Scoops 39% viewing share of GE channels

Singapore, 31 July 2014 – AXN, Asia’s powerhouse of thrilling entertainment, held its reign as the English general entertainment (GE) channel of choice for Southeast Asian viewers during the first half of 2014.

AXN enjoyed a 39 per cent viewing share during primetime among 16 English GE channels. It also delivered triple the ratings of its closest competitor among pay-TV audiences ages four and over, collectively in Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.[1]

Contributing to AXN’s viewership in Malaysia are AXN’s latest thrillers: 24: Live Another Day starring Kiefer Sutherland, which aired day-and-date with the U.S, and Sony Pictures Television’s original production The Blacklist featuring James Spader.

In Singapore, the fresh seasons of AXN’s signature police procedurals CSI, Hawaii Five-0, and NCIS: Los Angeles, along with the nine-time Emmy-winning The Amazing Race continued to draw the most viewers.

Globally popular singing talent search show The Voice (Season 6) struck a high note with The Philippines audience, who tuned in to witness Josh Kaufman take the crown and claim the first-ever “Voice” victory by Team Usher.

“AXN continues to succeed in Southeast Asia because we have a deep understanding of our viewers in each territory and strategically program and market our content around their different tastes,” said Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television.

In July, AXN added new seasons of horror series Supernatural starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, and cop family drama Blue Bloods starring Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg.

Next month, audiences can look forward to the premiere of the fourth season of Steven Spielberg-executive produced alien invasion series Falling Skies starring Noah Wyle.

In September, season seven of The Voice sees Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams join Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as new celebrity musician coaches. The latest season of The Amazing Race will continue to air day-and-date with the US premiere.

[1] Source: Nielsen Media Research Malaysia, Kantar Media Singapore/Philippines, 1 Jan – 30 June 2014 prime time 1800-2500 rating. Based on combined HD and SD ratings for AXN and Star World. The 16 GE channels include AXN, beTV, FOX, Star World, FX, FOX Crime, Diva Universal, Universal channel, E!, SYFY, Warner TV, Lifetime, HITS, RTL-CBS, Comedy Central and Kix

-Ends-

• Airbus Defence and Space to deliver first European satellite to perform electric orbit raising
• Arianespace to launch in first half 2017
• Prime gateway in the Asia-Pacific region to benefit from new satellite delivering high performance and flexibility

Paris, 31 July 2014 – Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) today announced it has sealed procurement and launch contracts with Airbus Defence and Space and Arianespace for the EUTELSAT 172B satellite.
As an early follow-on programme to EUTELSAT 172A, the new triple mission satellite will provide continuity and expansion capacity at Eutelsat’s 172° East orbital position that is a prime gateway for services in the Asia Pacific region.

The 3.5 tonne satellite to be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space will be launched by an Ariane 5 rocket in first half 2017 and will use electric propulsion for initial in-orbit raising and all station-keeping manoeuvres. The reduction in mass will enable this powerful (13 kW) satellite to be launched with the Ariane 5 lower position, offering lower launch costs. In-orbit raising is expected to take approximately four months.

EUTELSAT 172B will host regular C-band and Ku-band payloads. It will also host the Pacific Ocean Region’s first Ku-band High Throughput payload which Panasonic Avionics Corporation has already selected as its key growth platform for in-flight broadband and live TV for commercial airlines on trans-Pacific and Asian routes.

The procurement contracts announced with Airbus Defence and Space and Arianespace, two leading players in the European space industry, reflect Eutelsat’s commitment to innovation that contributes to increasing competitivity and improving customer service. In addition to electric propulsion for in-orbit raising, EUTELSAT 172B will be Eutelsat’s first satellite equipped to dynamically distribute power between beams connected to its High Throughput payload. This facility will enable Eutelsat to respond to traffic variations across the eight time zones covered by the payload’s 11 beams that span from the Western seaboard of North America to South-East Asia.

Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat Chairman and CEO, said: “With the allocation of the contracts to manufacture and launch EUTELSAT 172B awarded to Airbus Defence and Space and Arianespace, we are placing our trust once again in two industry leaders who understand our rigour and high expectations. Through a combination of three distinct payloads, electric propulsion and dynamic power distribution, EUTELSAT 172B reflects our commitment to innovations that benefit our customers and raises the game for the satellite business.”

EUTELSAT 172B payloads:

• A C-band payload of 14 physical transponders delivering increased power and broader coverage to enhance service and tap into new growth markets in South East Asia.
• A regular Ku-band payload of 36 physical transponders that will more than double capacity at 172° East. Transponders will be connected to five improved service areas: North Pacific, North East Asia, South East Pacific, South West Pacific and South Pacific.
• A High Throughput Ku-band payload specifically designed for in-flight broadband, featuring multiple user spots optimised to serve densely-used Asian and trans-Pacific flight paths and interconnected to gateways operating in the Ka band. This new payload will be the first customised for in-flight connectivity over the Pacific Ocean Region, delivering an overall throughput of 1.8 Gbps to an underserved market forecast to enjoy sustained growth over the coming years.

EUTELSAT 172B will be based on the Eurostar E3000 platform of Airbus Defence and Space.

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (NYSE 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 37 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 32 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

For further information

Press
Vanessa O’Connor Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com
Frédérique Gautier Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 fgautier@eutelsat.com
Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com

Investors and analysts
Léonard Wapler Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30 lwapler@eutelsat.com
Cédric Pugni Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

(July 29, 2014) Anime fans will be able to watch their favourite programmes to their hearts’ content with the launch of a new 24/7 high definition anime channel ANIPLUS HD on StarHub TV Channel 529 and StarHub TV Anywhere on 31 July 2014, 9am. The channel will screen both top-rated Japanese anime adapted from best-selling manga as well as original anime productions within two weeks of the original Japan telecast. All titles will run in Japanese with English subtitles.

To give customers a taste of the channel, a free preview will be held from launch to 1 September 2014. Subsequently, an on-demand channel ANIPLUS HD On Demand will launch on StarHub TV Channel 530 at a later date. The channel will feature episodes of selected series after the initial telecast on ANIPLUS HD.

Read more at mUmBRELLA

Leonard Wapler appointed Chief Financial Officer of Eutelsat Americas
Joanna Darlington joins Eutelsat Communications as Head of Investor Relations

Paris, 30 July 2014 — Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) has appointed Leonard Wapler as Chief Financial Officer of Eutelsat Americas, based in Mexico City. Leonard joined Eutelsat in May 2011 and has been Head of Investor Relations since 2013. As Financial Business Manager, his assignments have also included the Satmex acquisition financing. Prior to Eutelsat, he was a Corporate Relationship Manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland, and worked in auditing and transaction advisory services at PwC and Ernst & Young. He is a graduate of HEC (Paris), the French business school.

Joanna Darlington will become Eutelsat’s Head of Investor Relations on 1 September, reporting to the CFO, Antoine Castarède. She joins Eutelsat from the Corporate Advisory Group of KPMG Makinson Cowell. Previously, she was head of European equity research at BNP Paribas and head of Pan-European research at ABN AMRO Hoare Govett. Joanna is a graduate of the University of Cambridge.

Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat Chairman and CEO, commented: “Leonard’s appointment to Eutelsat Americas will further strengthen its management team, led by Patricio Northland, while reinforcing the alignment of the group’s practices. We are delighted to welcome Joanna, whose extensive financial markets experience will enhance our communication with the investment community.”

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (NYSE 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 37 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 32 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

For further information

Press
Vanessa O’Connor Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com
Frédérique Gautier Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 fgautier@eutelsat.com
Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com

Investors and analysts
Léonard Wapler Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30 lwapler@eutelsat.com
Cédric Pugni Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

• MultiChoice secures significant bandwidth requirements to support growth of DStv pay-TV platform over sub-Saharan Africa
• Eutelsat 36° East neighbourhood consolidated as Africa’s premier location for digital entertainment services

Johannesburg, Paris, 30 July 2014 – Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) and MultiChoice Africa, one of Africa’s most prominent media companies, have inked a far-reaching agreement that will ensure the continuing expansion of the DStv pay-TV platform over the coming 15 years. The multi-transponder contract also further anchors Eutelsat’s neighbourhood of high-power satellites at 36° East as the point of reference for broadcasting in sub-Saharan Africa.

To live up to its brand promise of delivering a television experience marked by quality and choice, MultiChoice Africa will take advantage of the entire payload of 15 Ku-band transponders connected to the African service area of the EUTELSAT 36C satellite that will be launched next year.

In advance of the launch, MultiChoice has also booked two transponders on the EUTELSAT 36A broadcast satellite that provides reach of the 38 countries in sub-Saharan Africa served by the DStv platform.

Following the launch of EUTELSAT 36C, MultiChoice Africa will be leasing a total of 36 Eutelsat transponders from 25 today. In addition to securing bandwidth for new Standard Definition and High Definition channels and services, the agreement equips MultiChoice Africa with in-orbit back-up capacity that will increase network continuity.

Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice Africa, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement with Eutelsat who have partnered with us to meet the needs of our growing business in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is exciting to be planning this new expansion with a company that is not only committed to ensuring we are able to provide the best television experience to our subscribers, but a company that, like ourselves, is committed to making a difference in Africa through investing in developmental projects. We look forward to being able to provide new and exciting services to our DStv subscribers in the future.”

Michel de Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Eutelsat, responded: “Our sustained investment over 20 years in high-power broadcast satellites for Africa has anchored Eutelsat as a key infrastructure provider supporting the transition to a digital environment and delivering viewers both diversity and quality. With the agreement announced today, we are extending our longstanding relationship with one of Africa’s most go-ahead media companies over the coming 15 years. It is a privilege to be MultiChoice’s chosen partner in 38 African countries and to demonstrate our broader commitment to Africa via the annual DStv Eutelsat Star Awards that sparks scientific thinking by school children across Sub-Saharan Africa.”

About MultiChoice Africa

MultiChoice Africa (Pty) Limited (“MultiChoice”) is Africa’s pioneer pay TV provider, having launched the first digital satellite service in 1995. The company provides multi-channel digital pay television platforms containing channels from Africa, America, China, India, Asia and Europe and has over twenty years’ experience in offering cutting-edge digital technology and a selection of bouquets containing premium television channels for subscribers.

www.multichoice.co.za

Head of Corporate Affairs
Caroline Creasy: Tel: +27 11 289 3081; email caroline.creasy@multichoice.co.za

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (NYSE 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 37 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 32 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

For further information

Press
Vanessa O’Connor Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com
Frédérique Gautier Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 fgautier@eutelsat.com
Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com

Investors and analysts
Léonard Wapler Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30 lwapler@eutelsat.com
Cédric Pugni Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

(Jul 30, 2014) ITV Plc (ITV) Chief Executive Officer Adam Crozier said the U.K.’s largest commercial broadcaster doesn’t plan to sell parts of its business. ITV declined to say whether the company as a whole is available for sale after John Malone’s Liberty Global Plc bought a 6.4 percent stake.

Read more at Bloomberg

(July 31, 2014) Thaicom plans to seek an interim satellite to serve rising demand for broadcasting service in Thailand ahead of the launch of Thaicom 8, chief executive officer Suphajee Suthumpun said.

“We’re looking for a satellite to provide broadcasting service only for a year and a half before launching Thaicom 8,” she said.

Thaicom 8, worth US$178.5 million (Bt5.69 billion), is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2016. However, the company has witnessed surging demand for satellite broadcasting service in the domestic market, while its existing Thaicom 5 and 6 satellites are running at almost full capacity.

Read more at The Nation

Ride N’ Seek returns with an adventurous new season this August on HISTORY™

(30 July 2014, Singapore) – Following the success of the first season last year, adrenaline junkie and bike enthusiast Jaime Dempsey returns to host Ride N’ Seek: Borneo, as she goes on an epic road trip through East Malaysia and Brunei on a Harley-Davidson.

Premiering on Monday, 18 August on HISTORY™ (StarHub TV Ch 401) at 9pm (SIN/HK), Ride N’ Seek: Borneo, a six-episode motorcycle travelogue will see Dempsey take part in some unusual activities such as participating in the “Feeding the Dead” ritual in an Iban longhouse, and spear fishing in Mabul Island.

She will also meet fascinating locals including Malaysia’s first female MMA fighter, Ann “Athena” Osman, who gives her a crash course in MMA.

“When we commissioned the first season, we knew it was expandable simply because there is so much to explore, especially by motorcycle, around Southeast Asia. It was a natural step to look at East Malaysia and the land route from Sarawak to Sabah via Brunei, for the second season of the show,” said Chris Humphrey, Director of Production, A+E Networks Asia.

Coming onboard this year is associate sponsor Shell Advance Motorcycle Oils, Alex Lim, Shell Lubricants Marketing Manager (Malaysia/Singapore) shared, “Collaborating with HISTORY™ on this exciting local production is something that we are extremely proud of and looking forward. It is thrilling for Shell Advance to be part of this ride through Borneo and taking viewers on an exciting journey and insight to the locales and how they live is something unprecedented and innovative. This personifies the brand as Shell Advance believes in making every ride enjoyable be it from race tracks to any road conditions.”

Back on board for the second time is associate sponsor, Harley-Davidson. Peter Mackenzie, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson Asia Emerging Markets, expressed, “We are thrilled to have Jaime hitting the road again on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle as she embarks on an epic ride through more of South East Asia’s fascinating terrain. Jaime’s personality, together with the concept of the show embodies what the brand stands for, to fulfill dreams of personal freedom. With everything that’s in store, we are sure that this season will be even more exciting than the last, with a palpable sense of journey, discovery and emotion around every bend.”

“We are proud to have prestigious brands, Shell and Harley-Davidson on-board for Ride N’ Seek: Borneo. It goes to show that this is a winning formula, which is why we are already searching for a venue for Season 3″, said Charles Less, Head of Advertising Sales, A+E Networks Asia.

Ride N’ Seek: Borneo premieres on 18 August, Mondays on HISTORY™ (StarHub TV Ch. 401), every Monday at 9pm (SIN/HK).

###

About HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™

HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destinations for entertaining hit series and revealing, award-winning event specials that connect history with viewers in an informative, immersive and fascinating manner across multiple platforms. Programming covers a diverse variety of genres ranging from real-life characters who bring history to life every day, to natural history, contemporary history, technology and science, as well as archaeology and pop culture. Hit series include Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars, The Vikings, Ancient Aliens, Duck Dynasty, Counting Cars, Hidden Cities Extreme and Ride N’ Seek. For more information, please visit:

Homepage: www.historyasia.com
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About A+E Networks®

A+E Networks is an award-winning, global media content company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from television networks to websites, from home videos/DVDs to gaming and educational software. A+E Networks is comprised of the following networks and divisions: A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, LMN™ (formerly Lifetime Movie Network®), bio.®, H2™, HISTORY en Español™, Crime & Investigation Network®, Military HISTORY®, LRW™ (formerly Lifetime Real Women®), A&E IndieFilms®, A+E Networks International™, A+E Networks Digital™ and A+E Networks Consumer Products™. A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming reach more than 300 million households in over 150 countries. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.

For media-related enquiries, please contact:

SPRG Singapore
Deborah Dayani
Senior Manager
T: 6325 8275
E: deborah.dayani@sprg.com.sg

Fiona Tan
Associate
T: 6325 8232
E: fiona.tan@sprg.com.sg

A+E Networks
Hazel Yap
Director, Marketing Communications
T: 3157 6510
E: hazel.yap@aenetworks.com

Belinda Boh
Manager, Marketing Communications
T: 3157 6512
E: Belinda.boh@aenetworks.com

(July 29, 2014) The Walt Disney Company has named Paul Candland to the newly created post of president for Asia, giving him oversight of the company’s operations in Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and Greater China.

Candland is currently the president of Walt Disney Japan. A 16-year Disney veteran, he reports to Andy Bird, chairman of Walt Disney International, in his new role of driving strategy and coordinating business in the Asian markets he oversees.

Read more at World Screen

(July 29, 2014) Brightcove has announced that Yelp, which connects people with local businesses, has launched a new video feature powered by Brightcove. Yelp users can upload short video clips up to 12 seconds long with the help of the Brightcove Video Cloud online video platform and the Brightcove Zencoder cloud-based encoding service.

Read more at Advanced Television