Season Finale Premieres in Asia the Same Time as the U.S.

Monday June 27 at 9am and 9pm, exclusively on HBO

GOT610_103015_HS__DSC8861
WATCH: A preview of the final episode: https://youtu.be/FONvhJKo2C8

SINGAPORE, JUNE 23, 2016 – The season six finale of HBO’s epic series, GAME OF THRONES, premieres the same time as the US – this Monday, June 27 at 9am, exclusively on HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601), with a same day primetime encore at 9pm. The series will also be available on HBO On Demand.

Titled “The Winds of Winter”, the season finale is written by D.B. Weiss and directed by Miguel Sapochnik, also responsible for this week’s phenomenal penultimate episode, “Battle of the Bastards”.

As GAME OF THRONES concludes its sixth season, binge viewers can relive the excitement by watching all ten episodes back to back anytime on HBO On Demand (StarHub TV Ch 602 / StarHub Go) or on HBO Signature’s (Starhub TV Ch 603) July 9 and 10 weekend marathon, from 12pm daily.

Based on George R.R. Martin’s popular book series “A Song of Ice and Fire”, HBO’s Emmy^® and Golden Globe award winning fantasy series chronicles an epic struggle for power in a vast and violent kingdom. The HBO series has won 26 Emmys^®, among many other awards.

Returning series regulars on GAME OF THRONES this season include: Emmy^® and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Aidan Gillen (Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish), Diana Rigg (Lady Olenna Tyrell), Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) and Jonathan Pryce (the High Sparrow).

The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger and Bernadette Caulfield; co-executive producers, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis and George R.R. Martin; supervising producer, Bryan Cogman; producers, Chris Newman, Greg Spence and Lisa McAtackney.

# # #

About HBO ASIA

Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes that are produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia and offers a bouquet of channels and services including 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels in standard-definition and high-definition – HBO, HBO SIGNATURE, HBO FAMILY, HBO HITS, CINEMAX and RED by HBO – as well as HBO GO and HBO ON DEMAND. HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in Asia. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

Hong Kong’s Now TV Picks Up Turner’s Boomerang

Boomerang-Be Cool, Scooby-Doo

Turner’s second flagship kids’ brand launches in Hong Kong on July 1

HONG KONG (June 22, 2016) – Boomerang, the global kids’ brand and companion channel to Cartoon Network, will be distributed in Hong Kong on Now TV as part of the platform’s Junior Pack. Effective July 1, the agreement increases its distribution in Asia Pacific to over 30 million households since the channel’s relaunch in late 2014.

The all-animation network boasts an impressive line-up of iconic series and movies programmed for both kids and their families, including Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes. Channel highlights in July are Bunnicula, Shaun the Sheep and new episodes of The Garfield Show.

Phil Nelson, Turner’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia, said: “Hong Kong audiences already know and love Boomerang’s shows, so the channel will undoubtedly appeal to families with young kids. We’ve seen this brand grow quickly around the region and gain momentum – hitting the 30 million distribution mark is great milestone. Now TV subscribers now have access to all three of Turner’s kids’ channels in the region – Cartoon Network, Toonami and Boomerang – so there really is something for everyone.”

Boomerang is designed for kids aged 4-9, as well as their families and caregivers. In addition to new and exclusive content from Warner Bros. Studios, international premium acquisitions include: Pink Panther and Pals, Strawberry Shortcake, Mr. Bean: The Animated Series, Inspector Gadget, DreamWorks’ Turbo: FAST and DreamWorks’ two Dragons series: Defenders of Berk and Riders of Berk.

Ms. Loke Kheng Tham, PCCW’s Executive Vice President of Pay TV, said, “Now TV has a diverse range of programs, including many choices for kids. We are committed to providing a responsible and entertaining TV environment for children and parents in Hong Kong. We are delighted to partner with Turner, our long established partner, to further enrich our offerings for younger audiences through the launch of Boomerang.”

To complement the on-air offering, Boomerang Watch and Play hosts both video and gaming content in a safe and fun app designed for tablets. The brand’s website is Boomerang.asia. Boomerang will be available in English on Channel 445.

-Ends-

For further information, contact:
James Moore

Director of Communications, Turner Asia Pacific

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

About Boomerang in Asia

Boomerang provides light-hearted and fun moments, showcasing a mixture of internationally recognised comedy and fantasy series to more than 144 million households worldwide. Core programs includes Tom and Jerry, Mr. Bean, Scooby-Doo, The Garfield Show, My Little Pony and The Looney Tunes Show. A companion channel to Cartoon Network, Boomerang is a dynamic and quirky place where girls and boys can be inspired, laugh and play with the whole family. In Asia Pacific, Boomerang is owned and operated by Turner, a Time Warner company.

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout Asia Pacific. In the region, Turner Asia Pacific runs 63 channels in 13 languages in 37 countries, including 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. It 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.

Discovery appoints Elliot Renton as Head of Sports, Southeast Asia

Elliot Renton

Highly experienced media and sports specialist to spearhead region’s sports strategy

Singapore, 22 June 2016 – Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has named Elliot Renton as Head of Sports, Southeast Asia. In this newly created position, Renton is tasked with driving the strategic development and operational management of Discovery’s sports product portfolio for the region, with the objective of building compelling and popular sports franchises.

Renton will oversee all aspects of Southeast Asia’s sports business including rights acquisitions, programming and all audience engagement activities. He will also lead OTT initiatives comprising VOD, catch up services and mobile apps.

Based in Singapore, Renton will assume his responsibilities in July. He will report to Louis Boswell, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Southeast Asia.

Commenting on the appointment, Boswell said, “I am thrilled to have Elliot working with me to accelerate the growth of our sports business in Southeast Asia. As the media landscape rapidly evolves and consumers become increasingly digital savvy, Elliot’s extensive experience – particularly in digital and OTT – will help us to achieve the delivery of our content in the most engaging and innovative way.”

Renton was most recently with Grabyo UK Ltd, a cloud-based mobile video and advertising company, as the Asia Pacific business representative. Prior to that, he was with PERFORM and served as the Managing Director for Emerging Markets Asia. During his three-year tenure, he successfully led and drove ambitious growth activities for PERFORM’s business across Asia covering content distribution and advertising. This included expansion into China, India, Korea and Indonesia plus other Southeast Asia markets. Renton has previously also held commercial roles at Nokia, Getty Images and Thomson Reuters in Asia.

Renton is originally from London, UK and holds a Bachelors of Arts Honours in Information and Media Studies from Brighton University.

The new Ben 10 makes global debut in Q4 on Cartoon Network

Latest Franchise Begins Worldwide Rollout with Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific and Continues into 2017 with North America and Latin America

Cartoon Network’s newest take on Ben 10, the animated phenomenon that had kids all over the world wanting to transform into their favorite alien, begins its global premiere this Q4 with Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and the Asia-Pacific region (APAC), and will continue into 2017 with North America and Latin America (LATAM). A new generation of fans can expect all the high-energy action and fantasy, along with the heart and humour that made it an international sensation when it originally premiered in 2006.

Building on the highly successful franchise about kid hero Ben Tennyson, Ben 10 will introduce a re-imagined Ben, his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max, as they travel the country during summer vacation. When Ben finds the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch that transforms him into 10 different friendly aliens, a world of extraterrestrial superpowers opens up to him. The series is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and created and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment (Big Hero 6, Generator Rex), with John Fang (Mixels, Generator Rex) on board as supervising producer.

The popularity of the show launched three additional animated series (Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Ben 10: Omniverse); two animated movies (Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix, Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens); and two live-action movies (Ben 10: Race Against Time, Ben 10: Alien Swarm).

A proven success for Cartoon Network, Ben 10 is an established sales sensation led by top-selling toys, interactive and home entertainment franchises generating more than US$4.5 billion in global retail sales to date. Playmates Toys serves as the worldwide master toy partner for the new Ben 10 with a full line of toys based on the series and will include a range of figures, playsets, and role-play items set to launch at retail globally in late 2017.

-Ends-

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network, the number one kids’ channel in Asia Pacific, offers the best in original animated content including the multi-award-winning global hits Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball and Adventure Time and new comedy We Bare Bears. In 2016, the network welcomes back new series of popular franchises Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls. Cartoon Network is available in 31 countries throughout Asia Pacific and is currently seen in more than 88 million pay-TV homes. Internationally, it is seen in 192 countries and over 370 million homes, and is an industry leader with a global offering of the best in award-winning animated entertainment for kids and families, known for putting its fans at the center of everything by applying creative thinking and innovation across multiple platforms. Cartoon Network also reaches millions more through its websites, games and apps, including Cartoon Network Watch and Play and Cartoon Network Anything.

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout Asia Pacific. In the region, Turner Asia Pacific runs 63 channels in 13 languages in 37 countries, including 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. It 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.

Publicity Contact

James Moore

Director of Communications, Asia Pacific

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

Warner TV hits new highs in Singapore & Philippines

No. 1 GE channel bolstered by new content from Turner’s TBS, TNT, truTV and Adult Swim networks

HONG KONG (June 21, 2016) – Warner TV has become the new No.1 international English general-entertainment channel in the Philippines and also cemented its place as the No. 1 English GE channel in Singapore, according to the latest Kantar data*.

The ratings successes come as the channel has doubled-down on its content investment by adding a string of original series from Turner’s own studios, supplementing its existing line-up from Warner Bros. New shows scheduled this year include TNT’s The Last Ship (S3), Rizzoli & Isles (S7) and Murder in the First (S3), TBS’ Angie Tribeca (S2), truTV’s Billy on the Street, Those Who Can’t and Adam Ruins Everything, and Robot Chicken, Eagleheart and NTSF:SD:SUV from Adult Swim.

Marianne Lee, Vice President of General Entertainment Content at Turner Asia Pacific and Warner TV Content Head, said: “Turner is creating more quality content than ever, and Warner TV has really been able to engage its audiences across the region with its unrivalled depth and breadth of programming. We’re in an exceptionally fortunate position where we can pick and choose the very best content from TNT, TBS, truTV, Adult Swim in addition to the channel’s content partner, Warner Bros.”

In the Philippines, ranking and category share was at almost 30% in May, outpacing its nearest competitor by more than 6%. In Singapore, Warner TV has been the clear leader in its competitive set for the whole year to date. Over the past year, Warner TV has also been able to attract a younger audience, amassing a fanbase in the coveted demo of cable 25-44 through the DC Comics-inspired shows such as DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, iZombie, ARROW, Gotham, Supergirl and The Flash.

Other high-profile Turner original series that have been greenlit either for pilots or full series this year include TNT’s Tales from the Crypt (M. Night Shyamalan), Good Behavior (Michelle Dockery), Will, Civil and TBS’ Wrecked and The Detour. ELEAGUE, the new professional eSports league organized by Turner and WME | IMG, also airs on the channel with the final broadcast live on July 31.

-ENDS-

Watch a video of Warner TV programming highlights: https://vimeo.com/164052525/7c30981db6

*Data sources:

Kantar Media Singapore. Target: Cable 25-44. Jan-May 2016. All Time. Ranking and Category Share among rated Entertainment Package channels on StarHub TV: Warner TV, AXN, Animax, Universal Channel, Fox Channel, Diva Universal, Star World, Fox Crime, Syfy, Lifetime, Hits, MTV, Comedy Central Asia.

Kantar Media Philippines. Mega Manila. Target: Cable 25-44. May 2016 All Time. Ranking and Category Share among AXN, Fox Channel, Warner TV, Diva Universal, Lifetime, Star World, Universal Channel, Sony Channel.

For media enquiries, contact:

James Moore, Director of Communications

Turner Asia Pacific

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

About Warner TV

Warner TV offers viewers in Asia the chance to get into it, with an unprecedented mix of hit TV series and blockbuster movies. Its line-up boasts the world’s biggest franchises, first-run exclusives for the region and fan-favorites across a wide range of genres from action, comedy and drama. Warner TV is also home to feature films from the legendary studios of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Warner TV is a brand available across Asia Pacific, and is created and distributed by Turner, a Time Warner company. Visit WarnerTVAsia.com and Facebook.com/WarnerTVAsia for more information.

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout Asia Pacific. In the region, Turner Asia Pacific runs 63 channels in 13 languages in 37 countries, including 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. It 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.

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