BBC World Service is expanding in Afghanistan with the launch of a TV news programme for the country’s Uzbek-speaking audience. From Monday, 4 September, the BBC Uzbek news bulletins will be broadcast on Arezo TV between 18.00 and 18.10 local time, Monday to Friday. The launch is part of the biggest expansion of the World Service since the 1940s.

Broadcast from the BBC’s headquarters in London, the 10-minute programme is presented by the BBC Uzbek journalists, Firuz Rahimi and Luiza Iskandariy. The hard-hitting, dynamic programme will bring interviews, in-depth reporting and analysis of the day’s key international, regional and Afghan developments, delivered by the BBC Uzbek teams in London and Northern Afghanistan, in collaboration with the BBC Afghan service, BBC Persian – and supported by the rest of the BBC’s global newsgathering network.

The Uzbek TV Editor, Diloram Ibrahimova, commented: “This is an exciting time for us as we expand our presence in Afghanistan. Content from the BBC Uzbek newsgathering team in the country will add a regional dimension to our international news bulletin, to make it relevant to the country’s Uzbek-speakers. We are looking forward to making an impact on Afghanistan’s media scene by serving this very special audience with the BBC’s reporting on current affairs, business, sport and culture. We will do our best to attract young and female audiences.”

The launch is part of the BBC World Service’s expansion – its biggest since the 1940s – that includes the enhancement of the BBC’s offer in various regions as well as the addition of 12 new language services in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The BBC Uzbek TV bulletins are broadcast by partner channel, Arezo TV, based in Mazar-e Sharif. They add to the existing BBC Uzbek content for Uzbek-speakers in Afghanistan, which includes a special Facebook page – bbcuzbekafghan. In addition to Arezo TV, the bulletins will be streamed on Facebook and the BBC Uzbek Afghanistan YouTube channel.

BBC Uzbek has a strong presence on social media, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Google+, Twitter and Odnoklassniki as well as Telegram and WhatsApp. BBC Uzbek’s rich experience of independent reporting has been put into special use on BBC Academy’s journalism training site in Uzbek, also available via bbcuzbek.com.

BBC Uzbek is part of the BBC World Service.

-Ends-

For more information please contact:

BBC World Service Group Communications – Lala Najafova lala.najafova@bbc.co.uk

AsiaSat’s most powerful satellite designed with enhanced quality and reliability for DTH, television, VSAT broadband and mobility services

PALO ALTO, Calif./Hong Kong – 30 August 2017 — Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat), Asia’s leading satellite operator and Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems today announced that the high performance AsiaSat 9 satellite has arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where it will be launched aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). AsiaSat 9, a replacement satellite for AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East, provides wider high-power C-band coverage and additional Ku-band capacity for new markets including Myanmar and Indonesia for direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcast, video distribution, VSAT broadband networks and mobility services across the Asia-Pacific region.

“AsiaSat and SSL have a history of working together closely to broaden the availability of high quality satellite service in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Dario Zamarian, Group President of SSL. “AsiaSat 9 incorporates multiple technology advances that pack more power, bandwidth, and flexibility into the satellite for the improved coverage and higher communication rates that AsiaSat needs to meet market demand. With the satellite now in Baikonur, we look forward to working with both AsiaSat and ILS to prepare it for launch.”

“We are committed to providing high quality service to both our existing customers and new users as we reach a new milestone for higher-performance, higher-efficiency and greater flexibility with our new AsiaSat 9,” said Andrew Jordan, President and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat. “SSL has been a reliable and innovative manufacturing partner in the development of our fleet, and we look forward to the upcoming launch.”

AsiaSat 9 is AsiaSat’s most powerful satellite, designed to deliver significantly improved power and higher bandwidth usage to generate higher efficiency for customers’ services. This is enabled by innovative and unique features including Asia’s highest powered 110 watts C-band TWTA, special filter design to achieve higher throughput up to 23% enhancement across wide C-band coverage, star tracker onboard the spacecraft for higher pointing accuracy, along with hall effect thrusters to provide higher stability and more efficient satellite operation.

With 32 Ku- and 28 C-band transponders, and a regional Ka-band payload, AsiaSat 9 carries the world’s first dedicated Ku-band Myanmar beam, new high-powered Ku-band beams for Indonesia and Mongolia, in addition to two enhanced Ku-band beams serving Australasia and East Asia. These five Ku-band beams are equipped with cross-strap beam switching capability to provide flexible coverage.

AsiaSat 9 is the fifth satellite that SSL has provided to AsiaSat. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. The satellite is currently planned for launch on 28 September Moscow time 09:50pm (29 September Baikonur time 00:50am, Hong Kong time 02:50am).

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About AsiaSat

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), the leading satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world’s population with its six satellites, AsiaSat 3S, AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat 7 and AsiaSat 8. The AsiaSat satellite fleet serves both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 700 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company’s satellites offering access to more than 830 million TV households across the Asia-Pacific region. AsiaSat’s next satellite, AsiaSat 9 is planned to be launched at the end of September 2017. AsiaSat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 1135). For more information, please visit www.asiasat.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Mobile App

About SSL

Space Systems Loral (SSL), based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL’s advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations. SSL is a subsidiary of SSL MDA Holdings, Inc., a U.S. operating company. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About SSL MDA Holdings

SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA businesses. SSL MDA Holdings is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide. MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development. MDA’s established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Company’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.

Media Contacts:
AsiaSat
Winnie Pang | Tel: (852) 2500 0880 | Email: wpang@asiasat.com

SSL
Wendy Lewis | Tel: 1 (650) 852-5188 | Email: Wendy.Lewis@sslmda.com

NEW YORK/ SINGAPORE, 28 August 2017: A+E Networks announced today the launch of HISTORY™ in Vietnam adding to its global footprint with over 120 million households across Asia. The leading global factual entertainment destination for award-winning and entertaining hit series and specials, will broadcast the HISTORY™ branded 24-hour channel in high-definition and fully subtitled in Vietnamese on MobiTV – Channel 55 (DTT) and 66 (DTH).

“We are pleased to be extending the HISTORY Asia footprint in Vietnam with a legacy of premium programming,” said Prem Kamath, Deputy Managing Director, Asia Pacific, A+E Networks. “With the largest Pay TV subscriber base in South-East Asia at 13 million subscribers, Vietnam provides a tremendous opportunity to connect new viewers with history through our award-winning series and specials.”

In partnership with Vietnam’s leading content provider, Thaole Entertainment, HISTORY™ branded content experiences across multimedia platforms will be localized through language subtitling, strategic content curation and creation to enhance connectivity with local fans through a diverse range of informative, immersive, and entertaining content genres.

The network’s all-original HISTORY™ branded content features a roster of exclusive signature series from premium scripted and unscripted content formats with same-day telecast as the U.S. as well as first and exclusive Asia premieres.

Sophie Le, CEO, of Thaole Entertainment said, “We are honoured to partner with A+E Networks to launch HISTORY channel in Vietnam. Knowledge is powerful and through our partnership with the leading global factual entertainment brand, we seek to entertain and enrich the lives of our viewers with the diverse stories of humanity’s defining moments in history as well as inspiring stories of the present that will shape our future.”

HISTORY™ will also be looking to produce original branded long and short form content in partnership with local partners in Vietnam, starting off with its successful branded long and short form Asian content formats; such as the longest running regional photography competition series, Photo-Face Off, currently in production of its fourth successful season; and HISTORY Hustle featuring a local host challenging unsuspecting locals on the streets with interesting factoids and activities on a spontaneous test of knowledge of their country.

Be part of HISTORY™ Vietnam social media community on facebook.com/HistoryVietnam.

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ABOUT HISTORY™
HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destination for entertaining hit series and cinematic drama events. 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. It is the highest rated factual entertainment in the U.S. Hit series include Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars, The Pickers, Ancient Aliens, Counting Cars, Vikings, Photo Face-Off and Ride N’ Seek.

HISTORY is available in more than 325 million households in over 150 territories and 35+ languages.

ABOUT A+E NETWORKS™ ASIA
A+E Networks™ Asia is owned by the award-winning, global media content company, A+E Networks™, which is dedicated to offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from television networks to websites, to home videos/DVDs to gaming and educational software. A+E Networks Asia is comprised of Lifetime™, HISTORY™, FYI™, H2™ and Crime & Investigation Network™. A+E Networks Asia operates and distributes its portfolio in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and now Vietnam and the Maldives.

Globally, A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming reach more than 330 million households in over 160 countries.

ABOUT THAO LE ENTERTAINMENT

Thaole Entertainment was incorporated in 2000 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The company is a known and respected player in the domestic and international media industry. It is recognized by its many partners as a professional, reliable and principled business partner. These traits have made the company successful across its key business areas:

• Domestic and international content aggregation and distribution
• Channels Distribution, Marketing and Ad Sales
• Localization Services
• Consultancy for Market Entry and Operational Due Diligence

The company has a strong relationship with over 100 of the world’s leading content producers that allows it to source and deliver the most enriching, engaging and entertaining content for Vietnamese audiences. The company also distributes Sesame Workshop content in South East Asia and Taiwan.

For media inquiries, please contact:

A+E Networks International
Vicky Kahn
VP, Corporate Communications
T: +1 212 210 9743
E: Vicky.Kahn@aenetworks.com

A+E Networks Asia
Tasha Traazil
Assistant Manager
T: +65 6800 5083
E: Tasha.Traazil@aenetworks.com

For additional information, please contact:

Thaole Entertainment
Ms. Sophie Le Thi Phuong Thao
CEO
T: +84 (0)938 107 988
Email: sophie@thaole-entertainment.com

Following critical acclaim and record ratings, this autumn sees the return of ITV’s hugely popular historical drama, Victoria, produced by Mammoth Screen.

Once again written by creator and executive producer, Daisy Goodwin, the brand new eight-part season will see Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes reprise their roles as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as they face new challenges both at home and abroad.

Resuming one month after the first series ended, the new season establishes Victoria as a working mother, learning to balance her responsibilities as both parent and Queen. However, Prince Albert is still struggling to find a role for himself alongside his powerful wife as she returns to her duties, intent on proving that she can be both a mother and dutiful Queen.

The series will also see some new faces arrive at the palace, with iconic BAFTA award-winning actress Dame Diana Rigg joining the regular cast as the Duchess of Buccleuch, the young Queen’s new Mistress of the Robes, and guest appearances from fellow leading actors including Emerald Fennell (Call The Midwife, Any Human Heart), Martin Compston (Line Of Duty, In Plain Sight), Bruno Wolkowitch (Spin, Cain) and Denis Lawson (New Tricks, Marchlands).

Creator, Daisy Goodwin said: “In series one Victoria married the handsome prince, but in this series she and Albert get down to the serious business of living happily, sometimes stormily, ever after. Victoria is the only Queen Regnant to marry and give birth while on the throne and the challenges of being head of state as well as a wife and mother are legion. In many ways Victoria’s dilemma is a modern one – how do you have a successful marriage and a happy family when you are holding down an important job. Can you really have it all?”

Executive Producer and Managing Director of Mammoth Screen, Damien Timmer added: “Series one of Victoria was a big success both at home and abroad, and it is a privilege to continue to tell the story of this fascinating woman at a particularly interesting point in her reign. Audiences will be intrigued by the meticulously researched stories Daisy has planned, brimming with scandal, romance and tragedy. At the centre of it is a beautifully nuanced study of a young marriage, and it’s a joy to watch Jenna and Tom find new layers to this iconic couple.”

Victoria​,​ ​Starts​ ​Monday​ ​4th​ ​September

IND: 18:30 MALTA/THAI: 20:00
KSA/TWN: 21:00 UAE: 22:00

For any other assets or for more details please contact: international.channels@itv.com

• Based on SmarDTV’s CAP210 chipset, meeting Conax’ comprehensive requirements for Cardless and Smartcard-based security clients
• Compatible with Conax Contego unified security back-end accommodating seamless co-existence of Smartcard and Cardless security clients
• Upgradable to latest CI Plus version 1.4.2 and CI Plus ECP (Enhanced Content Protection) specification

Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland – August 21st 2017 – SmarDTV S.A., a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company, today announced the commercial availability of a new Cardless CAM product embedding robust Conax content protection. The new CAM is designed to reduce subscriber acquisition costs, providing a mean for subscribers to instantly access pay-TV services by inserting the CAM in the TV – thus simplifying the onboarding for end-users.

The new SmarCAM-5.0 leverages fundamental innovations in embedded silicon and device security, offering robustness across a broad range of security profiles. It will provide the market with a highly secure Cardless solution utilizing a unique combination of hardware and software security resulting in a high level of protection not available in pure software solutions. Conax Cardless technology utilizes a dedicated secure processor and hardware root-of-trust to enable a multi-layered security architecture providing a highly secure and cost efficient platform for Cardless CAM.

SmarCAM-5.0 includes an innovative plastic casing designed by the SmarDTV Design Studio to accommodate a wide range of colors and textures providing pay-TV operators and distributors with a broad spectrum of branding options for the retail market.

This new generation of module is upgradable to the latest CI Plus ECP specification, designed to secure premium content on 4K/HDR.

“SmarDTV is pleased to be the first to provide a Conax Cardless CAM – a result of close collaboration with Conax for developing an innovative new product that contributes to reducing cost without compromising on security. We are excited to bring a revolutionary CAM to the market – a more visually plug-in based on SmarDTV expertise in designing sophisticated, secure devices”, commented Pascal Lenoir, CEO of SmarDTV.

About SmarDTV
SmarDTV, a Kudelski Group company, is an international leader in pay television technology. SmarDTV designs and manufactures a large range of set-top box solutions and CI / CI-Plus plug-in modules which enable access to premium digital pay-TV whether delivered through broadcast or broadband IP. A founding member of CI Plus Forum, SmarDTV is headquartered in Switzerland with development and sales offices in France, Germany, Singapore, India and Taiwan. Please visit www.smardtv.com for more information.

Contact:
Nadine Favennec
SmarDTV
+33 4 42 83 8000
Nadine.favennec@smardtv.com

Kagan Releases Second Quarter U.S. Multichannel Subscriber Report

At 976,000 U.S. pay TV subscriber losses come in better than expected in second quarter

Monterey, CA (August 15, 2017) – The legacy multichannel universe lost a record number of customers in the quarter ended June 30, 2017, but managed to keep the decline below the symbolic 1-million threshold. At the mid-year mark, however, the trajectory continues to point to an unprecedented annual decline according to data compiled by Kagan, a group within S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Overall, traditional multichannel subscriptions dropped below 96.1 million in the second quarter, down 1.8 million since year-end 2016. Adding the top two virtual service providers (VSPs) affiliated with legacy multichannel distributors –DISH Network’s Sling TV and AT&T’s DIRECTV NOW – lifts the combined total subscriptions to a package of live linear channels and on-demand content to 98 million.

Additional takeaways from Kagan’s 2nd-quarter U.S. Multichannel Subscriber report:

• Cable operators lost 246,000 total video customers. Following the sizable first-quarter drop, total losses at the mid-year mark are up 55.6% annually.
• Traditional satellite services took a hit in the second quarter, posting an estimated net loss of 443,000 subscriptions to retreat below the 33 million threshold for the first time since 2010.
• Total traditional video subs on the telco platform dropped to 10.9 million, declining 10.9% annually. With AT&T emphasizing DIRECTV as its primary delivery platform, U-verse accounted for two thirds of the decline.
• Based on figures compiled from U.S. Census reports, a calculated 75.8% of the potential residential universe subscribe to a legacy multichannel product in the second-quarter.

About S&P Global Market Intelligence

At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we know that not all information is important—some of it is vital. Accurate, deep and insightful. We integrate financial and industry data, research and news into tools that help track performance, generate alpha, identify investment ideas, understand competitive and industry dynamics, perform valuations and assess credit risk. Investment professionals, government agencies, corporations and universities globally can gain the intelligence essential to making business and financial decisions with conviction.

S&P Global Market Intelligence a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence.

Media Contact
Christina Twomey
S&P Global Market Intelligence
+1 (212) 438.0967
Christina.twomey@spglobal.com

Hong Kong, 15 August 2017 – Eurovision Media Services, in collaboration with its long-term satellite partner, Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), will use AsiaSat 5 to deliver the Taipei 2017 Universiade across the Asia Pacific.

The 29th Summer Universiade is an international sporting and cultural event staged biennially, with Taipei as this year’s host city between 19th to 30 th of August. The Universiade will include 21 competitive sports as well as one demonstration sport throughout 12 days of competitions, attended by talented youth athletes from around the world.

Since 1999 Eurovision Media Services and AsiaSat have enjoyed a successful partnership that delivers top quality sports content to broadcasters and TV networks in 4K and HD. This new delivery on AsiaSat 5, Asia’s most popular OU service platform, sees the strong relationship continuing into the future with other major events to come. AsiaSat 5 currently provides access to more than 800 million households via terrestrial networks and pay TV platforms in the Asia Pacific.

“We are very pleased to be working with Eurovision Media Services again, our long-standing partner in creating value for customers and their audiences, especially where it comes to AsiaSat’s strength in delivering high quality live sports coverage,” said Barrie Woolston, Chief Commercial Officer of AsiaSat.

“We’re delighted to continue our collaboration with AsiaSat to deliver top quality, reliable services for major sporting events in the Asia Pacific,” said Graham Warren, Chief Operating Officer of Eurovision.

# # #

About Eurovision Media Services

Eurovision Media Services – the business arm of the European Broadcasting Union – has a global reputation and is the first choice media services provider for many media organizations and sports federations around the world. We provide innovative services across the value chain from content production and broadcast services to content distribution and permanent circuits. We produce and deliver premium live sports, news and entertainment events around the world on all platforms (TV, radio and online). Discover more about Eurovision Media Services on www.eurovision.net

About AsiaSat

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), the leading satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world’s population with its six satellites, AsiaSat 3S, AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat 7 and AsiaSat 8. The AsiaSat satellite fleet serves both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 700 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company’s satellites offering access to more than 830 million TV households across the Asia-Pacific region. AsiaSat’s next satellite, AsiaSat 9 is planned to be launched at the end of September 2017. AsiaSat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 1135). For more information, please visit www.asiasat.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Mobile App

Media Contacts:

Eurovision Media Services
Shannon Williams, Market Analyst & Communications Manager
Tel: +41 22 717 23 70 | Email: shannon.williams@eurovision.net

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited

Winnie Pang, Manager, Marketing Communications | Tel: +852 2500 0880 | Email: wpang@asiasat.com

10.08.2017: Following the success of Sherlock and Planet Earth II in China, CBeebies programming is the latest British cultural export to be taking the country by storm.

Increasing numbers of Chinese children are tuning into CBeebies favourites including Hey Duggee and Go Jetters as British kid’s programmes prove popular throughout the nation.

Figures released today by BBC Worldwide show that BAFTA and International Emmy® Award-winning Hey Duggee has racked up more than 200 million views on China’s online video platforms including Tencent and iQIYI since its launch on the sites in April and May respectively.

On iQIYI alone, CBeebies content has been viewed over 166 million times since the provider became the first digital platform in China to offer a ‘block’ of 37 CBeebies titles branded under 思贝斯 (sī bèi sī) in May. This comes after iQIYI licensed 300 hours of children’s content from BBC Worldwide earlier this year including Dinopaws and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures.

These successes follow the recent involvement of Go Jetters in the Children’s Day Gala 2017 organised by state broadcaster China Central Television’s children’s channel (CCTV 14). Characters from the globally popular animation series took part in the annual parade which was broadcast to an audience of 110 million and saw over 200 million streams on mobile streaming platforms – triple the viewership record of the previous year.

Tim Davie, Chief Executive, BBC Worldwide, said, ‘Twenty years ago we had great success taking Teletubbies to international audiences. Now Hey Duggee and Go Jetters are the new British kids shows enthralling children all around the world.’

Kelvin Yau, General Manager for China, said, ‘Chinese children love CBeebies for the stories and characters. Their parents love it because they know the content is always suitable and helps their children to learn while having fun.’

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:

Jeanne Leong
Director, Communications, Asia
Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com
+65 6849 5292

Foxtel has welcomed the sentencing of a Sydney man for his role in the selling of unauthorised access to Foxtel services.

Haidar Majid Salam Al Baghdadi, 33 years old, was convicted of criminal offences relating to charges of operating an illegal network that allowed more than 8000 people across Australia to access Foxtel subscription television broadcasts for free. A Sydney court has sentenced Al Baghdadi to serve an 18 month suspended jail term for carrying out the offenses.

The conviction and sentencing are the result of on-going joint antipiracy investigations involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Foxtel investigators, and Irdeto, the world leader in digital platform security. The three organisations uncovered an organised criminal network responsible for committing a wide-range of intellectual property theft of Foxtel services.

Foxtel’s CEO, Peter Tonagh, said, “Foxtel welcomes today’s court ruling and hopes it sends a strong signal that this type of activity is illegal. Foxtel takes intellectual property theft very seriously as it severely undermines the creative industry including every business and individual that works so hard to deliver us the movies, sport, drama and entertainment we love.

“Foxtel conducts ongoing investigations into the theft of Foxtel programming and we are proud to work so closely with the AFP and our partners at Irdeto to ensure the full force of the law is applied to protect our content.”

Rory O’Connor, Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity Services at Irdeto, said, “This conviction is another step forward in the global fight against online piracy. The seriousness of these crimes should not be underestimated and this result is further proof that piracy will not be tolerated. Partnerships like this play a crucial role in not only detecting these pirate networks, but ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Foxtel looks forward to continuing work with the rest of the Australian media industry to address the issue of piracy in Australia.

###

About Foxtel

Foxtel is one of Australia’s most progressive and dynamic media companies, directly employing around 2,800 people and delivering a diverse subscription television service over cable, satellite and broadband distribution. Foxtel effortlessly connects Australians to all the stories they love by offering a better entertainment experience every day to more than 2.8 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 channel offering; the Foxtel App for tablets and mobile devices; internet TV service, Foxtel Now; and television, broadband and home phone bundles with Foxtel internet and voice services delivered over Australia’s largest telecommunications network. Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited ACN 051 775 556 (50%) and News Corporation (50%).

Irdeto. Building a Secure Future.™

Irdeto is the world leader in digital platform security, protecting platforms and applications for media & entertainment, automotive and IoT connected industries. Our solutions and services enable customers to protect their revenue, create new offerings and fight cybercrime. With nearly 50 years of expertise in security, Irdeto’s software security technology and cyber services protect over 5 billion devices and applications for some of the world’s best known brands. Our unique heritage as a subsidiary of multinational media group Naspers (JSE: NPN) means that we are a well-established and reliable partner to help build a more secure future. Please visit Irdeto at www.irdeto.com.

Media enquiries:

Foxtel
David Sims
david.sims@foxtel.com.au
(02) 9813 7577 / 0409 928 209

Irdeto
Stephen Russell
Stephen.Russell@irdeto.com
+1 774 273 3890

Martin Clunes joins a mission set to make wildlife history by returning endangered lions to a remote part of Kenya in a documentary to be exclusively broadcast on ITV Choice.

It is 25 years since lions roamed in the Kora National Reserve where legendary conservationist George Adamson set up a camp to rescue lions and release them back into the wild. The heartbreaking but successful story of rescuing orphaned cub Elsa became internationally famous in the blockbuster film Born Free, based on the iconic book written by George’s wife Joy.

Tony Fitzjohn worked closely with George, and continues to work in wildlife conservation. He has lovingly rebuilt George’s original camp, Kampi Ya Simba, in the Kora National Reserve, abandoned after he was murdered by Somali bandits in 1989. Tony picks up where he and George left off all those years ago, with the aim of releasing captive and orphaned lions back into the wild with the support of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

British actor Martin Clunes has had a close friendship with Tony since they met 20 years ago when they released Nina, a zoo elephant, back into the wild. In this documentary Martin travels to Kenya to visit Tony and to meet his first lion cub to be brought to the Kora camp for 25 years.

Martin says: “Although elephants and rhinos get most of the publicity, lions in Africa are facing an equally serious crisis. While there are about 500,000 elephants left on the continent, there are only 30,000 lions. If something isn’t done, they could die out in the wild in less than ten years.”

“Three years ago a mission began to bring lions back to a remote Kenyan wilderness. From day one I have had the privilege of being a witness to this story. It’s one that stirred deep childhood memories, brought great highs and awful lows. This is the true story of one animal’s big adventure, and one man’s dream.”

Tony Fitzjohn says: “In the 24 years I’ve been away, lions themselves are becoming an endangered species and it’s only in the centre of some very well protected areas or national parks you still get lions. But to be able to do something for lions again, in my world, if there’s a gap or an offer to do something, you just go for it. You can’t say no.”

Tuesday 15th August

IND: 18:30, MALTA/THAI: 20:00
KSA/TWN: 21:00, UAE: 22:00

For any other assets or for more details please contact: international.channels@itv.com