(Nov 26, 2013) The Eurosport Group has started a new long-term partnership with the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) for pan-European coverage of Roland Garros, the French Open tennis Grand Slam.

Read more at Advanced Television

(Nov 26, 2013) The Arris Group Systems Integration team has engineered an IPTV headend for BT, located at BT Tower in London, providing the distribution engine for BT TV and BT Sport.

Read more at Advanced Television

FOX INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS ASIA BOOSTS SPORTS BUSINESS WITH A BOUQUET OF NEW RIGHTS, CREATION OF LOCAL SPORTS HUBS AND NEW PROGRAMMING

New initiatives reinvigorate the leading sports network yielding great results within a year.

26 November 2013, Asia – Within a year since its acquisition of the sports business, FOX International Channels (FIC) Asia, 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business and Asia’s leading pay-TV network, has given its sports channels FOX Sports and STAR Sports a major boost with a focused strategy resulting in higher viewership and returns.

The integration of the most highly distributed sports network in Asia with FIC’s very successful bouquet of entertainment, factual and lifestyle channels is being achieved through a series of well-planned initiatives including the acquisition of signature sports events, the creation of localized sports hubs and new programming.

SPORTS FOR ALL:
FIC has secured the rights of some of the most exciting and popular events around the globe such as:

• Tennis (French Open): The latest multi-year acquisition of the French Open across all major markets in the region cements its position as the ‘Home of Tennis’, making it 3 out of 4 tennis Grand Slams as it already showcases The Championship, Wimbledon and The Australian Open across its networks.
• Football (Bundesliga): FOX Sports, through its parent company, 21st Century FOX, recently announced a mega global partnership under which football fans in Asia will be offered the most exciting and quality football from the very popular German league featuring top clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, the respective current holders and runners-up of the UEFA Champions League.
• Golf (PGA Championship and World Golf Championship): Reinforcing its position as the singular destination for Golf in Asia with all 4 Golf Majors, FOX Sports recently showcased The PGA Championship. Adding to this, FOX Sports has recently acquired rights to the various events of the World Golf Championship across multiple markets.
• World Championship in Athletics: Looking at the growing interest for athletics in Asia, both in participation and viewership, FOX Sports has secured the rights to showcase the leading biennial event. Covering sports across various disciplines, this event features leading athletes from across the globe.
• Formula E (Motor sports): With the acquisition of the rights of this new FIA sanctioned auto racing event, FOX Sports gives motor sports fans one more reason to enjoy the speed rush in addition to its broadcast of F1, MotoGP, NASCAR and SuperBike.
• IBL (Badminton): It successfully acquired and recently broadcasted the inaugural season of Indian Badminton League featuring top players from the world and the region.

MADE FOR YOU, BY YOU, FROM YOUR MARKET:
FIC has successfully created two new local sports hubs responsible for creating and distributing localized feeds. Since October 1st, Taiwan has been broadcasting 3 dedicated sports channels in Mandarin as well as producing a Taiwan version of FOX Sports’ flagship news show FOX Sports Central. In addition, Hong Kong has also started to broadcast sports channels in High Definition from October 1st.

MORE ENGAGING CONTENT:
It recently re-launched its signature news program FOX Sports Central by almost doubling the content, making it 7 days a week and a 1-hour late night edition at 11PM in addition to the 7PM show. With many new exciting segments and richer content such as the recent ‘Asia Exclusive’ special interview with Sir Alex Ferguson, the new FOX Sports Central has been received very well by fans.

ANY WHERE, ANY PLACE, ANY DEVICE:
With an aim to deliver sports content across platforms and devices, FOX Sports Plus HD can now be accessed through mobile and through the internet.

Joon Lee, Executive Vice President of Content and Communications, Asia Pacific and Middle East at FOX International Channels said, “With the successful acquisition of multiple new rights of top tier sports properties, creation of multiple local sports hubs, and enhanced programming well ahead of plan, our sports business is in a significantly better position than we were at even six months ago. We are very well placed to continue to offer fans and our business partners the most comprehensive sports entertainment offering across the region”.

-ENDS-

About FOX Sports

FIC Sports networks includes FOX Sports, the channel that delivers some of the most compelling LIVE sport events from around the world, including the flagship sports news show FOX Sports Central; STAR Sports, which features a wide variety of premium sports content; FOX Sports Plus (HD), the high-definition 24-hour sports channel; FOX Sports News the first 24/7 sports news channel; STAR Cricket, the comprehensive cricket channel; STAR Cricket HD, the High Definition comprehensive cricket channel; FOX Sports Play, the broadband network providing LIVE and on-demand sports properties and additional exclusive content; FOX Sports Mobile, the mobile application that allows fans to access on-demand, premium world-class mobile sports content and www.foxsportsasia.com, the online destination for comprehensive sports content, also in local languages in Bahasa Malaysia (www.foxsports.my), Bahasa Indonesia (www.foxsports.co.id) and Mandarin (www.foxsports.com.tw).

About FOX International Channels

FOX International Channels (FIC) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports, movie and lifestyle channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 45 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1.6 billion cumulative households worldwide.

In Asia, FIC operates or distributes 30+ channel brands, including the FOX, STAR and National Geographic brands, with over 100 feeds across 14 markets. As the leading pay-TV network in the region, we reach more than 550 million cumulative subscribers across Asia Pacific and the Middle East with offices in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia and the UAE. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com.

This press release was issued on behalf of FOX International Channels Asia by Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic). For further information, please contact:

FOX International Channels Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic)
Kelly Jang
Director, Pan Regional Trade Marketing and PR
DID: +852 2621 8875
kelly.jang@fox.com

Kristen Gallagher
Tactic – Hong Kong
DID: +852 2114 4345
FAX: +852 2114 0880
kristen.gallagher@tacticpr.com.hk

Diana Low
Tactic – Singapore
DID: +65 6325 8264
FAX: +65 6325 8262
diana.low@tacticpr.com.sg

Global Channel Brand from NBCUniversal to Launch on Foxtel in High Definition and via Foxtel Go

Highly Anticipated Line-Up of Science-Fiction and Fantasy Programming includes:

• World premiere of Australian paranormal series Haunting: Australia
• New season of Haven, Misfits, Defiance and Warehouse 13 – first run on Syfy
• Fan favourites Stargate SG-1, Torchwood, Primeval, classic Doctor Who, Sanctuary, Ghost Hunters International, Orphan Black and Eureka.
• Syfy Original Movies – including Sharknado, Robocroc, Mega Piranha, Sharktopus – find a permanent audience weeknights

Singapore, 26 November 2013 – The channels’ division of NBCUniversal International Television and Foxtel today announced an exciting programming line-up for global channel brand Syfy which will launch in HD on Foxtel on January 1, 2014 (Syfy HD channel 125; Syfy +2 channel 165). Syfy is the destination for imagination-based entertainment, including the very best in new and classic science fiction and fantasy programming. This announcement was made by Christine Fellowes, MD, Universal Networks International, Asia Pacific and Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s Executive Director of Television.

For the first time, Foxtel subscribers will be able to watch science-fiction and fantasy programming on the move – on compatible tablets and smartphones, via Foxtel Go. Syfy HD will also be available on compatible internet connected devices through the new internet TV service, Foxtel Play as well as Foxtel on T-Box and Foxtel on Telstra Mobile. Further, the brand new channel will be complemented by a new website – www.syfy.com.au – available prior to launch, from December.

New Australian paranormal series Haunting: Australia will have its world premiere on Syfy in February. Paranormal investigator Robb Demarest, best known for Ghost Hunters International, will lead a team of six as they hunt for signs of the paranormal in Australia’s most-haunted locations.

Syfy will be the new home for the Australian premieres of Misfits (Season 5) on Thursday 2 January 8.30pm AEDT and Haven (Season 4) on Tuesday 7 January 8.30pm AEDT. Warehouse 13 (Season 5) and the second season of Defiance, starring Grant Bowler, will premiere exclusive to Syfy in mid-2014.

Syfy will also broadcast numerous fan favourites including Stargate SG-1, Torchwood, Primeval, classic Doctor Who, Sanctuary, Ghost Hunters International, Orphan Black and Eureka.

Commented Fellowes: “We look forward to bringing Foxtel subscribers a High-Definition experience of the best in imagination-based entertainment – both genre classics and new series and movies premiering for the first time in Australia. It’s an exciting time for NBCUniversal in Australia as we add Syfy HD to our portfolio of channels.”
Commented Walsh: “Foxtel is delighted to bring Syfy – the world’s foremost science fiction entertainment channel – to Australia. Syfy will be specifically curated for local audiences and will boast an impressive line-up of shows which we are sure will entertain and thrill local audiences. By combining great programming with breathtaking Foxtel technology, including Foxtel Go and brilliant High Definition pictures, Syfy will be a compelling television destination.”

Syfy reaches viewers in 86 countries around the globe, broadcast in 17 languages.

www.syfy.com.au

– ENDS –

About Universal Networks International

Universal Networks International, the international channels division of NBCUniversal, is one of the world’s premier entertainment portfolios, delivering quality content and compelling brands to over 176 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The brands in the portfolio include Universal Channel, Syfy, 13th Street, Studio Universal, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network, DIVA Universal, Telemundo and Golf Channel. These unique brands deliver a full range of entertainment experiences to local audiences across the globe. Universal Networks International also operates Movies 24. Further, NBCUniversal News Group, one of the most influential and respected portfolios of on-air and digital news properties in the world, operate CNBC and NBC News internationally.

Universal Networks International is a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.

About Foxtel

Foxtel is one of Australia’s most progressive and dynamic media companies, directly employing around 2,500 people, and delivering a diverse subscription television service over cable, satellite and broadband distribution. We offer a better entertainment experience every day to each one of our 2.5 million subscribing homes through delivery of new and inspiring programming across all genres, the world’s most popular channel brands, and investment in high quality local content. As constant champions of innovation we have brought customers the iQ personal digital recorder, Australia’s largest HD offering, the Foxtel Go App for tablets and mobile devices, and our new internet TV service, Foxtel Play. Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited ACN 051 775 556 (50%) and News Corporation (50%).

foxtel.com.au

For more information, please contact:

Press enquiries, please contact

Marlene Ee
Communications Manager, Asia Pacific
Universal Networks International
marlene.ee@nbcuni.com | (65) 6326 1872

Regina Yeo
Strategic Public Relations Pte Ltd, Singapore
+65 6325 8232 / +65 9661 9486
regina.yeo@sprg.com.sg

Sarah Sanusi
Strategic Public Relations Pte Ltd, Singapore
+65 6325 8185 / +65 9627 2888
sarah.sanusi@sprg.com.sg

(Nov 23, 2013) ITV has agreed a new deal with UEFA that will allow it to show highlights of Champions League and Europa League matches for three years, starting from the 2015/2016 season.

Read more at Broadband TV News

The Day of the Doctor soars into the record books following unprecedented global TV and cinema event

SINGAPORE: November 25th 2013

BBC Worldwide today announces that the special 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who, the world’s longest running and most successful sci-fi series has received the Guinness World Record for the largest ever simulcast of a TV drama following a massive global campaign which saw the episode broadcast in 94 countries across 6 continents.

In addition to the TV broadcast, the episode was screened in over 1500 cinemas worldwide, including in the UK, US, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Russia and Scandinavia. Over half a million tickets were sold for the theatrical screenings at which fans were able to watch the episode in spectacular 3D.

The award was presented by Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records to the show’s Executive Producer and Head Writer Steven Moffat at the Doctor Who Celebration, a special three-day event spanning the anniversary weekend at London’s ExCel. Cast members Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman were also in attendance along with thousands of fans from across the world.

Upon receipt of the award, Steven Moffat comments: “For years the Doctor has been stopping everyone else from conquering the world. Now, just to show off, he’s gone and done it himself!”

Tim Davie, CEO BBC Worldwide says: “We knew we were attempting something unprecedented in broadcast history, not only because Doctor Who is a drama, unlike a live feed event such as a World Cup football match or a Royal Wedding, but because we had to deliver the episode in advance to the four corners of the world so that it could be dubbed and subtitled into 15 different languages. If there was any doubt that Doctor Who is one of the world’s biggest TV shows, this award should put that argument to rest – and how fitting for it to receive such an accolade in its 50th year.”

Craig Glenday from Guinness World Records added:

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday, added: “Who else but the time-twisting Doctor could appear in 94 countries at once?! This outstanding achievement is testament to the fact that the longest running sci-fi TV show in history is not just a well-loved UK institution but a truly global success adored by millions of people.”

In the run up to the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, fans of the show across the world have been out in full force to be part of a global event. In Sweden and Norway where the programme has no client broadcaster, fans successfully petitioned to get their local cinemas to screen the episode. Similarly, fans in Argentina pushed a major cinema chain into showing the special simultaneously where previously there had been no plans to do so. In the US, an initial 10,000 cinema tickets sold out in 28 minutes without any marketing or advertising and in Germany, Cinemaxx, one of the largest cinema chains reported that the special had been the fastest non-movie pre-sale in their history.

Since 1963 Doctor Who has been one of Britain’s best loved dramas has already been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful sci-fi series ever. The show has received numerous awards across its 50 years and has seen huge commercial success with over 10 million DVDs and 8 million action figures sold globally. It is also the number one BBC show on iTunes in the UK. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK broadcaster distributes Doctor Who to over 200 territories across the world.

The global simulcast of The Day of the Doctor aired in Asia on BBC Entertainment on Sunday, 24th November, at 3.50am (HK/SG time).

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Jeanne Leong, Communications Director, Asia, BBC Worldwide
E: Jeanne .Leong@bbc.com
T: +65 6849 5292

(Nov 22, 2013) Jimmy YANG, former marketing director of Serenity Entertainment International has joined Taiwan film investor kbro Media Co Ltd in the position of Director.

Yang, who started this week, reports to general manager Leon LU in Taiwan and will be based in both Taipei and Beijing. kbro Media will soon open a China office under Emi LIN in Beijing.

Read more at Film Business Asia

VIACOM INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORKS BANDS TOGETHER WITH EMPLOYEES AND ARTISTS TO EXTEND SUPPORT TO TYPHOON HAIYAN VICTIMS

DONATION DRIVE TOWARDS UNICEF’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN THE PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES/ SINGAPORE, 22 November 2013 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) today announced the company’s efforts to support the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in its aftermath. Last week, Viacom established a company-wide employee matching gift program with UNICEF to help children who now desperately need shelter, clean water and nutrition supplies. Since then, the company has extended support to UNICEF through the creation of two Public Service Announcements (PSAs) with artists through MTV and Nickelodeon, which will reach its primary millennial audiences around the world.

The Typhoon took place the same weekend as the MTV EMAs in Amsterdam. Jared Leto from Thirty Seconds to Mars used his moment on the MTV EMA stage (http://mtvvoices.com/en/2013/11/typhoon-haiyan-jared-reacts/) to raise awareness about the tragedy, and shared how fans can help donate through UNICEF’s emergency response in the Philippines: www.supportunicef.org/philippines (http://www.supportunicef.org/philippines). The cast of Nickelodeon’s Sam & Cat, Ariana Grande and Jennette McCurdy, also lent their support with a PSA (http://at.nick.asia/I2H8fg) to support the same donation drive. Collectively, both PSAs are aired across MTV and Nickelodeon networks around the world and posted on the networks’ social media channels, while Jared Leto’s PSA also goes across Comedy Central Asia’s network.

Apart from reaching to artists to lend their support, MTV Voices (http://mtvvoices.com/en/) worked with a local youth, Yan Yuzon in Manila whose post and on-ground account of the devastation was posted on MTV Voices website (http://mtvvoices.com/en/2013/11/we-need-your-help-now/) and shared across MTV’s social media channels. UNICEF is working with MTV Voices to find more young people on the ground to write, so that new

content will be shared over the next few weeks, giving the perspective of the devastation through the eyes of the Filipino millennials.

“Our hearts go out to the millions affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We’ve all been touched by the harrowing images of the widespread devastation that left many injured, homeless and loved ones lost,” said Indra Suharjono, VIMN Asia’s executive vice president and managing director. “Engaging audiences through our pro-social initiatives is a commitment that we do not take lightly. As an entertainment content company, we have an extensive global reach, particularly with our millennial audiences. We believe we have the responsibility to engage our audiences around the world through TV, online and mobile platforms, and in whatever part we can play, we want to create the awareness of the devastation that the Philippines went through and embolden our audiences to support the donation drive.”

-end-

About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 600 million households in 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com (http://www.viacom.com/). Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom’s blog at blog.viacom.com (http://www.blog.viacom.com/) and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom (http://www.twitter.com/Viacom).