NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL FREE-CLIMBS INTO UPFRONT (OR DIES TRYING) WITH SMART NEW SERIES, RETURNING FAVORITES AND DARING EVENT SPECIALS

From White-Knuckle Adventures to Interactive Mind Tricks and American Heroism,

Nat Geo’s 2013/2014 Upfront Lineup Takes Its Programming to the Next Peak

Asia, March 26, 2013 – On the heels of National Geographic Channel’s (NGC) record ratings growth in 2012, with its aggressive development slate and new leadership, comes a 2013/2014 upfront lineup that’s even more imaginative, bold and diverse. Last year, the network shot up double digits among P2+ and P25–54 in prime with record audiences in three of four quarters, and most recently the highest February in network history. But we’re just getting started.

Today, NGC Chief Executive Officer David Lyle and President Howard T. Owens revealed a broad upfront slate with several new and returning series and a fearless mix of events and specials. The new series Die Trying features men and women pushing the limits of adventure, endurance and possibility. And a new genre pilot for the network is represented in the slate, with Building Wild, an extreme do-it-yourself-type series that helps the wilderness-obsessed build incredible retreats in America’s last frontiers.

“This is National Geographic Channel at its best,” said Lyle. “It’s original, authentic programming that embodies exploration and the unexpected. We’ve got it all in this year’s upfront slate, from scripted thrillers to smart twists on beloved genres. This is what we’re about and where we’re going with gloves and helmets on … it’s an exuberant place to be.”

Added Owens, “We’re pushing our original programming into overdrive. Over the past year, we’ve been expanding National Geographic Channel’s programming and taking risks. The upfront lineup is smart and daring, but it’s also entertaining and human. Our aim is to get viewers to love this stuff as much as we do — this diverse, entertaining slate nails that mission.”

The network also has such faith in two freshman series premiering this spring that second-season renewals have been issued: Brain Games (premiering in April), the interactive series exploring your mind’s mad skills hosted by wonder junkie and self-proclaimed “ideas DJ” Jason Silva; and Ultimate Survival Alaska (premiering in May), an extreme adventure series testing a brave team of explorers in an expedition of epic proportions.

Also receiving series renewals include franchise hits Doomsday Preppers, NGC’s highest-rated series on ordinary Americans prepping for when the SHTF; Wicked Tuna, on fisherman from Gloucester, Mass., in pursuit of the world’s smartest, fastest fish; and Diggers, quirky metal detector-ists unearthing archeological treasures.

In upcoming events, following on the heels of the network’s first scripted film Seal Team Six: The Raid on Osama bin Laden, and the successful Killing Lincoln, the network’s highest-rated broadcast, is the scripted thriller Killing Kennedy, which chronicles the startling events leading up to one of the most shocking assassinations of the 20th century. And finally, go inside the cabin of US Airways Flight 1549 to witness the dramatic Miracle on the Hudson, based on Captain Sully’s historic and heroic landing on the Hudson River.

The Upfront Slate includes:

(Please note: All are working titles and subject to change.)

NEW SERIES

BUILDING WILD (90 Miles Productions, Inc.)

Wilderness zealots build incredible retreats in America’s last frontiers in NGC’s first do-it-yourself series. With help from Paul DiMeo (of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), these families are each creating a personal paradise thanks to a dash of muscle, a hint of ingenuity and a side of extreme architectural engineering.

DIE TRYING (90 Miles Productions, Inc.)

A white-knuckle free-climb on an unconquerable mountain peak. A heart-stopping kayak expedition, battling rapids with 40-foot waves. Experience amazing, terrifying, never-before-seen (or done) adventures that define the riskiest of everything National Geographic represents. It’s where men and women push the limits of adventure, endurance and possibility — all in the name of science.

RETURNING SERIES

BRAIN GAMES (National Geographic Television) (Global)

Hack into your head’s super-computer for insight into the gray stuff that really matters. In season three, let idea DJ Jason Silva take you on a fantastic head-trip with all-new optical illusions, mind tricks and interactivity to explain the whys behind the wows.

DIGGERS (Halfyard Productions)

The “doctors of detecting” are back on the hunt for “juice in the hole,” “nectar” and “roundness” (their weird vocab for valuable relics). With goofy humor and enthusiasm that never quits, these buddies and metal detector-ists criss-cross the country on their quirky quest to unearth treasures from the past.

DOOMSDAY PREPPERS (Sharp Entertainment) (Global)

Get your hazmat suits ready — our highest-rated series is back for season three with new preppers, new drama and incredible new ways to bug in or bug out. See ordinary Americans (who just might be your neighbors) prepping for when the SHTF.

NIGHT OF EXPLORATION (Global)

Here’s to the hotshots, mavericks and pioneers who dare to delve into strange lands and fascinating cultures, making groundbreaking discoveries that make a difference. Join us in this weekly tribute to the best of the best on unforgettable expeditions as we capture the most evocative stories of those who work outside the cubicle.

ULTIMATE SURVIVAL ALASKA (Brian Catalina Entertainment, LLC) (Global)

Fearsome. Savage. Treacherous. From deep in the remote Alaskan wild, an irresistible siren call beckons to only the bravest. You’ll be awestruck as these men test their guts, skill and determination against the planet’s harshest terrain and compete for the glory of survival.

WICKED TUNA (Pilgrim Films) (Global)

Hooking up is a pissah! That’s Gloucester fisherman-speak for more man-on-fish action and fiercer competition than ever. In season three, macho men literally put their lives on the line in pursuit of the world’s smartest, fastest fish to bring home the sushi.

EVENTS/ SPECIALS

KILLING KENNEDY (Scott Free Productions) (Global)

Set in the fascinating context of Kennedy’s “Camelot” era, this follow-up to Killing Lincoln (NGC’s highest-rated broadcast) chronicles the startling events leading up to one of the most shocking assassinations of the 20th century. Based on the best-selling book and produced by Ridley Scott, this thriller takes you through the hour-by-hour activities of Lee Harvey Oswald as if you were right there in 1963.

MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON (Raw TV)

The left engine of US Airways Flight 1549 just blew — how do you react? Find out as extraordinary first-person testimony takes you inside the cabin to experience the raw and intense drama of Captain Sully’s historic landing on the Hudson River. This is a true American story of heroism, of inspiration and of people who survived the un-survivable.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S MOST AMAZING PHOTOS (National Geographic Television)

Lions stalk them. Molten lava has licked at their heels. Rebels kidnapped them. They’re our magazine’s finest — the most daring photographers on earth, venturing into war zones and uncharted lands — from the highest peaks to the deepest abyss to capture our planet’s most evocative, breathtaking images and bring them home to showcase in this spectacular special — a 125th anniversary celebration, National Geographic style.

###

About National Geographic Channel

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Cable Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation’s major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in 84 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in 440 million homes in 171 countries and 38 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

Media Contacts:
Chris Albert, National Geographic Channels, 202-912-6526, CAlbert@natgeotv.com
Dara Klatt, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6720,
DKlatt@natgeotv.com

About FOX International Channels

FOX International Channels (FIC) is News Corporation’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 350 wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports and movie channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 37 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions reach over 1.1 billion households worldwide. We also operate a global online advertising unit .FOX (“dot-fox”) specialized in online video and display, and four TV production houses.

In Asia, FIC operates or distributes 37 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, FIC reaches 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, New Zealand and the UAE. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com.

Press Contacts:
Fleishman-Hillard, James Hacking Shirley Lam
Tel: +852 2967 8982 Tel: +852 2111 3171
Email: James.Hacking@bluecurrentgroup.com
Email: shirley.lam@fleishman.com

FOX International Channels
Kelly Jang
Tel: +852 2621 8875
Email: kelly.jang@fox.com

ITV Choice goes live across Asia and the Middle East

(25th March 2013 HONG KONG) ITV Choice rebranded across Asia and the Middle East at 5pm Hong Kong time today. The new modern unifying brand identity aligns the channel more closely with its parent company ITV, who rebranded earlier this year, and is linked to the company’s overall Transformation Plan.

ITV rebranded in January this year across all five ITV channels in the UK, six ITV Studios production offices around the world, and ITV Studios distribution arm, ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE).

The newly renamed ITV Choice strengthens the channels brand identity, and reflects its proposition as a premium broadcaster, offering first run drama and entertainment, fresh from UK schedules.

Alongside a new name, on-screen presentation and promotional junctions, including a set of brand new idents, the channel has a new ‘colour picking’ logo, that can adapt and blend to the tone and colour scheme of the programme.

The rebrand strives to build a deeper connection and brand empathy with its audiences. The channel will feature a broad range of idents, which capture moments from everyday life, featuring real people and real scenes. A preview of the new idents were published on Sunday evening (March 24) at www.youtube.com/itvchoice

“We are delighted to roll-out our new look across Asia and the Middle East today” says Augustus Dulgaro, SVP, Asia Pacific.

“The rebrand aligns us with our UK parent brand, making us instantly recognisable internationally, providing a more contemporary look, which reflects our proposition and new approach to scheduling. Feedback from our affiliate partners has been very positive so far, we look forward to hearing the public reaction.”

Under the new strapline ‘Where Drama & Entertainment Live’, ITV Choice continues to enrich its schedule in 2013. Weekday prime-time is dedicated to award winning dramas, including ITV Studios’ Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Doc Martin and Midsomer Murders, whist weekends offer the best in entertainment, such as Dancing On Ice, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and The Jonathan Ross Show, all fresh from UK broadcast.

The channel first launched in 2008 as Granada TV in the Middle East, later becoming ITV Granada in 2010. Its footprint has rapidly increased over the years, ITV Choice is currently available across over 40 countries in over 7 million homes.

About ITV Choice

ITV Choice shows a wide variety of award winning drama, light entertainment, cool comedy, and soaps. From leading producers in the UK and around the world in high definition, fresh from broasdcast. Available throughout Asia and the Middle East , reaching over 7 million households, in more than 40 countries. Where Drama and Entertainment Live.

ITV Choice is available in Hong Kong – nowTV 517, Singapore – StarHub 523, Malaysia – ASTRO 735, Malta – Go Cable 305 & Melita Cable 309, Maldives – MediaNet 527, Middle East – OSN 217, Mongolia – Sky C&C, Korea – CJ TVing, Indonesia –TelkomVision 503, Taiwan – Chung Hwa Telecom MOD TV 82, Cambodia – PPCTV 44, and Thailand – Banglamung TV 42 and MeTV TOT 943.

– ENDS –

For further information:
Jennifer Tattersall
Marketing Manager
jennifer.tattersall@itv.com

Supreme Court Upholds First Sale Defense

(22 March 2013) In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court held that the resale within and importation into the United States of copies manufactured and purchased abroad are protected under the first sale defense. Kirtsaeng v. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 568 U.S. ___ (2013). That is, once a copyrighted article manufactured abroad is first sold abroad, any later sale or distribution of the product in or to the United States would not constitute an act of copyright infringement. The ruling is somewhat surprising given the Court’s earlier 2010 non-precedential 4-4 decision in Costco Wholesale Corp. v. Omega, S. A., 562 U.S. ___ (2010) (per curiam), affirming a Ninth Circuit decision that the first sale defense was inapplicable to foreign-made works first sold abroad and the United States’ general resistance to the movement for “international exhaustion” of copyrights, as noted in the dissenting opinion. The decision will likely serve to focus companies’ attention on trademark protection as the means (now the sole means) for protecting them against the importation of gray market goods into the U.S.

Read more at Hogan Lovells

(March 22, 2013) Netherland-based Exset B.V. announced the launch of its initiative for the Philippine television cable industry christened ‘The Philippine Page’ at PCTA on 22nd March, 2013.

Rahul Nehra, Global Head Sales and Chief Marketing Officer, Exset said, ‘Keeping in view the fact that Phillipines is on the threshold of a digital revolution of the Cable Television, we have introduced our flagship award winning Digital Monetization System (DMS) to the esteemed cable fraternity which will not only enable them to meet the challenges of digitization, and also result in multiplying their revenue stream.”

Read more at Cable Quest

GLOBAL TV AND VIACOM INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORKS ASIA EXTEND ITS ALLIANCE WITH THREE-YEAR EXCLUSIVE NICKELODEON BRANDED-BLOCK DEAL

MNC LICENSING NAMED AS NEW LICENSING AGENT FOR NICKELODEON CONSUMER PRODUCTS IN INDONESIA

INDONESIA, 21 March 2013 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) today announced a three-year exclusive renewal of Nickelodeon’s branded block package with one of MNC Media’s subsidiaries, a free-to-air Indonesia broadcaster, PT Global Informasi Bermutu popularly known as Global TV, that includes iconic Nickelodeon properties like SpongeBob Square Pants, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Avatar, The Legend of Aang and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The deal also appoints another MNC Media subsidiary, PT MNC Lisensi Internasional (MNC Licensing) as the new Consumer Products Licensing Agent of Nickelodeon properties in Indonesia.

“Not only did Nickelodeon break ground in Indonesia about eight years ago with SpongeBob Square Pants, but it was the first international kids’ brand to enter the local market with a branded block offering. We’re thrilled to continue our strategic alliance with Global TV,” said Ms. Indra Suharjono, VIMN Asia’s executive vice president and managing director. “Nickelodeon’s success has been to put kids first in everything that we do. With both Global TV and MNC Licensing, we anticipate expanding the Nickelodeon experience in Indonesia like bringing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles out of the sewers to both on-screen and beyond the screen with our exciting consumer products line-up. Now, the kids can really connect with all their beloved characters on Nickelodeon!”

“Global TV and MNC Media have collectively been a long-time partner with Viacom for more than 11 years, since 2001,” said David Fernando Audy, Director, GlobalTV and MNC. “Now we are deepening that partnership with not only the renewal of Broadcasting TV license, but also in the area of consumer product licensing, where MNC Licensing as our affiliate, is being appointed by VIMN as the new licensing agent for Nickelodeon in Indonesia. This move to consumer licensing product is one of MNC Media’s initiatives that always seek to expand and to diversify within the ordinary course of our media business.”

The collaboration between VIMN and Global TV has seen a couple of key initiatives over the last 11 years that helped put Indonesia children and youth on the map, apart from just bringing Nickelodeon properties on the network:

• Indonesia’s first Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2008, which will run its 6th consecutive year on Global TV this year. Like the global Kids’ Choice Awards, Indonesia Kids’ Choice Awards give Indonesian kids a voice to tell the nation whom they think is the best in the world of entertainment in a nationwide telecast.
• In 2009, Indonesia youth representative, Syarifah Reihana Fakhry, was selected to attend Nickelodeon’s The Big Green Help Shell Environmentalists event held in South Korea, which was the biggest children and youth gathering on climate change. In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), The Big Green Help campaign is a global pro social initiative by Nickelodeon that translates complex environmental messaging or issues into simple meaningful actions to empower kids to lead the way in making the Earth a greener planet.

-end-

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year globally and 15th year in Asia, is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. The company has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does with a portfolio that extends across television, music, publishing, digital media, mobile and consumer products. Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. are seen in more than 60 million households throughout North and Southeast Asia region with 24-hour programming services including Nickelodeon Southeast Asia, Nickelodeon Korea, as well as Nickelodeon branded program blocks and syndications. For information about Nickelodeon in Asia, visit www.nick-asia.com.

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. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom’s blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

About MNC Media

PT Global Mediacom Tbk (MNC Media, stock code: BMTR IJ) is the largest and the most integrated media group in Southeast Asia with core businesses in media and content. Through PT Media Nusantara Citra Tbk (MNC Group, stock code: MNCN IJ), MNC Media controls the ownerships of 3 out of 10 national Free-To-Air (FTA) televisions consisting of RCTI, MNCTV and GlobalTV, who have been a market leader in both TV audience share (average total of 40% audience share) and TV advertising market share (more than total of 40% advertising market share), in Indonesia. MNC Media’s supporting businesses includes print, radio, talent management, and online media, as well as in-house content production. MNC Media also owns and controls PT MNC Sky VisionTbk (MNC Sky, stock code: MSKY IJ), a leading pay TV operator in Indonesia with subscriber market share of over 70%. In content, MNC Media’s has the largest content library in Indonesia with over 120,000 hours of the most valuable programs (leading prime time audience ratings) and increasing annually by over 10,000 hours.

For more information about MNC Media and its businesses, please visit www.mediacom.co.id, www.mncgroup.com, and www.indovision.tv.

Media Contacts:

Viacom International Media Networks

Adeline Ong, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Asia
t: (65) 6420 7240 m: (65) 9366 7323
e: adeline.ong@vimn.com

Loh Bi Feng, Executive, Corporate Communications, Asia
t: (65) 6420 7154 m: (65) 9002 9607
e: loh.bifeng@vimn.com

MNC Media

Arya Sinulingga, Corporate Secretary
t : +6221 3900065 m : (62) 8121034023
e: am.sinulingga@mncgroup.com

Mulana Hutabarat, Investor Relations
t : +6221 3900065 m : (62) 8170882010
e: mulana.hutabarat@mncgroup.com

Teddy Pun, Investor Relations
t : +6221 3900065 m : (62) 81286681133
e: teddy.pun@mncgroup.com

Watch It. Love It. Style It.

THE STYLE NETWORK EMBRACES STYLISH LIVING WITH A GLOSSY, BOLD REBRAND IN ASIA

The Latest Kimora Lee Simmons Series Headline Fresh Slate of Great New Programming

21 March 2013, Singapore – The channels’ division of NBCUniversal International Television announced that The Style Network is refreshing its brand and image by embracing a new glossy and bold look that appeals to women’s desire for living stylish lifestyles. The channel will refresh its logo, on-air look and tagline in Asia and around the world – following on from the North American refresh in mid-2012. The network rebrand will go into effect on-air in Asia from 1 April 2013.

Under the new tagline “Watch It. Love It. Style It.” the channel will offer original, relatable and aspirational content reinforcing the channel’s vision to celebrate women whose desire to style every aspect of their lives varies from how they beautify themselves to how they enrich the world around them. The refreshed brand promises to fuel women’s insatiable appetites for all things style.

As part of the refresh, the Style circle logo is replaced with a classic midnight blue typeface accented by a splash of light blue. The new logo is mutable and will be filled in with different patterns and colours that reflect the ever-changing trends in fashion and stylish living while embodying how viewers see the world through a prism of Style.

Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Universal Networks International, Asia Pacific, says, “Style’s new direction embraces our passion for beauty, fashion and all things Style. With a new attitude, a bold new on-air look and a versatile new logo, the refreshed channel is current, passionate, glossy and an approachable authority on all things ‘style’. The all-new Style Network will be the destination that fuels women’s insatiable appetite for looking great and living stylishly.”

As part of the channel refresh, Style is launching the brand new series House of Fab featuring Kimora Lee Simmons as she runs her new shoe empire, and a home-makeover series Built, with gorgeous male models.

Style’s new programs:

• House of Fab – A new docu-series inside the business of “Just Fab,” an online shopping site specializing in shoes and accessories run by Kimora Lee Simmons.
• Big Rich Atlanta – The new reality spin-off of Big Rich Texas – which enters the exclusive world of Buckhead Country Club, where outrageously wealthy mothers and daughters do whatever it takes to stay on top of the social scene.
• Built – The hot and dramatic show where remodels never looked so good! Built follows a Manhattan home-service staffed exclusively with high-fashion male models who are also skilled handymen. Each week, the crew will tackle a home makeover project helping their clients with remodeling challenges, and their dizzying good looks and ensure a handsome ending.

Meanwhile, the refreshed Style will continue with fan favourites Giuliana and Bill, Jerseylicious and Glam Fairy.

Beyond Asia, the refreshed Style rolls out in in all other markets including Australia, UK, South Africa, EURA (Portugal, CEE) and Middle East.

###

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 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 and has a controlling interest in the KidsCo joint venture.

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.

For media enquiries, please contact

Marlene Ee
Communications Manager
Marlene.ee@nbcuni.com
(65) 6326 1872

Regina Yeo
regina.yeo@sprg.com.sg
(65) 6325 8232

Sarah Sanusi
sarah.sanusi@sprg.com.sg
(65) 6325 8185

In a landmark verdict delivered in early March, the European Court of Justice issued a very strong decision in support of the rights of broadcasters to control simultaneous relay (on the internet or otherwise) of their signals.   CASBAA member ITV was one of the plaintiffs, and law firm Olswang acted for them.  Under the ECJ decision, many third-party internet relay services and “catchup” TV services will be considered to violate broadcasters’ copyrights — even where (i) the subscribers to the service could otherwise lawfully have received the broadcast on their television receivers; and (ii) the service may or may not be profit-making or competing with the original broadcaster.   See an article and read the decision here:

http://www.olswang.com//articles/2013/03/european-court-issues-judgement-in-tv-catchup-reference/

PCCW（SEHK:0008）- HONG KONG, March 20, 2013 – now TV, Hong Kong’s largest quadruple-play pay-TV provider, and Huace Film & TV (SHE:300133), one of the largest listed media companies in the Mainland, announce today an agreement to co-produce TV drama Empress Wei Zifu. This collaboration signifies now TV’s first move into the TV drama market.

Empress Wei Zifu is a historical drama about the life of the titular empress who lived in the Han Dynasty. The filming of the drama will begin in May. Mr. Lau Gar-ho, PCCW’s General Manager of Production, and Ms. Mui Siu-ching, Assistant General Manager of Production, will be the producers. Huace Film & TV will be responsible for distribution in the Mainland, and it will collaborate with now TV on overseas distribution.

Ms. Janice Lee, PCCW’s Managing Director of TV & New Media, said, “The collaboration with Huace Film & TV represents another major milestone for now TV. Huace Film & TV is a leading media company in the Mainland with a comprehensive distribution network. We both are committed to providing high-quality TV dramas to viewers in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas. As now TV celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and with more than 1.4 million downloads of our apps and recent overseas content distribution agreements, we will continue to work closely with Huace Film & TV to offer the best TV entertainment.”

Mr. Ho Lai-chuen, PCCW’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Production, said, “High-quality TV dramas are always in high demand. Lau Gar-ho and Mui Siu-ching, both veteran producers, have produced scores of well received TV drama series with high ratings in Hong Kong and the Mainland. They will lead our production team to satisfy the demand for top TV dramas of viewers in mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas.”

Ms. Zhao Yifang, Huace Film & TV’s General Manager, said, “We are excited to collaborate with now TV to bring the best content to viewers in Hong Kong and mainland China. We want to take this opportunity to introduce Huace Film & TV to Hong Kong and overseas audience, laying the foundation for our future business growth.”

– # –

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, 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 serves Hong Kong with more than 180 channels of local, Asian and international programming, including premium content such as Spanish La Liga, English FA Cup, NBA, French Open, US Open, ATP World Tour, BWF Super Series, World Snooker Tour, F1 and PGA Tour. In addition, now TV is both a leading producer of news, sports and infotainment programming and a provider of a wide range of interactive services. now TV can be enjoyed on the eye devices provided by HKT, the telecommunications business of PCCW. Select now TV content and interactive applications can also be accessed via HKT’s 3G mobile network and broadband service. To learn more about now TV, please visit www.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.

About Huace Film & TV

Headquarted in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Huace Film & TV is a renowned Chinese public company (Film & TV sector), which dedicated to the investing, production and publishing of film and television products.

With an annual production of more than 600 episodes of television programme, Huace Film & TV is becoming one of the biggest and strongest civilian-run companies in China. To this day, Huace has successfully produced many classic film and television products such as “Memoirs in China”, “Love in A Fallen City”, “Justice Bao”, “Snow Leopard”, “Symphony of Fate”, “Running Into Good Luck”, “Love Amongst War”, “Earth Moon knife”, “National Fate” and “Windseeker”. Besides the numerous audience rating and box office miracles, many products were awarded prestigious national awards such as “the Best Works Award”, “Flying Goddess Award”, “Golden Eagle Prize” and “Huading Award”. Moreover, “Memoirs in China” was awarded Seoul International Drama Awards.

Huace Film & TV was awarded as Core Chinese Cultural Exporting Enterprise three times in a row. Up to this day, Huace exported more than 7,000 hours of film and TV products to more than 70 countries and regions, ranking the first place among all civilian-run film and TV companies in China. In order to create an enterprise with an international brand, our company is vigorously expanding to the international market. Huace established local offices in Taiwan and Hongkong, and it is exploring the opportunity to cooperate with many Hollywood media institutions in terms of publishing, co-production and channel operating.

At the same time, Huace is also vigorously building an industrial platform of international cooperation. In May 2012, the establishment of China (Zhejiang) International Film and TV Industrial Zone was approved by the The State Administration of Radio Film and Television of China （SARFT). It is China’s first and only film and television industrial zone focused on exporting and international cooperation. The establishment of China (Zhejiang) International Film and TV Industrial Zone is a symbol of Huace’s further industrialization, platform development and internationalization, it is also opened the new chapter of the internationalization of Huace Film & TV.

For further information, please contact:

Ivan Ho
PCCW Group
Tel: +852 2883 8747
Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com

Lisa Hu
Huace Film & TV
Tel: +86 571 8755 3088-8331 /+86 138 1948 4674
Email: 3034930@qq.com

LUXEMBOURG — SES (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG.PA – News) announced today that it has further increased its reach in 2012, driven by strong gains, especially in India and Germany. SES now reaches 276 million TV homes worldwide, over 17 million homes more than in 2011.

The most important growth driver of the increase in reach was India, with a year-on-year gain of 7.5 million TV homes. The two very successful DTH platforms, Dish TV and Airtel Digital TV, now reach 25 million Indian TV homes with SES satellites. The SES capacity in India is contracted through the Indian Space Research Organisation. The Indian DTH market is growing at a fast pace, with an average increase of more than 800,000 subscribers per month in 2012. Dish TV is the largest DTH operator in India and Asia. Airtel is one of the fastest growing DTH operators in India and joined the SES platform in 2011.

Germany has again contributed significantly to the growth of satellite reach in 2012. The switch-off of analogue satellite signals and the success of the platform HD+ have contributed to a further growth of the satellite reach by more than 500,000 to over 18 million homes in 2012.

In Europe, 85 million TV homes receive their signal from satellites, up from 84 million in 2011. Over the last four years, satellite has increased its reach in Europe by 17 percent. Terrestrial and cable reception both slightly decreased year-on-year, from 79 million in 2011 to 78 million in 2012 for terrestrial homes and from 69 to 68 million for cable homes in Europe. IPTV increased from 16 to 17.5 million homes. With 43 percent of all digital homes, satellite continues to be the leading digital TV infrastructure in Europe. The number of households watching satellite TV in HD quality continues to increase and reached 41 percent of all satellite households. ASTRA serves 143 million European TV households (including indirect cable and IPTV reach), 73 percent of all European satellite homes and 80 percent of all European satellite HD homes.

These are the results of the SES Satellite Monitor, a market research study that SES conducts annually.

“The further extension of our reach is the result of our significant fleet investments and the successful development of leading DTH platforms, especially in emerging markets,” said Norbert Hoelzle, Senior Vice President Commercial Europe at SES. “More and more households acknowledge the significant advantages of satellite reception and the excellent channel line-up in numerous markets. SES has succeeded in generating growth not only in very dynamic emerging markets but also in highly developed markets like Germany. The further deployment of our fleet and continuous investments into new technologies like HD, Ultra HD and SAT>IP confirm our strategy to be the partner of choice for free-to-air and pay-TV broadcasters as a technical enabler. SES is also the infrastructure of choice for millions of consumers and TV viewers.”

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About SES

SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 52 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG.PA – News) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com

Contact:

For further information please contact:

Markus Payer
Market Communication & PR
Tel : +352 710 725 500
markus.payer@ses.com

STAR CHINESE MOVIES PARTNERS WITH EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES TO “GO LOCAL” IN SUPPORT OF HONG KONG FILM PRODUCTION
Go Local! Initiative to launch with five original productions produced by Chapman To

Hong Kong, 19 March, 2013 – Star Chinese Movies (SCM) announced its partnership with Emperor Motion Pictures (EMP) to kick off a new initiative called “Go Local!” in support of the Hong Kong film industry. Witnessing the growing demand for local content, this initiative aims to support and nurture Hong Kong directors, actors, actresses, talents in the field of film production and create stories that are relevant to the local audience.

To kick start the “Go Local!” initiative, SCM and EMP will team up with local actor / producer Chapman To Man-chak to create five local movies. Both parties will work closely together with Chapman To to groom up-and-coming talent and provide financial support and resources to co-produce these projects. EMP will handle the global distribution rights of the five films produced by Chapman To, while SCM will oversee the worldwide TV and new media rights. Through this initiative, SCM and EMP hope to provide sufficient resources and financial support for people in the movie field from Greater China. They hope to bring more high quality local movies for audiences in Hong Kong and beyond.

“SCM is one of FOX International Channels’ leading entertainment channels and the number one Chinese language pay-TV channel in Asia. SCM’s original production initiatives are part of FOX International Channels’ larger network-wide objectives. We aim to provide local viewers, affiliates like Now TV and ad partners with more value through exclusive content,” said Ward L. Platt, President, FOX International Channels – Asia Pacific & Middle East. “In addition to our very successful and productive licensing arrangement established with EMP, we are delighted to deepen our relationship with them through this co-production initiative. The “Go Local” initiative aims to build up premium entertainment content that will not only bring value to our audience, but also benefits the development of the local film industry. We are excited to kick off this initiative in Hong Kong and look forward to expanding it to other markets”

“EMP is delighted to partner with SCM on this very meaningful and rewarding initiative. I am a believer of local production and using home-grown talent to fuel our industry’s development in Hong Kong. There are a lot of bright talent in the Hong Kong movie industry with great ideas and together with SCM, we wish to help bring these great ideas to life on the big screen,” said Albert Lee, Chief Executive Officer, EMP said.

Producer Chapman To added, “I’m very lucky and excited about the opportunity to team up with the

two leading companies in the media and entertainment industry, SCM and EMP, to create stories that local viewers can relate to and be proud to call their own.”

In the coming year, FOX International Channels (FIC) will take SCM’s leading position beyond Hong Kong, Taiwan and other Asian markets where it already has a strong presence. The SCM brand will grow from being the leader in Asia and become a major player in the global arena, especially in markets where there is increasing demand for premium Chinese-language entertainment content including Korea, North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

As the largest pay-TV network in Asia with top tier channels across every genre, FIC leverages this scale to secure the best content available in the market for every category of audience. In addition to acquiring content, FIC also invests in original productions across genres to provide exclusive programming that is made for audiences in Asia, which include Asia’s Next Top Model for STAR World, global hit properties like The Walking Dead on FOX Movies Premium and I Wouldn’t Go In There on National Geographic Channel.

EMP is a subsidiary of Emperor Group, which has grown and expanded into a group of listed companies, comprising businesses ranging from property, hotel, financial service, media, printing, publishing, entertainment, catering, to retailing. Looking ahead, EMP will continue to collaborate with local and international partners in areas of development, financing and production of high-quality films of different genres by the best creative talents.

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Press Contacts:

Fleishman-Hillard
James Hacking
Tel: +852 2967 8982
Email: James.Hacking@bluecurrentgroup.com 

Shirley Lam
Tel: +852 2111 3171 
Email: shirley.lam@fleishman.com 

FOX International Channels
Kelly Jang
Tel: +852 2621 8875
Email: kelly.jang@fox.com

About FOX International Channels FOX International Channels (FIC) is News Corporation’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 350 wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports and movie channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 37 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions reach over 1.1 billion households worldwide. We also operate a global online advertising unit .FOX (“dot-fox”) specialized in online video and display, and four TV production houses. In Asia, FIC operates or distributes 37 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, FIC reaches 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, New Zealand and the UAE. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com.

About Star Chinese Movies (SCM)

STAR Chinese Movies (SCM) is the no. 1 Chinese movies channel in Asia and is the premier destination for lovers of blockbuster Chinese cinema, with more than 1,000 titles in its film inventory. SCM is dedicated to provide first-run, premium content as well as cutting-edge advanced services. Premiering box-office hits from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan, SCM guarantees exclusives from top Chinese and Asian producers and major studios such as Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia, Pegasus and Fortune Star. In addition to hit movies, SCM also offers a powerful combination of live events, major concerts and acclaimed Asian documentaries in Cantonese or Mandarin with Chinese and English subtitles. This unrivalled content together with HD viewing, a VOD service and a market-leading online on-demand service called SCM Play, the channel provides an unmatched entertainment experience.

Emperor Motion Pictures (EMP)

Founded in 2000, Emperor Motion Pictures (EMP) is engaged in the field of financing, production and distribution of feature films and television dramas, audio-visual product production and distribution, as well as artiste management.

Over the past years, films financed and produced by EMP have won numerous awards and dominated the box-office. They include leading character actor Nick Cheung’s unprecedented seven acting awards for “The Beast Stalker” in 2009, followed two years later by Nicholas Tse’s best actor triumph at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards for “The Stool Pigeon”. Other notable feature film projects such as “The Twins Effect”, “New Police Story”, “Shaolin”, “The Great Magician”, “The Bullet Vanishes”, “The Last Supper” and “Beginning of The Great Revival”, etc., has all won public accolades, with Dante Lam’s action blockbuster “The Viral Factor” becoming Hong Kong’s top-grossing Chinese-language film during Lunar New Year in 2012. Even more impressively, actor-director Jiang Wen’s “Let The Bullets Fly” grossed more than RMB 700 million at China’s box-office, a record high in 2010. Jackie Chan’s “CZ12″ has hit yet another milestone with RMB 1.3 billion international box-office up till March 2013.

Concurrently, EMP is dedicated to bringing top foreign-language films to the Hong Kong audience. After critical and commercial success with Japan’s controversial “Departures”, an Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, EMP went on to score major hits with Korea’s “Silenced” and global Hollywood sensations “Sex and the City”, “Limitless”, “The Hunger Games”. In addition to actively developing and expanding its distribution activities into China to service its upcoming slate of productions, EMP has also recently branched out into artiste management. Casting its nets far and wide, EMP now represents a number of well established stars, including Simon Yam, Wai Ying-hung, Damian Lau, Michelle Yim, and Irene Wan.