Another world-class sports event added to now TV, Hong Kong’s “Home of Sports”

PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, April 27, 2016 – now TV, Hong Kong’s largest pay-TV operator, has secured the non-exclusive broadcast rights of UEFA EURO 2016 for Hong Kong viewers and will screen all 51 matches live in HD.

UEFA EURO 2016 is one of the best and most popular football tournaments in the world. For the first time, 24 national teams will compete for the championship between June 10 and July 10 in France, with stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Jamie Vardy (England), Paul Pogba (France), Andres Iniesta (Spain) and Mesut Ozil (Germany). These top European teams will battle each other in an attempt to dethrone Spain, the defending champion.

now TV has been awarded the non-exclusive pay-TV media rights from MP & Sliva, the exclusive distributor of the UEFA EURO 2016 in Hong Kong. now TV will bring to viewers and especially for sports fans in Hong Kong, the most comprehensive and exciting UEFA EURO 2016 big screen viewing experience by delivering live coverage of all 51 matches in both SD and HD formats.

Securing the UEFA EURO 2016 this summer means that sports fans on now TV can enjoy uninterrupted coverage of a world-class premium football tournament from June 11 onwards until July 11 (Hong Kong time) as they eagerly await the kick-off of the next football season.

Retail price of the Event Pass for the UEFA EURO 2016 will be announced separately. Renewal customers or new sign up will enjoy special offer.

Ms. Loke Kheng Tham, PCCW’s Executive Vice President of Pay TV, said, “This is set to be the most exciting summer for football fans with 51 premium matches in UEFA EURO 2016. The addition of UEFA EURO 2016 further demonstrates now TV as the “Home of Sports” in Hong Kong. We will continue to bring the world’s best sports actions to our customers.”

Ms. Beatrice Lee, MP & Silva’s Managing Director, Asia Pacific, said, “We are delighted to partner with Hong Kong’s leading pay-TV service provider to broadcast the UEFA EURO 2016. We look forward to working together with now TV to showcase an exciting summer of European football with its comprehensive coverage to football fans.”

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About now TV

now TV is one of the world’s largest commercial deployments of IPTV and Hong Kong’s largest pay-TV provider. It is delivered by PCCW Media Limited, the multimedia and entertainment subsidiary of PCCW Limited. PCCW also holds interests in telecommunications, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.

now TV offers the widest range of local and international content on its platform in Hong Kong. Its quality self-produced content includes two news channels and a diverse line up of entertainment and infotainment programmes. This is complemented by leading Asian and international content and brands across news, entertainment, information and sports genres including the exclusive Barclays Premier League.

now TV’s premium content can be accessed through linear TV channels, on-demand and via OTT companion apps while on the move. now TV can also be enjoyed on the eye devices provided by HKT, the telecommunications business of PCCW.

To learn more about now TV, please visit http://nowtv.now.com/.

About PCCW Limited

PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008) is a Hong Kong-based company which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.

The Company holds a majority interest in HKT, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider. 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, which includes a highly successful IPTV operation, now TV. As the provider of Hong Kong’s first quadruple-play experience, PCCW offers a range of innovative media content and services across four delivery platforms – fixed-line, broadband Internet access, TV and mobile.

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

In addition, PCCW holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and overseas investments including the wholly-owned UK Broadband Limited. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.

– Rugby fans in Asia will have access to more sport content on RugbyPass –

Singapore, Wednesday, 27 April 2016

Delivering on its promise to superserve fans across all platforms, Discovery Communications today announce an agreement to acquire a minority stake in RugbyPass – a digital content platform that reaches passionate rugby fans across 23 Asian markets with the world’s best competitions – live or on demand – from any device.

To further boost the RugbyPass offering to fans, select content from Discovery-owned Setanta Sports Asia will be immediately available to all RugbyPass subscribers.

Launched in Asia in February this year by Coliseum Sports Media (CSM), RugbyPass offers fans one destination to watch the world’s best rugby action including Super Rugby, Aviva Premiership, European Champions Cup and British Lions Tour in New Zealand in 2017 – all in high definition on the internet or any app-enabled device.

Arthur Bastings, President and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, highlighted the company’s strategic goal to deliver innovative direct-to-consumer products to superfans as a key priority. “In partnership with CSM, our investment in RugbyPass will provide sports fans with greater access to the world’s best rugby competitions, making content that they love available on more screens, when and wherever they choose to watch it.”

Tim Martin, CEO at CSM, said, “RugbyPass is a successful product with an increasingly strong and loyal following, and now with Discovery’s added resources and expertise, we are excited to not only expand the sports content available on the site through Setanta but also invest in further growth.”

The launch of RugbyPass in Asia complements a boom time for the game, including World Rugby’s deal with Chinese broadcaster Alibaba, the return of Singapore to the World Rugby Sevens circuit and the inclusion of Japan’s Sunwolves in this year’s Super Rugby competition.

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About RugbyPass
• RugbyPass brings together the world’s best rugby competitions, including:

• All SANZAR content including Super Rugby, The Rugby Championship, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa Inbounds tours, Mitre 10 Cup and Currie Cup
• British Lions Tour in New Zealand 2017
• Aviva Premiership
• European Champions Cup
• Autumn Internationals for England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland
• All home games played by England outside of the 6 Nations
• All home games played by Argentina
• The NRL
• The UK Super League

• To achieve absolute-broadcast quality in all 23 markets, Discovery and CSM work with NeuLion – the global leader in digital broadcasting technology that delivers more than 40,000 live and on-demand games for the NFL, NBA, World Surf League, UFC and more.
• RugbyPass costs US$14.99 per month with a one-month free trial and will broadcast more than 1000 live games each year in 23 countries including: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

About Coliseum Sports Media (CSM)
• CSM was first established in New Zealand before relocating to Singapore in 2016. The company has proven expertise in delivering compelling sport content across multiple digital platforms.
• Since 2013, it has delivered more than 120 hours of live sport a week across multiple digital platforms, including the English Premier League and the PGA TOUR.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the leader in global entertainment reaching 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery satisfies curiosity, entertains and inspires viewers with high-quality content through global brands, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet, Science and Turbo/Velocity, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and through the Discovery Digital Networks portfolio, including Seeker and SourceFed. Discovery owns Eurosport, the leading pan-regional sports entertainment destination across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of the number-one global entertainment company Discovery Communications, is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its portfolio of 15 brands. From survival to natural history, wonders of science to extreme jobs, motoring to travel and lifestyle, and the latest engineering marvels to live sporting events, each channel offers distinct must-watch programming to engage viewers across the region. The network’s 15 brands reach 695 million cumulative subscribers in 38 countries and territories with programming customised in 14 languages and dialects. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia – 26th April 2016, ABS and TRACE announce an agreement to broadcast TRACE Urban via ABS-2, Global C-band beam across the Asia Pacific region – The channel will debut on 1st May 2016.

TRACE Urban is the #1 international urban music channel, giving a unique insight into urban culture and featuring the most popular urban music genres: R&B, hip-hop, dance, and rhythmic pop. TRACE Urban is available in 130 countries to 60 million subscribers, and covers all aspects of urban and youth culture.

TRACE Urban is 90% music videos and 10% magazine and documentary programming. There are no reality shows or drama, no fiction, and the channel features exclusive interviews with urban celebrities and original features about urban culture, including music, fashion, dance, sport, lifestyle, movies etc.

The target audience for TRACE Urban is hip-hop and R&B fans in the 15-34 demographic, and the channel has higher ratings than MTV in 60 countries with 7 feeds worldwide, including a dedicated feed for Asia.

Regular artistes include Trey Songz, Big Sean, Beyoncé, Fifth Harmony, Rihanna, Drake, Twenty One Pilots, Flo Rida, Jason Derulo, Gwen Stefani and many more.

“ABS is excited to partner with TRACE to add TRACE Urban to its growing ABS-2 75E neighborhood,” said Tom Choi of ABS. “The addition of the channel adds to our strong line-up of international broadcasters taking advantages of our wide market coverage and to solidify their distribution in the important Asia-Pacific markets, by meeting the rapidly growing demand of the operators in the region.

James Ross, Managing Director for TRACE Asia-Pacific added “We are looking forward to bringing TRACE Urban to join the growing bouquet of channels carried by ABS-2, and to working closely with operators around the region to deliver TRACE Urban to their subscribers.”

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About ABS:

ABS is one of the fastest growing global satellite operators in the world. ABS offers a complete range of tailored solutions including broadcasting, data and telecommunication services to broadcasters, service providers, enterprises and government organizations.

ABS operates a fleet of satellites; ABS-2, ABS-3A, ABS-4/Mobisat-1, ABS-6, ABS-7. The satellite fleet covers 80% of the world’s population across the Americas, Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, CIS and Russia. The new satellites: ABS-2A and ABS-8 are planned to launch in 2016 and 2018 respectively. ABS plans to add more satellites in the next 2-3 years to its growing fleet.

Headquartered in Bermuda, ABS has offices in the United States, Dubai, South Africa, Germany, Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong. ABS is majority owned by funds managed by the European Private Equity firm Permira. The Permira funds acquired ABS in 2010.

For more information, visit: www.absatellite.com

About TRACE Urban HD

Broadcast in 160 countries worldwide, TRACE Urban HD is the #1 international urban music channel and gives a unique insight into both urban music and culture. TRACE Urban HD showcases the most popular urban music genres with a focus on the latest R&B and hip-hop, and offers a selection of the hottest urban music videos refreshed daily, exclusive interviews with urban celebrities and original features.

For more information, visit: http://trace.tv/urban/

– Discovery’s first-ever 4K branded block to air on Skylife’s UHD channel in Korea –

Singapore, Tuesday, 26 April 2016

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has expanded its partnership with KT Skylife to supply 4K content to Skylife’s UHD channel.

Through the partnership with Discovery, KT Skylife strengthens its UHD offering in a further move to lead South Korea’s UHD market with its innovative content strategy.

Skylife customers can expect the launch of Discovery’s 4K content this quarter. From space to natural history and survival to motoring, the content will be broadcast in a Discovery 4K branded programming block on Sky UHD. The line-up includes LIFE OF DOGS – Discovery Networks International’s major natural history series, CAPTURING THE UNIVERSE – a mind-blowing look at the inner workings of our galaxy and beyond, and HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS – the highly anticipated six-hour scripted miniseries about the birth of the iconic motorcycle brand.

Discovery and KT Skylife have a long-standing partnership of over 15 years. KT Skylife’s channel line-up includes Animal Planet, Discovery HD World and Eurosport; in addition, it was the first to launch Discovery’s international HD offering. Both parties plan to pursue co-production and distribution opportunities for 4K content in and outside of Korea.

Commenting on the partnership, Lee Nam Ki, CEO of Skylife said, “Skylife is the only satellite company with extensive coverage in Korea. We currently offer three UHD channels and plan to launch more as our goal is to be the biggest UHD content provider in the world. Offering high quality 4K content to our consumers is a key priority and we can’t think of a better partner than Discovery.”

Arthur Bastings, President and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Discovery has a long history of bringing together emerging technology with the quality content and storytelling that we are known for, and Discovery 4K is the latest way for us to create thrilling content for audiences. Discovery has been ramping up its 4K commissions over the past year, and we are excited to collaborate with Skylife to launch Discovery’s first-ever 4K programming block internationally and look forward to more of such partnerships in the region.”

From launching one of the first 24/7 HD channels in the world to presenting pioneering content on its virtual reality platform – Discovery VR, Discovery has a keen focus on content innovation and tapping into emerging technologies to present more immersive storytelling. Discovery’s foray into 4K is a natural progression as its content translates well to this amazing viewing experience.

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About Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of the number-one global content company Discovery Communications, is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its portfolio of 15 brands. From survival to natural history, wonders of science to extreme jobs, motoring to travel and lifestyle, and the latest engineering marvels to live sporting events, each channel offers distinct must-watch programming to engage viewers across the region. The network’s 15 brands reach 695 million cumulative subscribers in 38 countries and territories with programming customised in 14 languages and dialects. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

Beijing/Hong Kong/Taipei/Singapore, Friday, 22 April 2016 – Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific today announced the appointment of Fang Chang as senior vice president and general manager for its Greater China region.  The Taiwan and Hong Kong remit is in addition to his existing role as senior vice president and general manager of China.

 

Fang will be responsible for setting the growth strategy and charting new business opportunities for the Greater China region.  He will continue to be based in Beijing and report to Arthur Bastings, president and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

 

Gina Hung, who has been providing interim leadership for Taiwan and Hong Kong, will move into a newly created role as vice president, Corporate Communications and Business Development, Greater China.  She will report to Fang and work closely with him to maximise growth in both traditional and new media sectors and lead corporate communications activities for the region.

 

“Fang’s appointment underscores Discovery’s commitment to the Greater China markets.  He is a seasoned professional, with a wealth of experience in China coupled with strong Taiwanese roots.  I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Gina for her commitment and support for the past year and congratulate her on her new appointment,” said Bastings.

 

“China’s online video market has expanded at scale and speed like no other – resulting in boundless opportunities for Discovery.  Consolidating Taiwan and Hong Kong into China’s operations will ensure greater synergies as we look to sharpen Discovery’s product mix to appeal to young Chinese consumers and scale up digital,” added Bastings.

 

Fang joined Discovery in 2002 to head Discovery’s China operations.  During his tenure, the Discovery business in China has grown over ten fold.  Fang has built solid partnerships with the likes of State Administration of Press Publication Radio Film and Television (SAPPRFT) and the State Council Information Office (SCIO), and media companies such as China Central Television (CCTV), Shanghai Media Group (SMG), Beijing TV (BTV), Hunan TV, WASU, China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC), BesTV, Tencent Video and Alibaba.  Through these partnerships, Discovery has produced more than 70 hours of China-related content including Discovery’s first-ever China format, Survivor Games, a 12-part series which was co-produced with China’s Yunji Media for Dragon TV last year.

 

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DOWNLOADABLE PHOTO

Fang Chang

 

 

About Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of the number-one pay-TV programmer Discovery Communications, is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its portfolio of 15 brands. From survival to natural history, wonders of science to extreme jobs, motoring to travel and lifestyle, and the latest engineering marvels to live sporting events, each channel offers distinct must-watch programming to engage viewers across the region. The network’s 15 brands reach 695 million cumulative subscribers in 38 countries and territories with programming customised in 14 languages and dialects. For more information, please visit www.asia.discovery.com.

 

Sony’s leading payTV channel, ONE, shakes up its on-air offerings
to bring viewers more fresh content from South Korea.

Singapore, 20 April 2015 – ONE, the number 1 Korean entertainment channel in Southeast Asia⁺, is jazzing up its on-air line-up starting 25 April to give viewers greater and faster access to the latest South Korean dramas and variety shows.

“It is a really exciting time for us,’ said Ms Virginia Lim, Vice President & Head, Content & Marketing, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television. “The popularity of South Korean content is reaching greater heights and with these new changes, ONE is poised to meet the changing needs of our viewers.”

Highlights:

• Hit variety shows like Running Man to air within 1 week of their Korean telecast
• 3 new star-studded variety shows to air first and exclusively on ONE
• Blockbuster PPALI-PPALI (“fast-fast” in Korean) dramas will air at new timeslot
• All-time classic K-dramas every weekday afternoon

Get more, faster on ONE

ONE is set to air top variety shows within one week of their Korean telecast. Viewers can get their daily dose of laughs with Running Man; Law of the Jungle; Oh! My Baby; K-Pop Countdown (Inkigayo); and Star King (S2), which will each air every weeknight at 11pm/10pm (JKT).

In addition to the current lineup of variety shows, ONE will be introducing 3 new star-studded lifestyle entertainment programmes, all to air on a first and exclusive basis:

Skinny Lunchbox

Ever wondered how Korean stars get their flawless skin and toned bodies? Come along as the ladies of popular K-pop girls group Apink take the cameras through their fitness regimen, tapping on the expertise of professional chefs and trainers along the way. Airing every Monday at 6.55pm from 25 April, this informative variety show will open up access to industry and celebrities’ exercise and diet management secrets!

Stargram

Want to be the first to learn about the latest beauty products used in the Korean entertainment world? How about an insider’s guide to getting key looks of top celebrities like Ha Ji Won? Beginning 25 April, tune in to this competition-style beauty show helmed by a panel of K-fashionistas such as Son Dam Bi and Stephanie Lee (The Gang Doctor), every Monday at 8pm.

The Show

Now there’s a new way to catch the hottest K-pop acts perform ‘live’ every week! And this is not just another music chart show – it is the first-ever programme of its kind, co-produced by both South Korea and China. Catch lovable hosts Yerin from GFriend and Super Junior M’s Zhou Mi every Sunday at 11pm starting from 1 May.

So much drama

ONE’s new line-up will feature both the latest blockbusters, as well as blast-from-the past dramas! Viewers can watch K-drama classics like Stairway to Heaven on weekdays at 5.40pm/4.40pm (JKT) starting 27 April, with Mandarin and Malay audio. Primetime blockbusters like Entertainer and Jackpot will air within 24 hours of their Korean broadcast during the PPALI-PPALI hour, at a new timing of 8.10pm/ 7.10pm (JKT) on Tuesdays to Fridays.

Catch flower boy Jang Geun Suk in his latest period drama Jackpot on Tuesday and Wednesday at 8.10pm/7.10pm (JKT)

Headlined by popular actor Ji Sung and idol-actress Hyeri, Entertainer airs on Thursday and Friday at 8.10pm/7.10pm (JKT), starting 28 April.

For the full schedule and more information, visit www.onetvasia.com/theNewONE.

ONE is available in Singapore on: Singtel TV Ch 513, 604 and StarHub TV Ch 124, 820 and 823.

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About ONE

ONE is the first Asian general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Television Networks,
Asia, the broadcaster of Asia’s leading cable channels AXN, Animax, Sony Channel and GEM.

ONE showcases the latest South Korean drama and entertainment programs on an exclusive and first-run basis. These include selected prime time dramas within 24 hours of their debut broadcasts in Korea. Viewers can catch the biggest stars and hottest names in Korean entertainment, from young and trendy idol dramas to popular soap operas, along with the current variety buzz and the top K-pop hits. In addition, ONE has also regularly brought South Korean artistes on promotional tours to meet with fans. Successful events have included drama stars like Joo Won (The Gang Doctor), Zo In Sung (That Winter, The Wind Blows), Lee Hyun Woo (To the Beautiful You), Lee Dong Wook (Scent of a Woman), Kim Sun-A (Scent of a Woman), Jang Hyuk (Midas), and K-pop boy group BTOB; as well as the resoundingly successful Running Man fan meet in Singapore and Malaysia.

ONE HD is the high definition feed of ONE which is available in Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. See www.onetvasia.com for more.

 

Media Contacts

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

Timothy Oh

Tel: +65 6622 4201

timothy_oh@spe.sony.com

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