Trailer Of First Co-Production With Taiwan’s Public Television Service Released Today

SINGAPORE, FEBRUARY 28, 2017 – HBO Asia’s first Chinese language original series, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC (通靈少女), jointly developed with Taiwanese broadcaster, Public Television Service (PTS), and award-winning Singaporean production company, InFocus Asia (IFA), will premiere across Asia on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 10pm on HBO. Subtitled in English and local language*, the series will also be available on HBO On Demand and HBO Go. New episodes will air every Sunday ending with a two-episode finale on April 30.

Shot on location in Taiwan, the trailer and key art of the HBO Asia Original production was released today along with more images from the series. All six hour-long episodes of the series is directed by 29-year-old rising Taiwanese writer-director, Chen Ho-Yu (陳和榆).

The entire Taiwanese cast include Kuo Shu Yau (郭書瑤) [Step Back To Glory (志氣); The Devil Game (劣人傳之詭計)], Kent Tsai (蔡凡熙) [Mon Mon Mon Monsters (報告老師！怪怪怪怪物！)], Chen Mu Yi (陳慕義) [Comes The Black Dog (黑狗來了)], Alina Cheng (鄭茵聲) [Love At Seventeen (我和我的十七歲)], Nana Lee (李千娜) [Youth Power (哇！陳怡君); One Million Star (超級星光大道)], Michael Huang (黃仲崑) [Wake Up (麻醉風暴)] and Sylvia Hsieh (謝翔雅) [You Light Up My Star (照亮我星球)].

The coming-of-age story revolves around Xiao Zhen (小真), played by Kuo Shu Yau (郭書瑤), a 16-year-old girl who just wants to lead a typical teenage high school life. Born with the ability to see spirits, her life will never be normal. Xiao Zhen must juggle the pressures of teenage life – first love, academic success and peer pressure – with the demands of the spirit world. As Xiao Zhen learns to use her abilities to help the living deal with their loved ones on the other side – spirits who are lost, forgotten, angry or just crying out for help – this teenager finds that fixing other people’s problems gives her the strength she needs to navigate high school and her first major romantic encounter. Xiao Zhen’s powers become a danger for her as others seek to use her abilities for their own greed.

THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC is HBO Asia’s second Original production this year after the second season of HALFWORLDS, the dark action fantasy drama series set in Bangkok which premiered in January. A brand-new comedy series, SENT, set in Singapore will premiere later this year. Follow THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheTeenagePsychicHBO/.

 

*Local language subtitles available in selected territories.

About HBO ASIA

Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia with six 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels: HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax and Red by HBO, internet streaming platform, HBO GO, subscription video on demand service, HBO On Demand, and in China, 鼎级剧场 (ding ji ju chang). HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in the region. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

About Public Television Service (PTS)

With the passage of the Public Television Act by the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation (PTS Foundation) was established as a non-profit foundation to operate the Public Television Service (PTS), which started broadcast on July 1, 1998. The chief objective of PTS is to establish a public service mass media system. As an independent public service broadcaster trust by the public, PTS aims to provide value-added quality programming services covering a wide range of categories to present the diversity and creativity in Taiwan.

About InFocus Asia (IFA)

IFA Media is one of Asia’s premier content producers, producing award-winning factual and drama that rates across the world. The company is headquartered in Singapore with four offices across the region (Bangkok, Beijing and Taipei).

 

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HBO, Home Box Office and HBO Asia Originals are service marks of Home Box Office, Inc.

Karen Lai | Communications Director | HBO Asia 

DID +65 6381 1796 | Mobile +65 9111 2655 | Fax +65 6287 2210 | www.hboasia.com

Partners with Aamir Khan on eve of Women’s day

Mumbai, February 26, 2017: Star India has constantly endeavoured to inspire social change through its thought-provoking programming, and this mission is reflected in the journey of its ‘Nayi Soch’ (new thinking) campaigns, which have continued to positively impact millions of lives. 

In further pursuit of its mission to spark social change through its ‘Nayi Soch’ campaign, Star Plus has released the next chapter in the inspirational series — a special Women’s Day communication featuring none other than superstar Aamir Khan. Created by Ogilvy and directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame, the Women’s Day special of ‘Nayi Soch’ puts the spotlight on one of the nation’s biggest social issues of gender inequality and takes it head on.  

Uday Shankar, Chairman & CEO, Star India, says, ”We at Star believe that daughters are equally capable to bring laurels to their families and society. Our latest Nayi Soch film reflects this confidence. It not only questions the gender discrimination that still exists, but also iterates our belief that it is time for fathers to step up and inspire their daughters with confidence and self-belief. Aamir Khan brings great credibility and empathy to the role of a father whose progressive thinking gives his daughters the freedom to flourish.”

The brand film is a reflection of how in a Nation of over 10 million shops and establishments, it is hard to find even a single one that holds the title of “And Daughters” – it is always ”And Sons”. 

Star Plus and Aamir Khan come together once again to bring alive the philosophy of ‘Nayi Soch’. With this creative, the communication puts the spotlight one of India’s biggest social issues – that of the need to extend equal rights to our daughters. The brand film showcases Aamir as a small-town, middle-class but new-age father who is progressive and confident that his daughters will take ahead the legacy of his business. The symbolic act of naming the store ”And Daughters” is a global first in thought and establishes a positive role model that could potentially have a ripple effect on society. This progressive thinking embodies the spirit of ‘Nayi Soch’ and is a reflection of the channel’s mission of Creative Social Responsibility.

On being asked for his views, Aamir Khan asserted, ”I think it is a great initiative by STAR Plus. The film is a tribute to all the proud dads and their daughters who became the beacons of change.” 

The film ends with the thought-provoking line, “Kaamyabi na ladka dekhti hai na ladki. Kaamyabi sirf soch dekhti hai.” (Success does not consider whether one is a boy or girl; it only takes powerful thoughts into account). That is what ‘Nayi Soch’ is all about. 

Share your perspective and join the conversation using #NayiSoch.

 

About STAR India 

STAR India has defined the Indian media landscape since 1991 and today is one of the country’s leading media conglomerates, reaching approximately 650 million viewers a month across India and more than 100 other countries. STAR generates 20,000 hours of content every year and broadcasts 50+ channels in 8 different languages, reaching 9 out of 10 C&S TV homes in India. 

The network’s entertainment channel portfolio includes STAR Gold, Channel V, STAR World, STAR World Premiere HD, STAR Movies, STAR Movies Select HD, STAR Utsav, Star Utsav Movies, Life OK, Movies OK and STAR Plus, India’s No. 1 Hindi General Entertainment Channel. It has a leading presence in regional broadcasting as well, through a bouquet of channels which include STAR Jalsha, Jalsha Movies, STAR Pravah, Maa channels and affiliate channels Asianet, Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies, Suvarna, Suvarna Plus and Vijay. It is also present in the Indian movie production and distribution space through Fox STAR Studios, an affiliate joint venture company. 

STAR India is making quantum leaps in transforming sports in the country by leveraging the group’s strengths in superior content and audience engagement. STAR’s sports business has grown rapidly to 10 channel properties (STAR Sports 1, 2, 3, 4; STAR Sports HD1, HD2, HD3, HD4 and Star Sports Select HD1, Select HD2), making it the leading sports network in the country. 

STAR is set to drive the agenda on digital content consumption in the country with Hotstar, STAR’s revolutionary digital platform that brings your favourite TV shows, movies and sports in one destination. 

STAR India is a fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

• Becomes the first CEO in the media and entertainment sector to receive this prestigious honour
• Receives award from Shri Piyush Goyal Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines and Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of  State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Mumbai, 25 February 2017 – Uday Shankar, Chairman and CEO Star India has bagged the 18th EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ Award in the Entrepreneurial CEO category.

Under the leadership of Uday, Star India has defined the Indian media landscape and today is one of the country’s leading media conglomerates. Uday believes in disruptively powering social change through the power of content to influence and impact people’s lives and thinking.

“Lucky to work for an entrepreneurial company where the promoter’s genes are about taking risks.  The conviction comes from the society, the world and the country you live in”, says Uday Shankar on winning the EY “Entrepreneurial CEO’ award.

Rajiv Memani, Chairman, EY India, says, “Each of our winners this year have taken forward their unique ideas with unwavering determination in the face of adversity. They have taken bold risks and transformed into leading players in their respective industries. Even in a challenging and disruptive business environment, these visionary entrepreneurs are continuously creating value, generating jobs and contributing to building a better working world.”

The awards were presented by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines and Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who were the Guests of Honor. Shri Piyush Goyal and Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman also presented awards across nine categories in the presence of over 400 guests including eminent business leaders.

A distinguished nine-member jury led by Dilip Shanghvi, Managing Director, Sun Pharmaceuticals selected the winners. Other Jury members include Subodh Bhargava, Chairman, Tata Communications; Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Executive Vice-Chairman, Info Edge (India) Limited; Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairman, Max Financial Services; Uday Kotak, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank; Kalpana Morparia, Chief Executive Officer, JP Morgan Chase South Asia and India; Rishad Premji, Chief Strategy Officer, Wipro; Renuka Ramnath, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Multiples Alternate Asset Management and A Vellayan, Executive Chairman, Murugappa Group.

 

About STAR India 

STAR India has defined the Indian media landscape since 1991 and today is one of the country’s leading media conglomerates, reaching approximately 650 million viewers a month across India and more than 100 other countries. STAR generates 20,000 hours of content every year and broadcasts 50+ channels in 8 different languages, reaching 9 out of 10 C&S TV homes in India.

The network’s entertainment channel portfolio includes STAR Gold, Channel V, STAR World, STAR World Premiere HD, STAR Movies, STAR Movies Select HD, STAR Utsav, Star Utsav Movies, Life OK, Movies OK and STAR Plus, India’s No. 1 Hindi General Entertainment Channel. It has a leading presence in regional broadcasting as well, through a bouquet of channels which include STAR Jalsha, Jalsha Movies, STAR Pravah, Maa channels and affiliate channels Asianet, Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies, Suvarna, Suvarna Plus and Vijay. It is also present in the Indian movie production and distribution space through Fox STAR Studios, an affiliate joint venture company.

STAR India is making quantum leaps in transforming sports in the country by leveraging the group’s strengths in superior content and audience engagement. STAR’s sports business has grown rapidly to 10 channel properties (STAR Sports 1, 2, 3, 4; STAR Sports HD1, HD2, HD3, HD4 and Star Sports Select HD1, Select HD2), making it the leading sports network in the country.

STAR is set to drive the agenda on digital content consumption in the country with Hotstar, STAR’s revolutionary digital platform that brings your favourite TV shows, movies and sports in one destination.

STAR India is a fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

 

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year^TM Award

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in 60 countries. Read more about the 18th EY Entrepreneur of the YearTM at ey.com/in/eoy

 

For more information please contact:

Adfactors PR      Hardik Desai / Jay Desai 9819699125 / 9820060107 Hardik.desai@adfactorspr.com/jay.desai@adfactorspr.com

STAR INDIA Parul Sharma 91 124 6654 408 parul.sharma@startv.com

New eBook features trends, predictions and commentary from Fox, MPAA, GoMedia, PlayKids, MTS and other industry thought leaders on topics like 4K, piracy, watermarking and disruptive technologies

AMSTERDAM, 23 February 2017 – A new eBook from Irdeto, the world leader in digital platform security, covers some of the hottest trends that will shape the media and entertainment industry in the year ahead. A Preview of Coming Attractions: What’s Ahead for the Media & Entertainment Industry, features expert commentary from multiple Irdeto and industry thought leaders, including executives from Twentieth Century Fox Film, MPAA, GoMedia, PlayKids, MTS, Foxtel, freenet TV and Vietnam Satellite Digital Television Company, LTD. Topics include industry collaboration to combat piracy, a 360-degree approach to anti-piracy, watermarking as a preferred security technique, innovation in IP video and 4K UHD, challenges and opportunities to address shifts in consumer viewing habits and key disruptors poised to shake up the market.

“Our industry is at a crossroads. Change has been constant over the last several years, providing consumers with more options to find and consume their preferred content than ever before,” said Doug Lowther, CEO, Irdeto. “These changes have also brought with them many challenges when it comes to addressing those needs, including costs, security, content availability and much more. The media & entertainment industry needs to address these challenges head-on in order to continue to build our businesses.”

Insights on what’s “coming soon” in the media & entertainment space include:

 

• All For One And One For All Against Piracy: We have seen piracy grow to a fully-fledged business, plaguing the content creation industry. A battle for market share between licensed and illegal platforms is brewing, and each industry stakeholder plays a vital role in combating piracy.

 

• The Piracy Strategy That Will Leave Its Mark in the Year Ahead: Watermarking has become a critical component of an organization’s 360-degree anti-piracy strategy. To combat content theft and redistribution, watermarking in conjunction with a multi-DRM strategy, detection and enforcement is developing into a preferred security and protection technique.

 

• OTT: A Hit with Consumers and A Hot Bed for Innovation: We have seen a tremendous shift in the market as OTT services become a preferred media channel. As the popularity of these services continues to grow, OTT providers will expand beyond just subscription video on demand (SVOD) and transactional video on demand (TVOD) services into linear TV.

 

• 4K UHD: Coming to a Home Near You: As consumer demand for 4K UHD content grows, it is no surprise that providers and content producers expect 4K UHD to be a key revenue driver in the years ahead. While the 4K UHD future may be bright, the pay media industry faces many challenges to deliver this valuable content securely to the masses.

 

• Consumers Have a Habit of Changing: The three elements of consumer choice – content, value and convenience – are key influencers causing many changes in consumer habits. This ongoing shift in user behavior, coupled with an increase in the amount of viewing options, creates many challenges for content owners and operators to navigate this muddled landscape.

 

• Key Disruptors Poised to Shake Up the Market: Change is inevitable for any industry, but disruptors have the potential to alter a market, change business models and the ways that consumers interact with organizations. The media industry is facing a few disruptors, including blockchain, the cloud, virtual reality, big data and wireless local area network services.

 

To view the full eBook, please visit: https://irdeto.com/documents/Collateral/ebook_trends_media_and_entertainment_en.pdf

 

About Irdeto

Irdeto is the world leader digital platform security, protecting platforms and applications across multiple industries, such as media & entertainment, payments and automotive. 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.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Stephen Russell

PR Manager, Americas, Irdeto

Mobile: +1 774 273 3890

Email: Stephen.Russell@irdeto.com

 

Crystal Kung

Account Manager, WE Communications

P: +65 303 8472

Email: ckung@we-worldwide.com

 

ZEE Middle East’s ‘Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan’ continues its dream run

• Emerges as the Highest-rated TV show among South Asians in the UAE for two months in a row
• Honored with the Zee Rishtey Award for ‘Best International Show’

Mumbai, India / Dubai, UAE, February 23, 2017: ZEE Middle East’s second, locally produced fiction series ‘Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan’ which follows the storyline of a UAE based real estate tycoon has emerged as the highest-rated TV show among South Asians in the UAE for two consecutive months. The show, which started off with the highest rating recorded for any show in UAE for 2016 (Average 12.1 TVR) has now bettered its own performance in January by clocking 14.5 TVR. The show was pitted against high-profile programs like ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ (Average 2.2 TVR) on Sony TV and ‘Bigg Boss’ (Average 2.1 TVR) on Colors which were airing at the same time. [Source: IPSOS, Target Group: All South Asians in UAE, Month: Jan 2017, Time Band: Sat, 21:30 to 22:30 UAE]. In addition, the show was also declared the ‘Best International Show’ at the Zee Rishtey Awards 2016 aired on February 19^th, 2017.

Speaking about the success of the show, Mukund Cairae – CEO for Zee Middle East & Asia Pacific said, “Creating differentiated local content has given ZEE Middle East an edge over competition in the market. It’s also a great tool for advertisers as they have the opportunity to look at brand integration and other in-programming benefits. We are indeed thrilled with the response to ‘Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan’ from viewers. Recognition on a platform like Zee Rishtey Awards too is a great honour and we look to continue the same success in the coming years”.

With a star cast featuring renowned Bollywood actor Javed Sheikh and television stars Aryan Vaid, Garima Goel, Riyanka Chanda and Sachiin Kkhurana among others, ‘Khwaboon Ke Darmiyaan’ was shot across Dubai in a packed 45-day schedule.

“Just like ‘Parwaaz’, our first drama series, which was also well-appreciated by the audience, the storyline of ‘Khwaboon Ke Darmiyaan’ was well-researched to ensure that the audience could relate to it. The star cast and core production crew were handpicked to ensure that our product is a notch above what we usually see on television. We are glad that ‘Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan’ has shaped up well and it deserves all the accolades for the efforts put in by the team.” said Manoj Mathew, Chief Operating Officer for ZEE Middle East.

ZEE Middle East has always been at the forefront of creating path-breaking local content with a mix of fiction and non-fiction shows that include the weekly magazine show – ‘Zee Connect’, an inter-school talent show – ‘Rangoli Gulf’, a path-breaking singing reality show with no age or geographical boundaries – ‘Asia’s Singing Superstar’ and many other such engaging initiatives.

After the success of ‘Parwaaz’ in 2014, ‘Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan’, a finite series of 13 episodes of one hour each, airing every Saturday at 9:30pm (UAE time) was launched on Zee TV Middle East last December. The grand finale episode will air this coming Saturday, February 25^th. Going ahead, ZEE Middle East also plans to launch the series on Zee Alwan dubbed in Arabic.

==============================ENDS=================================

Note to Editors

About Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL):

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited is one of India’s leading television media and entertainment companies. It is amongst the largest producers and aggregators of Hindi programming in the world, with an extensive library housing over 222,000 hours of television content. With rights to more than 3,818 movie titles from foremost studios and of iconic film stars, ZEE houses the world’s largest Hindi film library. Through its strong presence worldwide, ZEE entertains over 1 billion viewers across 171 countries.

Pioneer of television entertainment industry in India, ZEE’s well-known brands include Zee TV, &TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Action, Zee Classic, &pictures, Zee Anmol, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Café, Zee Studio, Zee Salaam, Zing, Zee ETC Bollywood, Zindagi, Ten 1, Ten 2 and Ten 3. The company also has a strong offering in the regional language domain with channels such as Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, Zee Bangla, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Telugu, Zee Cinemalu, Zee Kannada, Zee Tamil and Sarthak TV. The company’s HD offerings include Zee TV HD, Zee Cinema HD, &TV HD, Zee Studio HD, Zee Café HD, &pictures HD, Zee Marathi HD, Zee Talkies HD, Zee Bangla HD, Ten 1 HD and Ten Golf HD.

ZEE and its affiliate companies have leading presence across the media value chain including television broadcasting, cable distribution, direct-to-home satellite services, digital media and print media amongst others. ZEEL also operates multiple digital offerings like dittoTV, OZEE, and india.com. More information about ZEE and its businesses is available on www.zeetelevision.com.

=============================================================================

Media Contact:

Jayshree Kumar / Arantxa Gonsalves

Corporate Brand – Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL)

Mobile: +91 9769286661 /9820336890

Email: jayshree.kumar@zee.esselgroup.com / arantxa.gonsalves@zee.esselgroup.com

Disclaimer: This e-mail and any documents, files, or previous e-mail messages appended or attached to it may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient (or have received this e-mail in error) please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail. Any unauthorized copying, disclosure or distribution of the material in this e-mail is strictly forbidden

Paris, 23 February 2017– Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) today announced that SRG SSR, Switzerland’s public TV and radio broadcaster, has confirmed its long-term commitment to the HOT BIRD neighbourhood with the multi-year renewal of one transponder that complements a second transponder already booked on a long-term basis.

SRG SSR occupies thetwo HOTBIRD transponders to broadcast seven channels (RTS Un, RTS Deux, SRF 1, SRF zwei, SRF info, RSI LA 1, RSI LA 2) exclusively in HD quality to Swiss homes beyond range of quality terrestrial reception and for Swiss citizens living abroad. The capacity is also used for Hbb TV services and 26 public service radio stations.

The upgrade to an all-HD satellite offer at the HOTBIRD neighbourhood was completed in February 2016 with a focus on delivering high signal quality.

About Eutelsat’s HOTBIRD neighbourhood

Eutelsat’s cluster of three high-power HOTBIRD satellites at 13° East deliver an unrivalled line-up of over 1,000 channels. The trend towards HD is accelerating, with a 25% increase in channels over the last 12 months, taking the total to over 250 and transforming HOTBIRD into a hub of exclusive pay-TV and free-to-air HD content. Over 135 million homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa watch channels broadcast by the HOTBIRD constellation through Direct-to-Home reception, cable, IP and DTT networks.

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 39 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies.

Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location.

Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.

For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com

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

Investors and analysts
Joanna Darlington Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 jdarlington@eutelsat.com
Cédric Pugni Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

Fastest growing basic entertainment channel in Asia expands OTT reach

Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, 21 February 2017

 

HITS, the basic entertainment channel that is in more than eight million homes across Asia, expands its reach arriving on Malaysia’s homegrown streaming service, tonton. This carriage deal sees HITS bringing its curation of the best Hollywood TV shows to tonton’s growing subscriber base.

tonton is Media Prima Television Networks-owned OTT platform’s offering of linear channels plus over 23,000 hours of catch-up and premium video content, which includes drama, talk shows, docudramas and movies. Reaching more than 6.6 million users, and uniquely positioned such that 80% of its offerings are local content, tonton continues to add over 18,000 new members weekly.

Starting 24 February, HITS will be the newest English-language, Bahasa Malay and Chinese-subtitled linear channel added to tonton’s VIP service.

Airin Zainul, Director of tonton & Intellectual Property, Licensing and Merchandising said, “we welcome the addition of HITS to our ever growing content offerings for tonton’s premium VIP membership which starts from just RM 3 (~USD 0.70). This is in line with our strategy in providing the best of local content and having the best shows from Hollywood for all Malaysians to enjoy.”

Owned and operated by multimedia branded entertainment company Rewind Networks, HITS’ multi-award winning series bring the greatest stories and famous characters back to those who recognise them and introduces a new generation of TV viewers to these iconic shows. Ratings successes in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines and other markets have proven that HITS’ curation of awesome shows such as That ‘70s Show, The Nanny, Golden Girls, Cheers, MacGyver, Diff’rent Strokes, AirWolf, The A-Team, The X-Files and Grey’s Anatomy, resonates with viewers in the region.

Avi Himatsingani, CEO of Rewind Networks, said, “We are happy that tonton’s VIP subscribers will now have 24×7 access to our hugely successful curated service that has viewers across the region loving us and wanting more.”

Currently, HITS’ other OTT offerings include its catch up on-demand service, HITS Replay, as well as streaming on the HITS app accessible via iOS and Android to authenticated pay-TV subscribers.

tonton is offering a free two-week preview of HITS from the time of launch.

-end-

 

About tonton

tonton is Malaysia’s 1^st and largest home grown video streaming service with over 6.6 million registered users and is experiencing a growth of over 18,000 registrants on a weekly basis.

Bringing things up a notch in April 2016, tonton was transformed into a hybrid video service alongside it’s brand new apps offering both FREE membership and the newly introduced premium service – coined tonton VIP.

Starting from just 3 ringgit, FREE members who upgrade to tonton VIP will unleash the true power of tonton – giving VIP members unrestricted access to a library full of over 23,000 hours of local and syndicated content, exclusive LIVE events in HD, video ad-free experience, download and watch later functionality, enjoy VIP perks at events and much more. Viewers who upgrade to the tonton VIP membership will also get to binge watch all exclusive content, dramas and more months before it premieres on TV.

In addition, tonton offers advertising opportunities to advertisers with unlimited possibilities for their brands to reach both FREE and tonton VIP users.

With the brand new service, our vision is to be the country’s #1 localised video service, a must have for every Malaysian and Malaysian home.

Download the tonton app from the App Store & Google Play today or visit www.tonton.com.my

 

About Rewind Networks

Rewind Networks Pte. Ltd., Incorporated and Headquartered in Singapore, is a Multimedia Branded Entertainment Company dedicated to providing the Best in Class content to audiences across the Asia Pacific region.

HITS is Rewind Networks’ maiden venture launched as a linear 24×7 pan-regional Pay-TV channel service that debuted in Singapore on StarHub at the end of 2013. In the following year, HITS launched in the Philippines (SKYcable), Indonesia (Indovision) and Malaysia (Astro) followed by further expansions in 2015 including Singtel in Singapore, nowTV and LeEco in Hong Kong, CTH in Thailand, CNS and dmg in Taiwan. In 2016 the channel launched on KRISTAL Astro in Brunei and expanded its footprint in the Philippines with the launch on Cignal. HITS distribution is now over 8 million homes and will continue to have progressive roll-outs in other South East Asia markets as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan. HITS’ award-winning line-up of shows is the result of exclusive multi-year licensing deals with some of the leading studios including Warner Bros. International Television Distribution, Disney Media Distribution, CBS Studios International, NBC Universal Television, Sony Pictures Television, 20th Century Fox Television Distribution Fremantle Media and Carsey-Werner. HITS Replay and the HITS app are the ancillary catch up on demand services for authenticated subscribers. The HITS app is available for iOS and Android devices.

HITS is broadcast as a single regional feed from Encompass Digital Asia facilities in Singapore and is available as an encrypted service on Intelsat 19. To get HITS contact your local pay tv operator. To know more log on to www.hitstv.com

To know more log on to www.hitstv.com

For media-related enquiries, please contact:

 

Nawar Deress

Manager, tonton
e: nawar@tonton.com.my

t: +60 3 7726 6333

 

Yvonne Phoo

Manager, Marketing & Digital Media

Rewind Networks

e: Yvonne@rewindnetworks.com

t: +65 6635 3988

Announced at Showcase 2017, BBC Worldwide has concluded a TV sales deal with the Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company (JTBC), owned by JoongAng Media Network (JMnet), one of South Korea’s largest media conglomerates.

The deal includes over 500 hours of BBC’s premium natural history, science and documentary content which will now be available on one of the country’s newest cable TV platforms.Through the partnership, JTBC subscribers will now have access to:

• The Hunt – from the executive producers of Blue Planet and Planet Earth, The Hunt narrated by Sir David Attenborough explores the relationship between predators and their prey
• Wild Japan explores the vast range of landscapes in the highly industrialised Each episode details the drama of humans interacting with a nature that spans savage winters and sultry summers
• Atlantic: Wildest Ocean –travels to uncover the mysteries of the Atlantic ocean from its darkest depths to its coastline and islands
• Wild Patagonia – reveals Patagonia’s surprising wildlife and its lawless, powerful and demanding landscape
• Big Blue Live – Presented by Steve Backshall, Matt Baker, Liz Bonnin and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. The series celebrates  the success of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Soojin Chung, General Manager, North East Asia for BBC Worldwide, commented on the deal: “We are very excited that BBC’s natural history and factual content has been a hit with JTBC’s viewers. Our relationship with JTBC started in 2012 with just one natural history title. The continued demand for BBC’s premium documentaries is an indication of its appeal to viewers. With this new deal, we hope to be able to deliver more premium quality, inspiring content to fans across South Korea.”

Su-young Lee, Head of Programming, JTBC, said: “BBC’s factual programmes have become increasingly popular on the channel. We are very glad to partner with BBC Worldwide to deliver the quality of factual programmes that our viewers demand. I look forward to working with BBC Worldwide to develop more exciting opportunities for our fans in Korea.”

BBC’s factual programmes are now available on JTBC viewers’ set top boxes as well as online at onair.jtbc.joins.com subtitled in Korean.

BBC Worldwide Showcase 2017, the world’s largest TV sales market to be hosted by a single distributor, takes place at the ACC in Liverpool from 19^th to 22^nd February. Now in it is 41^st year, the four-day event has now become a firm fixture in the diary of over 700 of the world’s top TV buyers, award-winning producers and on-screen talent.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:

Jeanne Leong

BBC Worldwide

Tel: +65 6849 5292

Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

Jessie Lim

BBC Worldwide

Tel: +65 6849 5295

Email: Jessie.Lim@bbc.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

 About Showcase

• BBC Worldwide sells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
• BBC Worldwide is the biggest distributor of TV content outside of the US studios
• BBC Worldwide Showcase is the world’s largest international TV market to be hosted by a single distributor
• Over 700 of the world’s biggest TV buyers attend BBC Worldwide Showcase now in its 41st year
• With 600 digi booths available at Showcase, buyers collectively screen over 3000 hours of content during the three days
• There will be premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, comedy, science, history, documentaries, formats and factual entertainment

 About BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved 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 champions British creativity globally.

In 2015/16 BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £133.8m and headline sales of £1,029.4m and returned £222.2m to the BBC.

For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review webpage: bbcworldwide.com/annual-review/.

 

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