Celestial Movies Launches on SK Broadband

HONG KONG (October 11, 2016) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today the launch of its flagship Chinese movie channel, Celestial Movies, on SK Broadband – a major pay TV platform in South Korea with over 3.8 million subscribers.  The channel is now available on SK Broadband’s linear service “B tv” as well as Over-The-Top (OTT) services “B tv plus” and “oksusu”.  The deal marks CTE’s first foray into South Korea.

“We are very excited to team up with SK Broadband for our entry into the South Korean market. SK Broadband’s B tv subscribers can now enjoy iconic Chinese blockbusters featuring their favorite Chinese stars localized with Korean subtitles on Celestial Movies. This launch in South Korea is a very important milestone for Celestial Tiger Entertainment as this marks the 16^th country for our network footprint,” said Todd Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.

Celestial Movies will be fully localized with Korean subtitles.  The channel will offer Chinese blockbusters and iconic films covering a diverse range of genres and featuring superstars like Jet Li, Chow Yun Fat, Stephen Chow and Nicolas Tse.  Celestial Movies also airs special programming each month centered around themes such as tribute to stars, special holidays and particular genres. Beyond movies, the channel also presents interviews with renowned Chinese stars and directors.

Celestial Movies is CTE’s flagship Chinese movie channel in Asia.  In Malaysia, Celestial Movies, Celestial Movies HD and Celestial Classic Movies continued to dominate the Chinese demographic as the top three most-watched regional movie channels among Astro Chinese 4+ audiences in the first six months of 2016*.  In Indonesia, Celestial Movies remained among the top four regional movie channels including Hollywood services**.

Celestial Movies can be found on Channel 88 on SK Broadband, and is carried on the platform’s B tv Prime Pack.

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* Source: Kantar Media, DTAM Malaysia. Jan-Jun 2016; all time; live and consolidated viewing data (as of 19 July, 2016); ranked by average audience on an individual channel basis. Astro Chinese 4+; across regional movie channels (incl. Celestial, Celestial HD, Celestial Classic, Cinemax, Fox Action HD, Fox Family HD, Fox Movies, Fox Movies HD, HBO, HBO HD, Sundance HD, TVB Classic Movies).

**Source: Nielsen, Indonesia Pay TV (Greater Jakarta) Pay TV 20+; Jan-Jun 2016, ranked by average audience, across regional movie channels (AMC, CM, Cinemax, Fox Family Movies, FMP, HBO, HBO Family, HBO Hits & HBO Signature).

Media Contact:

Pauline Poon

Celestial Tiger Entertainment

T: 852 2239 6131

E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a leading independent media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company creates and distributes branded pay television channels and services targeted at Asian consumers.
CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television services including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the premier 24-hour first-run Chinese movie channel in Asia and beyond; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; CELESTIAL MOVIES PINOY, the Chinese movie channel that is programmed, dubbed and promoted specifically to Filipino viewers; cHK, the Chinese entertainment channel offering the latest Hong Kong and other Asian blockbuster movies, alongside highly-anticipated Chinese dramas and series; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; KIX 360, the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for KIX; MIAO MI, the Mandarin “Edutainment” channel created for preschool kids across Asia; THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel; and THRILL 360, the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for THRILL.  All of CTE’s channel brands are available as linear, on-demand and over-the-top services.  CTE also produces original production for its bouquet of channels.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE’s majority shareholders are Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a diversified Asian entertainment company owned by Astro Overseas Limited; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

For more information, please visit www.celestialtiger.com.

Samir has been with BBC Arabic since 1996 as a programme maker, presenter and editor. Most recently he has led the programmes department, which has pioneered new formats and produced ground breaking documentaries including Syrian Journey, Broadcasting Hate and Slaves of the Caliphate.

Samir said: “It is a huge honour to be the new Head of BBC Arabic. It is also a huge responsibility. I will work with some of the most talented journalists in the world to continue delivering to our audiences the most impartial news, analysis and ground breaking programmes.”

As presenter, Samir has also launched and presented some of BBC Arabic’s best known programmes, including the flagship interactive debate programme Nuqtat Hewar.

He takes up the new role on 10 October.

Key Facts about BBC Arabic

• BBC Arabic is a multimedia service, available on TV, radio, online and via mobile handheld devices, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
• BBC Arabic has a weekly audience of 37m.
• BBC Arabic radio was established in 1938, the website bbcarabic.com – in 1998, and TV – in 2008.
• BBC Arabic, as part of World Service Group (29 Languages), is currently funded by TV Licence payers in the UK.
• BBC Arabic covers political, social and cultural issues that matter to its diverse audiences in the Middle East, North Africa and across the world.
• BBC Arabic provides impartial, balanced and accurate news and information that matters to its diverse audiences.
• BBC Arabic is both the largest and the first of the BBC’s non-English language services.
• BBC Arabic has its own correspondents in key locations in the region and around the world. While programmes are produced from studios in London and Cairo, the BBC’s vast network of correspondents is an added-value to its coverage of the Middle East and world events.

Timing ideal to cater for the unprecedented interest in the US Election

SYDNEY, October 5, 2016 – Fetch TV today announced the launch of CNN International, which will be available this week to Entertainment Pack subscribers at no additional cost.

CNN international is the number one international TV news channel across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region and Latin America. The brand reaches more than 425 million households around the globe, including more than 77 million across Asia Pacific.

CNN International carries news, current affairs, politics, sports, opinions, features and business programming worldwide.

“The timing couldn’t be better for the launch of CNN International. Fetch TV subscribers now have access to unparalleled, round-the-clock coverage of this historic US presidential race, which culminates in the election on November 8,” said Robi Stanton, General Manager of Turner Australia, which operates CNN International locally.

Fetch TV now offers unmatched access to international news with 10 leading English language news channels; CNN, BBC World News, CNBC, Bloomberg, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, EuroNews, France 24, CCTV4 (China), and NDTV (India).  Fetch TV also offers several foreign language news channels.

Scott Lorson, CEO, Fetch TV, said: “We’re delighted to add a channel the calibre of CNN International to our Entertainment Pack. This is the third channel we have launched this year, joining Comedy Central (April) and Spike (June), with more to come.  We are also thrilled to add Turner to our growing list of Tier 1 channel partners, which now includes; Turner, BBC, NBCU, Viacom, Nickelodeon, Fox International Channels, Disney, ESPN and Scripps.”

Fetch TV is available via ISPs including Optus, iiNet and Dodo, and leading retailers Harvey Norman and JB-HiFi.

-Ends-

About CNN International

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms reaching more than 425 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region and Latin America and has a US presence which includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. Over the years CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. CNN has 41 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is part of Turner, a Time Warner company.

About Fetch TV

Fetch TV partners with leading internet service providers Optus, the iiNet Group, and M2 along with leading retailers Harvey Norman and JB Hi Fi to provide subscribers with an entertainment service delivered to the TV over a broadband connection to a set top box. In addition to a 1 terabyte personal video recorder for recording TV, the content line up includes an in-home movie store with over 6,000 titles including the latest new releases to buy or rent, a TV store with leading TV shows to purchase, leading SVOD services Netflix, Stan and Presto, and free to air Catch-Up TV services plus the option to add subscription entertainment channels from major content providers. Visit fetchtv.com.au for more information.

For further information, please contact:

Sue Brenchley

Fetch TV

0404 811 140

Sue@fetchtv.com.au

James Moore

Turner Asia Pacific

James.Moore@turner.com

New Reality Series Follows the Adventure of Four “Bros” in Hong Kong

Hong Kong (October 3, 2016) – KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment in Asia, announced today the cast of its new reality series The Ultimate BROcation. Joining the all-expenses paid vacation tailor-made for “bros” are Filipino-American singer, dancer and actor Billy Crawford; popular Thai TV and radio host DJ PK (Piyawat Kempetch); award-winning Malaysian songwriter, producer and rapper SonaOne; and Singaporean maverick chef and restaurateur Bjorn Shen.  Together, this band of “bros” will get to experience Hong Kong as the ultimate guy’s playground and enjoy an exhilarating adventure in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Principal photography on the reality series, produced by Celestial Tiger Entertainment and Endemol Shine Group (MasterChef, Big Brother), has already begun in Hong Kong.

The Ultimate BROcation is a five-episode reality series following the adventures of four male celebrities as they revel in the best experiences in Hong Kong, a vacation of every guy’s fantasy in the city.  The show will be filled with exhilarating activities, lip-smacking good food, parties, beautiful new friends, cool gadgets and some solid male-bonding. The four guys may start off as strangers but will end up as “bros” after experiencing the “brocation” of a lifetime.  Joining the four bros in a cameo appearance is Hong Kong martial arts star Philip Ng.  Most recently seen on the hit TV drama A Fist Within Four Walls and the martial arts epic Once Upon A Time In Shanghai, Philip will show the bros his city and act as a local insider for their “brocation”.

Each of the four “bros” was selected for their distinct personalities and appetite for adventure.   Billy Crawford, from the Philippines, is a born entertainer who balances hard work with his charm and great sense of humour.  He has released 5 albums and 16 singles across numerous countries, including the UK and France, and has won the “International Male Artist of the Year” Award in France; DJ PK is a two-time winner of the prestigious Mekhala Award for “Best TV Host” and is a recognized face in his home country of Thailand.  DJ PK epitomes living “the high life”; he loves fast cars, fine wine, beautiful women, and he brings a dramatic flair to the show with his big personality.

SonaOne has made history with unprecedented back-to-back wins at Malaysia’s two most prestigious music awards in 2014. This hip-hop artist loves traveling and finds inspiration in everything that he goes through in life, fuelled by his passion for music and graffiti art; Bjorn Shen is a resident chef columnist for Time Out Singapore. he is known as a local pioneer of “dude-food” and creator of #dudestronomy. Named Chef of the Year by SC Global in 2013, Shen believes that new experiences make him a better chef.

The Ultimate BROcation is supported by Hong Kong Tourism Board, and sponsors Cathay Pacific and the Harbour Grand Hong Kong.  The show will air first and exclusively on KIX. KIX is now carried on 22 pay TV platforms across Asia.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Pauline Poon

Celestial Tiger Entertainment

Public Relations Manager

T: 852 2239 6131

E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a leading independent media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company creates and distributes branded pay television channels and services targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television services including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the premier 24-hour first-run Chinese movie channel in Asia and beyond; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; CELESTIAL MOVIES PINOY, the Chinese movie channel that is programmed, dubbed and promoted specifically to Filipino viewers; cHK, the Chinese entertainment channel offering the latest Hong Kong and other Asian blockbuster movies, alongside highly-anticipated Chinese dramas and series; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; KIX 360, the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for KIX; MIAO MI, the Mandarin “Edutainment” channel created for preschool kids across Asia; THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel; and THRILL 360, the dedicated Over-The-Top (OTT) linear feed for THRILL.  All of CTE’s channel brands are available as linear, on-demand and over-the-top services.  CTE also produces original production for its bouquet of channels.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE’s majority shareholders are Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a diversified Asian entertainment company owned by Astro Overseas Limited; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

For more information, please visit www.celestialtiger.com.

About Endemol Shine Group

Endemol Shine Group is a global production powerhouse creating world class content for all platforms.  As a producer and distributor, Endemol Shine Group works on a unique local and global axis, comprised of 120 companies across more than 30 markets dedicated to creating content that enthralls and inspires.

In 2015, the company’s travelling formats originated from eleven different countries across the Group with global hits including Masterchef, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, The Money Drop, Your Face Sounds Familiar, The Brain, Hunted and The Island. Endemol Shine Group’s drama portfolio is similarly international and diverse, with acclaimed worldwide hits such as Humans, Bron, Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Kingdom, Grantchester, The Fall, Intersection, Spring Tide, Penoza and Broadchurch.  The Group’s award-winning digital production and distribution studio Endemol Shine Beyond helps advertisers and brands to engage millennial audiences around the world through popular online content and channels including eSports format Legends of Gaming and lifestyle brand ICON, each with local adaptations in multiple markets.

In 2015, Endemol Shine Group produced a total of 733 productions in over 50 languages airing on 256 channels around the world.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and to enhance visitors’ experience once they arrive. For more information, please visit DiscoverHongKong.com.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 02, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Popular reality show Dance Singapore Dance is set to return for its second season on October 2, 2016, to be aired on Zee Television Asia Pacific (Zee TV APAC). A localised version of the popular Dance India Dance (DID) series, Dance Singapore Dance brings together aspiring dancers from different backgrounds and cultures from across Singapore with an open category dance competition that aims to provide a platform for both amateur and experienced dancers to showcase their talent.

Commenting on Zee TV APAC’s decision to renew the show for a second season, Mukund, CEO Middle East and Asia Pacific at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited said, “Following the highly successful debut season, we’re excited to present a bigger, better and more entertaining Season 2 of Dance Singapore Dance. Now that the auditions are complete, the top 12 contestants have been shortlisted and divided into two groups, each of which will train under the guidance of their mentors to win the title of Singapore’s best dancing star. We believe that the show will give a new dimension to the weekend television viewing experience.”

Format of the show

After the audition process, the shortlisted top 12 finalists will compete with one another through various rounds to win the title of “Singapore’s Best Dancing Star”. The winner will take home SGD 15,000 (USD 11,000), while the first and second runners-up will also be awarded cash prizes. In addition, the best performer each week will be awarded the “Performance of the Week” trophy

The 12 contestants will be split into two teams — Shyam’s Supersonics, mentored by Dance India Dance Season 4 and Boogie Woogie winner Shyam Yadav, and Sahil’s Stompers, mentored by famous Indian dancer Sahil Adanaya.

About the judges

In Season 2, Dance Singapore Dance has roped in Mudassar Khan, Bollywood ace choreographer of Dabangg fame, and the popular classical and contemporary dancer Sreedevy Sivarajasingam. They will be joined each week by a guest judge, who will be a renowned personality from Singapore’s lively performing arts scene. Some of the names include Zaini Tahir, Najip Ali, Haslinda Ali and Daisy Irani.

When to tune in

Season 2 will be co-hosted by Emcee KP, who presented Season 1, and Sehar Rida Hashmi, one of the inaugural series’ most popular contestants. The competition is divided into 11 weekly episodes which will be aired from Oct 2 every Sunday at 8pm, with two repeat telecasts on Wednesday at 5pm and Saturday at 8pm on Zee TV APAC.

For more information about the show visit http://apac.zeetv.com/shows/dance-singapore-dance-2/

“With season 2, we continue our commitment to discover Singapore’s best dancing star,” said Tripta Singh, Senior Vice President International Business, Zee TV. “This year is all about #dancetoimpress. Dancers on the show come from different backgrounds and cultures, and showcase different genres, from Bollywood to contemporary to classical dance.”

“We’re also proud to welcome StarHub as the presenting sponsor for Dance Singapore Dance for the second consecutive year, further strengthening our relationship.” she added.

Ms Wang Li-Na, Head, Product & Marketing, StarHub, enthused, “Come October, one of the biggest dance reality shows will once again enliven viewing screens in Singapore. We are thrilled to showcase season 2 of Dance Singapore Dance (DSD) on StarHub TV. As a homegrown company, StarHub has always been supportive of nurturing local talents. Therefore, we are pleased that one of the contestants from the inaugural season has been selected to be the co-host in the upcoming season. That is a huge accomplishment and shows that DSD is a great platform for youths to shine and showcase their other talents, apart from dancing. We look forward to discovering a new batch of fresh talents in season 2!”

About Zee Television Asia Pacific

Launched in June 2004, Zee TV APAC is the Asia Pacific feed of the Flagship channel – Zee TV (India). Now available in 18 countries, Zee TV APAC showcases Indian content with English subtitles and airs all the programs with just one-day lag from India. Being a pioneer in the industry, Zee TV is also the first Indian channel to produce local shows like Dance Singapore Dance and Make It Snappy in Singapore and Dulha Dulhan Destination and Bangkok Buzz in Bangkok. The channel showcases a variety of genres for all audience segments including prime time drama series, comedy, reality shows and children’s programs. http://www.apac.zeetv.com/

Contact:

Mansi Chopra
mansi.chopra@zee.esselgroup.com
+65 81432262

 

HITS, a celebration of the Best TV series, will be available nationwide in HD for the first time in the Philippines through Cignal TV

Singapore/Manila, 28 September 2016

Cignal and Rewind Networks announced the launch of HITS HD (Cignal Channel 120) on Cignal Postpaid Plan 290 and up, and Cignal Prepaid HD Load 300 and up. HITS will go live at midnight Monday, October 10th, 2016.

“Cignal is committed to providing only the best to our subscribers and HITS HD delivers on that promise,” said Jane J. Basas, President of Cignal. “the Filipino audiences who grew up watching some of their favourite shows, will definitely be excited to watch series like ‘MacGyver’ and ‘The Nanny’ again.”

“This deal signals another awesome and proud milestone for us,” said Mr. Avi Himatsinghani, CEO of Rewind Networks. “HITS is a one of a kind service in the market with its celebration of the very best in TV content ever created, all in one place. We are delighted to expand our footprint in the Philippines with this partnership. Cignal subscribers will have a chance to watch our curation of some of the finest TV content for the first time in HD quality.”

Vitto Lazatin, Cignal VP – Content Acquisition, Management & Strategy, states that, “HITS is unique and will bring back some great viewing experiences where everyone in the family can watch together and laugh along with series such as ‘Seinfeld,’ ‘TAXI’ and ‘The Wonder Years’.”

Ms. Sandie Lee, VP & Channel Head of Rewind Networks commented: “HITS provides familiar faces and really strong storylines in all our multi-award winning series. It’s really the “comfort food of television” for our Asian audience. Our simple schedule makes HITS very easy to watch as fans can catch their favourite shows at the same time every weekday, which is how most local channels are programmed today”.

HITS’ multi-award winning series bring the greatest stories and famous characters back to those who recognize them and introduces a new generation of TV viewers to these iconic shows. Ratings successes in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia and other markets have proven that HITS’ curation of awesome shows such as The X-Files, Grey’s Anatomy, Cheers and The Golden Girls resonates with viewers in the region. HITS’ launch on Cignal coincides with the premiere of popular comedy series ‘That ‘70s Show,’ which launched the careers of A-list stars Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace.

Catch these iconic shows on HITS, available in HD on Cignal TV, Channel 120.

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About Cignal

Cignal TV was launched in 2009 and is currently the Philippines’ leading Pay TV provider. It transmits 115 channels including free-to-air, SD and HD channels to 1.48M household and commercial venues nationwide. Cignal is owned by Cignal TV, a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings, the media partner of PLDT Group.

To know more about Cignal, log on to www.cignal.tv, or check its social media pages:

Facebook.com/cignaltv

Twitter.com/cignaltv

Instagram.com/cignal.tv

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 now expands 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 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

For media-related enquiries, please contact:

Sasha Mukerjea

Marketing Executive

Rewind Networks

e: sasha@rewindnetworks.com

t: +65 6635 3988

Ian Francis A. Velasco

Content Marketing

Cignal

e: IAVelasco@cignaltv.com.ph

t: +63 26893100

Acquires UAE’s first and leading Radio Station, Hum 106.2 FM

Dubai, UAE / Mumbai, India, September 29, 2016: India’s leading content conglomerate, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) today reached another major milestone by announcing its foray into Radio with the acquisition of UAE’s first and leading Radio station, Hum 106.2 FM. ZEE now becomes the only entertainment network in the region to provide an extensive media solution to its partners through Television, Radio and Digital.

After being a pioneer with the launch of India’s first Hindi Satellite channel, Zee TV in 1992, Zee Entertainment was the first to launch a Bollywood TV channel, Zee Aflam in 2008 for the Arab audience as well introduce the Arab world to Hindi programs dubbed in Arabic with Zee Alwan in 2012.

Speaking on this significant acquisition, Amit Goenka, CEO – International Broadcast Business, ZEEL said, “In our journey of over two decades, ZEE has always led the industry in its evolution and transformation. At ZEE, we are always looking at strategic acquisitions across the globe to increase our footprint and market share in the entertainment industry. Radio has been an area of interest for ZEE for quite some time and after extensive planning and studying of the brand values, ratings and revenue generated by various stations, we felt that an investment in Hum FM was the best option. Hum FM has a legacy of almost two decades and with a current market share of 26%, it is the top Hindi radio station in the UAE. ZEE is confident that it can leverage its very strong South-Asian brand connect onto Radio, and offer a synergy of Television, Radio and Digital that could revolutionize the entertainment industry in the UAE.”

“We are excited about our new business ventures. Radio comes immediately after our foray into film production and distribution where movies like ‘Rustom’ and ‘The Flying Jatt’ have done extremely well globally and specifically in the UAE and Middle East markets. The acquisition of Hum FM in UAE is a step in that direction and we are upbeat about its prospect in the coming years;” Amit further added.

Commenting on ZEE’s plans for the region, Mukund Cairae, CEO – MENA and APAC, ZEEL said, “This move is a diversification to our entertainment business portfolio, adding to the numero uno position we possess in Television among South Asians in the Middle East. This investment also shows our commitment to the region and its business landscape. Now we can offer media across Television, Radio and Digital platforms, leading to a great synergy between content and mediums. With an extensive library of music content that includes singing reality shows like ‘The Voice India’, ‘SaReGaMaPa’, ‘Antakshari’ and ‘Asia’s Singing Superstar’ which have produced great singers in Bollywood, an on-going relationship with the big names in the industry and with one of the biggest music labels in Bollywood, Zee Music Company as a part of its portfolio, the new venture has all the ingredients needed to redefine the Radio industry in this market.”

His Excellency Ali Jasim Ahmed, General Manager of Umm Al Quwain Broadcasting Network (UBN) said, “We are proud to partner with Zee Entertainment, the leading global company in the media industry with a strong presence in the UAE and across the Middle East. Zee Entertainment will provide new content and concepts in the world of entertainment and marketing, and will provide the station the required media expertise of a highly effective and competitive value. Further, we will give all the facilities and backing for ZEE to achieve its strategic station goals and we will work together to support the qualitative superiority of the programs in order to meet the wishes and aspirations of the esteemed listeners.”

106.2 Hum FM was previously owned and operated by Shamal Media Services. The station is a frequency originating from the emirate of Umm Al Quwain and forms a part of Umm Al Quwain Broadcasting Network (UBN). The frequency was one of the first Hindi and Urdu language frequencies to hit the UAE airwaves in the 1990’s. It redefined drive time and boasted of many celebrity Radio Jockeys. It also went on to popularize live cricket commentary on radio and has a lot of pioneering firsts in the radio business.

Shahid Jamal, Founder & MD, Shamal Media Services said, “Hum FM pioneered FM Radio in UAE and over the years, we have made it the No. 1 Radio Station. It is now a great opportunity for us to hand over our successful radio legacy to a media network that has been a pioneer of South Asian entertainment globally and in the region. Zee Entertainment, who themselves have had a great legacy in the media business will only take the success of Hum FM to the next level.”

New and strategic investments in media and related businesses have always been at the forefront of ZEE’s business strategy. The addition of UAE’s first Hindi Radio station to its bouquet of TV channels makes Zee Entertainment one of the strongest players in the UAE’s entertainment space. More announcements are expected in the coming weeks on the future channel programming and its positioning.

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Notes 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 the 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 Cafe, Zee Studio, Zee Salaam, Zing, Z ETC Bollywood, Zee Q, 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, 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 / +91 9820336890

Landline: +91-22-7106 1367 / 7108 5464

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