(Nov 20, 2013) The ABC and India’s public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati have signed an agreement to allow Australia’s international television channel, the Australia Network, to be delivered Direct-toHome via satellite on DD Direct, making the network available to an additional 25 million viewers in the Indian sub-continent.

Read more at mUmBRELLA

(Nov 19, 2013) Alcatel-Lucent is to upgrade the current access network of Japanese cable operator Tonami Satellite Communications Television to become a 100 percent fiber infrastructure.

Read more at C114

(Nov 18, 2013) The rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) service providers is heralding a new era for the entertainment industry. Today, it no longer matters whether we are using a mobile phone or a tablet to stream our favourite films and TV shows; whether we are doing so in a mall or in the subway. The bottom-line is, either way, customers have means and options to consume content constantly and they are choosing to do so. Entertainment is no longer linear – and better broadband Internet connections, advanced levels of streaming technology, and the rise of smart devices have been contributing to the growing popularity of OTT technology.

Read more at CIO Asia

(Nov 16, 2013) Applicable to 36 of its European territories, the deal wil see all matches of both the 2013 and 2014 tournaments broadcast on Eurosport France and Eurosport 2 in 35 northern, eastern and central European territories. Viewers will be able to access the same broadcast on Internet and mobile with the Eurosport Player online TV simulcast service.

Read more at Rapid TV News

Newly Created Role Integrates Local Channels and Distribution Teams to Drive Further Growth

SINGAPORE, 18 November, 2013 – NBCUniversal International today announced Chris Taylor will lead its integrated television operations in Australia and New Zealand in the newly created role of Vice President, International Television. Taylor will start on November 25 and report to Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Universal Networks International, APAC and Justin Che, SVP Sales Liaison, APAC. He will be based in Sydney.

In 2011, NBCUniversal International combined its channels, distribution and production businesses into one integrated division with Belinda Menendez appointed to lead both channels and distribution as President, Universal Networks International and International Television Distribution. The collaborative structure has benefited from showcasing NBCUniversal International’s portfolio of assets – from distribution of content to channels to production capabilities – in a more holistic way. As part of the structure, the strategic markets of Southern Europe (France, Iberia and Italy), Russia and Latin America have since combined their channels and distribution operations under single leadership.

Similarly in Australia and New Zealand, Taylor will work across Universal Networks International (UNI) and International TV Distribution (TVD) to achieve financial and operational objectives across both the channels and content portfolios. Taylor will align UNI and TVD strategies to maximise revenues and build a strong market presence. He will lead commercial negotiations, foster close relationships with platforms and key customers, develop new platform relationships and drive the success of new channel launches and rebrands.

Taylor previously spent 18 years in various executive roles within media and entertainment across APAC. He was with Nine Entertainment Co. (formerly Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd) for 11 years, latterly as Managing Director Nine Network – QTQ-9 and previously as CEO Prime Television New Zealand. During his time with the company, he oversaw brand, communications, programming and sales division refreshes to drive efficiency and integration.

More recently, as Director of Telstra Media, Taylor led the digital media interests of Telstra which saw the introduction of IPTV to Australia. Furthering his interests in the emerging IPTV area, he was most recently CEO of Quickflix, launching the first subscription VOD streaming service in both Australia and New Zealand.

Christine Fellowes commented: “Chris joins us at an exciting juncture for UNI in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, we recently completed brand refreshes for E! and Style and renewed our distribution with FOXTEL securing basic carriage for our transformed Universal Channel – our flagship channel brand – and the launch of the global channel brand, Syfy. Our ambition is to develop our channels into multi-platform, entertainment and lifestyle brands that lead in their categories – and Chris’ ability to manage high-performing teams to deliver innovative campaigns will be critical to this achievement.”

Justin Che added: “Chris’ proven track record in driving integrated media revenue will be important as we continue to grow this market. His understanding of the complete media landscape, together with his proven commercial acumen, will be instrumental in successfully driving growth in the distribution of our content across all television and digital media platforms.”

From January 1, 2014 Universal Networks International will operate five channels in Australia, including the brand new Syfy along with Universal Channel, E!, 13th Street and Style, which each reach over 1.57 million viewers a month via FOXTEL’s platform. E! also airs in New Zealand. E! and Style recently benefited from refreshed channel brands and subsequent marketing campaigns; similarly Universal Channel will be refreshed on January 1, 2014 – highlighting the company’s investment in the brand health of its channels.

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About NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal is 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, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

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 Universal, 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 portfolio of on-air and digital news properties in the world, operate CNBC and NBC News internationally.

About NBCUniversal International Television

NBCUniversal International Television Distribution, a division of NBCUniversal, is responsible for the distribution of NBCUniversal product to all forms of television and new media outside of the U.S. and Canada. This includes a rich library of more than 4,000 feature films and 75,000 television episodes, including current and classic titles, non-scripted programming, sports, news, long-form and short-form programming, and locally produced content from around the world.

Contact:

Universal Networks International

Marlene Ee, Communication Manager, Asia Pacific
+65 6326 1872
Marlene.ee@nbcuni.com

Strategic Public Relations Group on behalf of UNI
Regina Yeo, Consultant, Singapore
+65 6325 8232/+65 9661 9486
regina.yeo@sprg.com.sg

Strategic Public Relations Group on behalf of UNI
Sarah Sanusi, Associate, Singapore
+65 6325 8185/ +65 9627 2888
sarah.sanusi@sprg.com.sg

Singapore, 18 November 2013 – ONE, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia’s South Korean general entertainment channel, has hit new viewership highs in October 2013, breaking its monthly primetime and full-day ratings records among pay-TV audiences 4+ in Malaysia and Singapore.

In Malaysia, the high definition feed ONE HD remained the top-rated HD channel and dominated 22 per cent of all viewing share among HD channels in October.

The channel delivered its highest ever full-day and primetime ratings in same month. Primetime ratings registered a 28.9 per cent hike, while full-day ratings were up by 16.7 per cent from the previous marks.

ONE HD also drew an average daily viewing duration of 1 hour 30 minutes per viewer, the longest across all channels on pay-TV platform, Astro.
In Singapore, ONE continued to ascend the viewership chart where it took the No.3 spot among all rated StarHub TV channels in October, up from No. 5 at the end of 2012.

Primetime ratings grew 12.2 per cent, while full-day ratings increased by 8.7 per cent from the previous records.

In addition, year-to-date ONE has delivered primetime ratings that topped all rated channels, excluding Indian content networks on StarHub TV.

“The success of ONE is a testament to the popularity of our Asian entertainment channel brands across the region,” said Virginia Lim, vice president, Asian Content, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television. “In addition to featuring some of the freshest and most popular South Korean content, ONE offers an immersive entertainment experience through engaging online extensions as well as stellar on-the-ground promotional events.”

The viewership growth coincided with the success of ‘Watsons Race Start! in Singapore’ the Singapore leg of the regional Running Man fan meeting Asia tour, in October. Organized by ONE, the sell-out event saw five resident cast members of South Korea’s famous urban action variety TV series, Running Man, perform for the capacity crowd of over 3,000.

ONE has built a strong track record as the only channel to regularly bring South Korean stars to Southeast Asia to meet with audiences. Successful promotional tours have featured drama actors 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), and Jang Hyuk (Midas); as well as K-pop boy group BTOB.

ONE is available on
SG: SingTel mioTV Ch 513, 604 / StarHub TV Ch 820, 823, 876, 124
MY: Astro B.yond Ch 393

-Ends-

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 Entertainment Television and beTV.

ONE showcases the latest South Korean drama and entertainment programs on an exclusive and first-run basis. These include selected drama, variety and music shows that premiere within 3 – 5 weeks 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 stars like Song Ji Hyo, Gary, Haha, Kim Jong Kook and Jee Seok Jin of Running Man, 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), and Jang Hyuk (Midas); as well as K-pop boy group BTOB.
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
Calvin Wong
Tel: +65 6622 4203 / +65 97626456
calvin_wong@spe.sony.com

Major collaborations planned around world-leading natural history content

Beijing, 18 November 2013: BBC Worldwide today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s state broadcaster, CCTV Documentary Channel (CCTV9). The agreement, which is anticipated to see at least two major projects launch over the next six months, is centred around BBC Worldwide’s premium factual content brand, BBC Earth.

The MOU was signed at the Sichuan TV Festival in Chengdu today, with Mr. Liu Wen, Managing Director representing CCTV9 and Pierre Cheung, VP and GM of BBC Worldwide, Greater China representing BBC Worldwide.

The agreement will provide opportunities and platforms for partnerships between the two businesses, which have worked together on numerous successful projects over the last three years.

The MOU includes two key areas of collaboration:

Establishing a centre for story development – developing documentaries for television audiences which focus on the Chinese and Asian market but target a global audience

Developing TV and live event co-productions and expanding our distribution relationship – building on existing television co-production success to include more TV landmarks, exploring live event projects, and looking to expand our distribution relationship beyond TV

“We have been collaborating with BBC Worldwide on TV programmes for many years now,” said Mr. Liu Wen, Managing Director of CCTV9. “Like the BBC, we are committed to bringing high quality programmes to our viewers. We are excited that with this MOU, we will be able to extend our partnership to reach new audiences.”

Paul Dempsey, BBC Worldwide President Global Markets said: “This MOU is a significant milestone in the history of BBC Worldwide’s business in China and in our relationship with CCTV. The projects we will be working on will enable us to bring our flagship BBC Earth content to audiences across China and help bring together UK and Chinese creative talent.”

BBC Worldwide and CCTV9 previously announced co-production deals for science series Generation Earth, Wonders of Life and Africa. In April this year the BBC’s commercial arm confirmed a co-production agreement with CCTV9 on Hidden Kingdoms.

For more information, please contact:

Asia
Jeanne Leong – Director, Communications BBC Worldwide Asia
Tel: +65 68495292
Email: jeanne.leong@bbc.com

UK
Anna Hollaway – Head of Communications, Global Markets
Tel: +447799670255
Email: anna.hollaway@bbc.com

NOTES TO EDITORS
About BBC Worldwide Ltd. BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide exists to support the BBC public service mission and to maximise profits on its behalf. It does this through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also builds the reach and reputation of the BBC brand overseas and champions British creativity.

In 2012/13, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £156m and headline sales of £1,116m and returned £156m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: http://www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview
bbcworldwide.com
twitter.com/bbcwpress

BBC Earth
BBC Earth is the leading factual brand for BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC. The brand exists to inspire audiences globally with new insights, amazing stories and incredible facts that will spark a journey of discovery. BBC Earth works with the world’s best filmmakers, creators and innovators to develop new and unforgettable experiences to reach our broad base of fans. We use cutting edge technology to create exciting live events and theatric releases, creating top quality products and taking our content to new digital platforms to connect with audiences around the globe.