(Dec 19, 2013)Japanese press reports have identified Katsuto Momii as the next president of public broadcaster NHK. Momii was a senior executive a conglomerate Mitsui & Co

Read more at Advanced Television

(Dec 19, 2013) ARRIS Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARRS) today announced that its Merchandiser content marketing solution is fully integrated with leading content recommendation platforms: ThinkAnalytics, Digitalsmiths, and other leading recommenders. These key integrations give service providers and content programmers a one-stop solution for marketing their entire catalog of content while utilizing their recommendation platform of choice.

Read more at IT News Online

Fans to judge and vote for their favourite regional athletes in this first-of-its-kind honour

(19 December 2013, Singapore) – FOX Sports announced the launch of its inaugural FOX Sports Asian Sporting Icon Award (A.S.I.A) today, aimed at recognising the contributions and achievements of Asian athletes in their respective sports. 16 Asian athletes have been shortlisted by a panel of sports editorial and news team from FOX Sports, and fans has the chance to vote for their favourite athlete.

Leveraging on its strong foothold in the Asian markets, FOX Sports seeks to create an enhanced experience for their viewers in Asia with this socially engaging campaign. As one of Asia’s leading pay-TV sports channel that delivers compelling LIVE as well as premium sports content, FOX Sports adopts the audience-first approach to increase fan engagement and enhance their channel watching experience.

“The FOX Sports Asian Sporting Icon Award offers fans of FOX Sports an opportunity to be an integral part of our channel, while uniting sports lovers at the same time,” said Rohit D’Silva, Senior Vice President, Content & Communications (Sports), FOX International Channels (FIC) Asia.

The list of 16 shortlisted athletes comprise of top players in the various sporting fields is as follows;

• Nicol David (Malaysia) – Squash
• Jeremy Lin (Taiwan) – Basketball
• Sachin Tendulkar (India) – Cricket
• Koji Uehara (Japan) – Baseball
• Chen Long (China) – Badminton
• Hendra Setiawan Mohd Ahsan (Indonesia) – Badminton
• Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) – Badminton
• Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) – Badminton
• Guan Tianlang (China) – Golf
• Park InBee (South Korea) – Golf
• Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand) – Golf
• Manny Pacquiao (Philippines) – Boxing
• Shinji Kagawa (Japan) – Football
• Kim Bo-Kyung (South Korea) – Football
• Li Na (China) – Tennis
• Kei Nishikori (Japan) – Tennis

More information on the shortlisted athletes is available in the attached appendix.

All the 16 athletes will match-up against one another in groups of four. After each match, the top two athletes from each group will move to the next round. This elimination process goes on until the last four athletes are left standing in a final match. The Asian Sporting Icon Award will be awarded to the athlete with the highest number of votes.

Fans who take part in the contest stand to win prizes valued at SGD$10,000 including 18 Nike+ Sportswatch GPS, 4 iPad Minis, and a grand prize of a trip for two to the French Open 2014 at Paris, France.

The FOX Sports Asian Sporting Icon Award starts on Monday, 16 December 2013 and ends on Sunday, 12 January 2014. Fans can vote for their favourite athletes and win prizes at www.foxsportsasia.com/ASIA .

-END-
This press release has been issued on behalf of FOX International Channels Strategic Public Relations Group. For further information, please contact:

FOX International Channels
Paul Tan Assistant Director, Marketing +65 6216 6010
paul.tan@fox.com

Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG)
Deborah Dayani Nanayakara
+65 6325 8275 / +65 9758 4071
deborah.dayani@sprg.com.sg

Nicole Su
+65 6325 8267 / +65 9297 4611
nicole.su@sprg.com.sg

About FOX International Channels (FIC)
FOX International Channels (FIC) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports, movie and lifestyle channels across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, in 48 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1.6 billion cumulative households worldwide.

In Asia, FIC operates or distributes 30+ channel brands, including the FOX, STAR and National Geographic brands, with over 100 feeds across 14 markets. As the leading pay-TV network in the region, we reach more than 550 million cumulative subscribers across Asia Pacific and the Middle East with offices in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia, New Zealand and the UAE. For more information, please visit www.foxinternationalchannels.com.

About FOX Sports
FIC Sports networks includes FOX Sports, the channel that delivers some of the most compelling LIVE sport events from around the world, including the flagship sports news show FOX Sports Central; STAR Sports, which features a wide variety of premium sports content; FOX Sports Plus (HD), the high-definition 24-hour sports channel; FOX Sports News the first 24/7 sports news channel; STAR Cricket, the comprehensive cricket channel; STAR Cricket HD, the High Definition comprehensive cricket channel; FOX Sports Play, the broadband network providing LIVE and on-demand sports properties and additional exclusive content; FOX Sports Mobile, the mobile application that allows fans to access on-demand, premium world-class mobile sports content and www.foxsportsasia.com, the online destination for comprehensive sports content, also in local languages in Bahasa Malaysia (www.foxsports.my), Bahasa Indonesia (www.foxsports.co.id) and Mandarin (www.foxsports.com.tw)

The Record Breaking Series on HISTORY Will Be Gearing Up For Its Third Season In The New Year

(19 December 2013 – Singapore) – In time for the holidays, HISTORY’s top-rating hit series Duck Dynasty returns with a special Christmas episode this December and the premiere of its much-awaited third season in 2014, bringing back America’s favorite backwoods family, the Robertsons, as they go through the ins and outs of managing their multimillion-dollar duck call business.

The Christmas special, I’m Dreaming of a Redneck Christmas, airing on December 19 at 10pm, sees Willie taking his turn at playing Santa, Uncle Si crashing the party, and the family coming together at Phil’s place to ‘deck the halls’ in redneck fashion.

Duck Dynasty has made waves in the US, shattering network records with its third season debut reaching a whopping 8.6 million total viewers on its first episode. The season four telecast also broke cable records with 11.8 million viewers tuning in on the first episode, making the show the number one nonfiction series in cable history.

The much-anticipated third season of Duck Dynasty premieres across Asia on January 9, Thursday, 10pm. Gear up for an exciting season opener with back-to-back episodes that have the family going on the traditional camp-out the night before duck season and an unforgettable adventure to find Jesse’s misplaced wedding ring, just several among many other hilarious moments in the series.

HISTORY brings other Christmas specials to you this season, from December 20 to 25, from 10PM, including special Christmas episodes of Pawn Stars and Kings of Restoration, The Story of Jesus and the Pope From The End Of The World and more.

Other key shows to lookout for in the first quarter of 2014 include a new season of Vikings and Hidden Cities Extreme.

HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are available on StarHub Cable TV Ch 401.

About HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™
HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destinations for entertaining hit series and revealing, award-winning event specials that connect history with viewers in an informative, immersive and fascinating manner across multiple platforms. 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. Hit series include Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars, Ancient Aliens, Duck Dynasty, Vikings, Counting Cars, Hidden Cities Extreme and Ride N’ Seek. For more information, please visit:
Homepage: www.HistoryAsia.com
Twitter: @HistoryAsia
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HistoryAsiaTV

For Press Enquiries:

A+E Networks Asia
Hazel Yap
+65 3157 6510
hazel.yap@aenetworks.com

Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG)
Deborah Dayani Nanayakara
+65 6325 8275
+65 9758 4071
deborah.dayani@sprg.com.sg

Regina Yeo
+65 6325 8232
+65 9661 9486
regina.yeo@sprg.com.sg

Nicole Su
+65 6325 8267
+65 9297 4611
nicole.su@sprg.com.sg

(Dec 18, 2013) Viacom hopes to lift ratings and revenue at MTV Asia, by ramping up original content and local appeal through in-market partners. MTV, Viacom’s iconic youth and music brand, has faced a challenging environment as a pay-TV channel in some markets, especially in Southeast Asia.

Central to the new strategy is a local partner to identify relevant youth content.

Read more at Asia Media Journal

The deal marks BBC Worldwide’s first format sale in the country

Singapore, 18 December 2013 – BBC Worldwide has announced that hit entertainment TV format Dancing with the Stars has been licensed to Cambodian Broadcasting Service Co,Ltd (CBS). The series will air on CTN, Cambodia’s most watched terrestrial channel.

The announcement marks the debut of Dancing with the Stars in Cambodia. It is also BBC Worldwide’s first format sale in the country.

One of BBC Worldwide’s most popular global brands, Dancing with the Stars has been icensed in 49 countries, and a version of the show has been seen in over 75 countries, with over 220 series to date. Local versions of Dancing with the Stars air in countries as diverse as Lebanon, India and Russia. The brand has also extended into live events, gaming and digital properties. In Asia, the format has been sold in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, South Korea and two versions in India. In India, the sixth and latest season of the Hindi version, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa achieved its best audience figures to date for Colors. The grand finale pushed the show to the top of weekend programming nearly doubling the ratings from 2012.

“Cambodia is an important market in the growth of our business in Asia,” said Mark Whitehead, SVP & GM South East Asia and Channels Lead, BBC Worldwide, Asia. “Earlier this year, we launched BBC World News, BBC Lifestyle and BBC Knowledge in the country. With this new deal, we hope to introduce Cambodian viewers to more quality content from the BBC. Dancing with the Stars has been a huge global success and we are confident that the local format will take on the same reception with the viewers there.”

“We are extremely excited to be able to work with BBC Worldwide on Dancing with the Stars. Being able to adopt this internationally successful BBC format reinforces our strength and capabilities as a network. We hope that this is just the start of a fruitful long-term relationship with BBC Worldwide,” said Mr Bernard Anthony, General Manager of Cambodian Broadcasting Service Co, Ltd.

CBS will take on the production of the show. The series is set to premiere in mid 2014.

– ends –

Further information:

Jeanne Leong
Director, Communications BBC Worldwide Asia
Tel: (65) 684952992
Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

About BBC Worldwide Ltd
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide exists to support the BBC public service mission and to maximise profits on its behalf. It does this through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also builds the reach and reputation of the BBC brand overseas and champions British creativity.
In 2012/13, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £156m and headline sales of £1,116m and returned £156m to the BBC.
For more information on BBC Worldwide, visit http://www.bbcworldwide.com/
About Cambodia Broadcasting Service (CBS)

Cambodian Broadcasting Service Co, Ltd (CBS) is a private company operating 3 Khmer language channels, CTN, MyTV and CNC with a nationwide market share of approximately 50%.

CTN launched in 2003 and has been ranked the No 1 Cambodian channel with market share of approximately 30% over the past 10 years

MyTV is a modern channel for age group 18-40 launched in 2009. It is ranked number 2 in Cambodia, with current nationwide market share of approximately 15-18%

CNC is the only 24 hour news channel in Cambodia. Launched in 2012, it holds a market share of approximately 2-4%

CBS ‘s vision is to bring the best entertainment & up to date news to the Cambodian audience, all the time.

SpongeBob Moves In gets into the holiday spirit with a brand new update featuring new characters, buildings, recipes and decorations. In this update, a mysterious diminutive figure is turning Santa’s elves into jerks, and players need to help SpongeBob keep them happy by serving up their favorite treats to increase the town’s holiday cheer.

Additional Game Features include:

• New Characters: Santa’s elves move in to make toys and MechaSpongeBob rampages through the town.
• New Buildings: Players can build a new Toy Factory; place homes for the elves; build the Spice Shack and Treat Shop to unlock special ingredients for Holiday recipes. Users can complete their collection by adding the Milk & Cookie Café.
• New Decorations: Feed elves and earn Christmas Coins to unlock limited time Holiday decorations like Patrick’s Santa Trap, Sandy’s Magic Analyzer, Nutcrackers, and Santa’s Sleigh. Players can design their own wintery Bikini Bottom with Lawn Reindeer, Snowflake Bushes, Christmas Trees, and more.
• New Recipes: Whip up the elves’ Holiday favorites like snickerdoodles, gingerbread, hot chocolate and bread pudding.
• SpongeBob Moves In was released globally in June 2013. It debuted right at number one among all paid apps, remained in the top spot for more than five weeks, and it was number one in 18 countries.

In SpongeBob Moves In, players can customize the look of their undersea city with a variety of characters, buildings and accessories. In the ongoing quest to keep Bikini Bottom inhabitants happy by fulfilling their wishes, players must collect happiness to fill the town’s happiness meter. Residents wish for food and gifts from the various Bikini Bottom restaurants and shops, like Krabby Patties from the Krusty Krab or a bouquet of flowers from the Flower Shop. Once their wish is granted, a treasure chest will appear for the player to open and collect gold coins, happiness or a new recipe to add to their collection. When the happiness meter is filled, players advance to the next level in the game, earning coins, game experience and unlocking more quests, building and accessories to buy in the store.

(Dec 17, 2013) Marco Bresaz is taking on the role of VP of unscripted at AMC, joining from its sister network Sundance Channel, where he served as VP of original programming and development.

Read more at World Screen

(Dec 17, 2013) Marc Buhaj has been named senior VP of programming and general manager of Disney XD, succeeding David Levine, who transitioned to the role of VP of programming, production and strategic development for Disney Channels Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Read more at World Screen

(December 16, 2013) Arianespace has ordered 18 extra giant Ariane ECA launch rockets from Astrium-EADS. These are extra to the 35 rockets ordered back in 2009. Deliveries of the new order, worth more than €2 billion, are scheduled to commence in 2017.

The new rockets will be used to launch to orbit geostationary satellites and European Space Agency missions.

Read more at Advanced Television