(Nov 13, 2013) ITV is launching a new international service that will make it possible for ex-pats and holiday makers to watch their favourite soaps while abroad.

Read more at Broadband TV News

Hong Kong, November 13, 2013 – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), the operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today the launch of KIX HD and Thrill on TVB Network Vision (TVBNV), one of the leading pay TV service operators in Hong Kong, in November. TVBNV subscribers will now have access to first and exclusive MMA events, action series, reality shows and movies with KIX HD and a dedicated horror, thriller and suspense movie channel with Thrill. TVBNV currently carries Celestial Classic Movies (CCM) as part of its channel offerings of over 60 channels.

“We are extremely excited to expand our relationship with TVB Network Vision and offer KIX HD and Thrill to their broad base of subscribers. Our partnership with TVB Network Vision represents the 32nd carriage deal we have concluded since the inception of CTE in 2012, and we look forward to working with them to continue the momentum of our growing audience base while increasing their subscribers in Hong Kong,” said Ofanny Choi, Executive Vice President, TV Networks, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.

“Celestial Tiger has brought a good deal of high-energy programming to TVB Network Vision through the two channels. I would like to congratulate the Celestial Tiger team for making very substantial progress over the past year.” said Felix To, Chief Executive Officer, TVB Network Vision.

KIX HD, the ultimate destination for action entertainment in high-definition, offers TVBNV subscribers an exhilarating mix of combat sports, action series, cutting-edge reality shows and action movies. Viewers can catch the first and exclusive broadcasts of mixed martial arts tournaments such as Bellator MMA featuring world champions Ben Askren and Michael Chandler; and action series such as SAF3, produced by Baywatch creator Gregory J Bonann, about an elite unit of the Malibu Fire Department specializing in sea, air and fire rescues. In December, KIX HD will also offer action babes galore with blockbuster Hollywood movies featuring kick-ass heroines every Wednesday night at 9.

Thrill is Asia’s first and only regional 24-hour movie channel dedicated to the horror, suspense and thriller genres. TVBNV subscribers can tune in to Thrill any time of the day to get their scare fix with iconic horror movies such as Stephen King’s Carrie and its remakes, the entire Species franchise, as well as The Amityville Horror, The Blair Witch Project and Ju-on: The Grudge. Fans of the supernatural can also watch the first and exclusive broadcasts of ghost-hunting TV series Most Haunted from the U.K. and Ghost Hunters from the U.S.

KIX HD (Ch. 37) and Thrill (Ch. 51) will be included in TVBNV’s basic pack. For more information, visit www.tvbnetworkvision.com

###

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 diversified media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company focuses on the operation of branded pay television channels, content creation and content distribution targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television channels including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the most widely distributed 24-hour Chinese movie channel in the world; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the gateway to an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; CELESTIAL MOVIES HD, the latest Chinese movies in high definition; cHK, a one-stop channel for cool, chic, and contemporary celebrity-powered Hong Kong entertainment; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; THRILL, Asia’s only horror and suspense movie channel; and KIX HD, featuring the best of action with a late-night dose of thrillers in high definition.

As one of Asia’s largest vertically integrated independent entertainment companies, CTE produces original content which complements its channels business. CTE is also the exclusive sales agent for Hollywood studio Lionsgate in Greater China and Southeast Asia, and represents Lionsgate’s television content and vast feature film library in Japan and Korea as well.

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 major Asian entertainment company wholly-owned by Astro, the owner and operator of the leading DTH platform in Malaysia; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

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

About TVB Network Vision

TVB NETWORK VISION Limited is principally engaged in providing pay TV services and teleport services both in Hong Kong and internationally. Major shareholders of TVB NETWORK VISION Limited include Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Gemstone Pacific Limited and See Corporation Limited.

TVB NETWORK VISION offers over 62 local and international channels. Other than the driver channels provided by TVB, namely “Drama 1″, “Drama 2″, “TVB Classic”, “TVB Encore”, “TVB Movies”, “TVB Window”, “TVB Good Show”, “TVB Sports “, “TVB Food”, “TVB Kids”, “TVB Entertainment News”, “TVBN”, “TVBN2″, TVBS-News”, “TVBS-Asia” and “TVB8″, TVB NETWORK VISION also provides programming in news, movies, sports and infotainment to meet the diverse needs of the Hong Kong audience.

TVB NETWORK VISION is currently transmitted via satellite through existing communal aerial broadcast distribution (CABD) networks into set-top boxes of individual homes or via DTH to homes without CABD networks. It also transmits its service via the broadband television networks of PCCW’s NOW TV and the broadband and optical- fibre networks of Hutchison Global Communications Limited.

For more information, please visit www.tvbnetworkvision.com

13 November 2013: Inmarsat, (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, announced that the first of its game-changing Global Xpress satellites – designated Inmarsat-5 F1 – has travelled from California to its launch site in Kazakhstan. The 6,100Kg spacecraft departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Saturday 9th November aboard an Antonov AN-124 heavy transporter and arrived at the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Monday 11th November.

The spacecraft was constructed at Boeing’s El Segundo facility in California and is the first of three Global Xpress satellites scheduled to be launched on behalf of Inmarsat by ILS (International Launch Services). Inmarsat-5 F1 is scheduled to be available to support a launch in December from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, located approximately 2,100 km (1,300 miles) southeast of Moscow, by a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle.

A fourth satellite has recently been ordered from Boeing.

“This is an exciting day for Inmarsat and all our partners,” said Michele Franci, Vice President, GX Commercial. “Global Xpress is the result of three years of planning. To see the first of our satellites leave California for Kazakhstan highlights that Global Xpress will soon be a reality. For end users on land, at sea and in the air, Global Xpress will mark a step change in their ability to access high speed broadband services, regardless of where they happen to be.”

Inmarsat’s next generation Global Xpress service will be the world’s first globally available high-speed broadband network. The Global Xpress fleet is on course to meet its scheduled completion and is currently expected to achieve full global coverage by the end of 2014. It will offer a unique combination of global coverage from a single operator, consistent higher performance of up to 50Mbps, and the network reliability for which Inmarsat is renowned.

ENDS

For further information

Jonathan Sinnatt
Head of Corporate Communications
+44 (0)20 7728 1935
jonathan.sinnatt@inmarsat.com

About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.

(Nov 12, 2013) Liam Kellan has become the new director of scripted for BBC Worldwide’s content business, replacing Caroline Torrance as of early 2014.

Read more at World Screen

Hong Kong, November 12, 2013 – International television executive Ricky Ow will join Turner International as President of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific effective in January 2014, it was announced today by Gerhard Zeiler, President of Turner Broadcasting System International.

Most recently Executive Vice President & General Manager for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks Asia, Ow will lead Turner International’s portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, based in Hong Kong.

As President of Turner APAC, Ow will have executive oversight for all entertainment and kids networks, the digital and media services offered, the distribution of CNN’s services in that region, and all licensing and merchandising activity in APAC.

“We are delighted that Ricky is joining us and look forward to the leadership and wealth of international media experience he will bring to one of the most strategically important areas of Turner International,” said Zeiler. He continued: “His vast experience in the region, his successes in launching and establishing channel brands both locally and regionally, his experience in local content production, as well as his deep understanding of sales and marketing, make him the ideal choice to lead our business in the Asia Pacific region into the next stage of growth. Looking with fresh eyes at our business as a true leader, he will be a strong addition to Turner International. We all look forward to working with him to extend our core brands and build international scale.”

“I am very excited to join Turner and it is an honour to work with Gerhard and the team that has built some of the most valuable media brands in the world including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, Pogo and Turner Classic Movies,” said Ow. “This is an opportunity to leverage on our incredible heritage of creativity and innovation to grow a dynamic portfolio of iconic brands, to develop new ventures and to strengthen relevance and value for our viewers, partners and the business community.”

Ow joins Turner after a 14-year career at Sony Pictures, most recently as Executive Vice President & General Manager for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks Asia. In that role, Ow was responsible for overseeing the networks business across Asia as well as developing new channel opportunities in the region. He also had oversight of SPT’s two Korean joint ventures, AXN Korea and Animax Korea. Prior, Ow was the Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks Asia, overseeing the company’s channel brands, including AXN India and Animax India. He joined SPT in 1999 as Head of Sales and Marketing. Under his leadership, AXN became the leading English language general entertainment channel in Asia while SPT Networks Asia grew into a bouquet of entertainment brands including “One”, the leading Asian language channel in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Ow has led SPT’s networks in Asia to pioneer various award-winning pan-regional entertainment productions. Prior to joining SPT, Ow held positions at SBC Enterprises (now Mediacorp TV), Asia Business News, and CNBC.

Turner Broadcasting System International currently broadcasts more than 150 channels showcasing 33 brands in 36 languages in over 200 countries. It broadcasts 41 channels in 12 languages in 40 countries throughout Asia Pacific. Leading channels in the region include CNN International, CNNj, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, Pogo, Adult Swim, TCM, Tru-TV, Mondo-TV, Tabi and Q-TV, as well as HBO and the WB-channel. Committed to innovation and development, its brands are available to audiences across the APAC region via the web, VOD, DVD, gaming, mobile, merchandising, publishing and emerging platforms.

About Turner International: Turner Broadcasting System International operates versions of core TBS brands, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific networks and businesses in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. It runs Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and is a commercial partner with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. TBS operates more than 150 channels showcasing 33 brands in 36 languages in over 200 countries. Turner Broadcasting System International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS), a Time Warner company.

For questions, please contact:

Senior Vice President, Communications Turner Broadcasting System International
Oliver Herrgesell
oliver.herrgesell@turner.com
+852 6323 9644 / +1 404 827 4440 / +44 7984 551 379 / +49 173 523 9940

Vice President, CNN & Turner Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific
Chris Dwyer
chris.dwyer@turner.com
+852 3128 3536/+852 9860 3536

GREG BEITCHMAN JOINS CNN INTERNATIONAL AS VP CONTENT SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS, AS NETWORK’S COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT TEAM TAKES SHAPE

Greg Beitchman has been appointed to the new role of VP, Content Sales and Partnerships, CNN International.

(November 13, 2013) Beitchman will be responsible for overseeing and developing the network’s content sales business internationally, with a focus on leveraging its broadcast and digital assets. His role will encompass content sales and partnerships, out of home services, and licensing deals. He will also work across CNN’s NewSource content syndication service, its out-of-home distribution channels, and its affiliate business. CNN International has more than 1,000 broadcast partners globally

Beitchman joins CNN International from Reuters, where he was Global Head of Multimedia Content.

CNNI Chief Commercial Officer Rani R. Raad said: “The world’s news consumption habits are evolving, and our business is evolving with that. Our commercial strategy is geared towards ensuring our consumers and partners have access to CNN’s best-in-class journalism across all platforms, and Greg is the perfect man to help us deliver that. He is a first-class operator and will make a major contribution to guiding and strengthening our commercial enterprise.”

Greg Beitchman added: “In an era when audiences have an almost infinite supply of content, CNN stands out among the world’s most trusted news brands. As our audiences and partners look for innovation in storytelling and commercial models, this is an exciting time to work on strengthening CNN’s commercial proposition internationally.”

Beitchman joins CNN as the network continues to cement its leadership position in all key independent viewing surveys. The appointment is Raad’s latest step in restructuring CNN’s international commercial business units since he was made Chief Commercial Officer in February 2013. He assumed the position when parent company Turner International made the decision to align all of CNN’s international commercial activity into a single operation.

Ends

About Greg Beitchman:

Beitchman joins CNNI Commercial from Reuters where he was Global Head of Multimedia Content His multiple achievements span both editorial and commercial disciplines, and include the development of strategic partnerships and channel launches for Reuters, Times Global Broadcasting, CCTV and The Tribune Group, as well as a range of international editorial postings in India, China and Japan among others. He holds a BA in Government and East Asian Studies from Colby College and speaks fluent English, Japanese, French and Hindi/Urdu.

About CNN International

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in five different languages across all major TV, internet and mobile platforms reaching more than 375 million households around the globe, including over 46 million across the Asia Pacific region. CNN International, awarded “News Channel of the Year” by the Royal Television Society in March 2013, 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. The CNN digital network is consistently one of the top news and current affairs destination on the web. CNN has 45 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. Get the latest social media updates from CNN at: facebook.com/cnninternational @cnnasiapr

(Nov 8, 2013) Eurosport is one of the launch partners for the new Xbox One console which will be available in Europe from November 22.

Read more at Broadband TV News

ALOFT HOTELS AND MTV COLLABORATE TO OFFER MILLENNIAL TRAVELLERS LIVE MUSIC ACCESS WHILE ON-THE-GO ACROSS ASIA

“Live at Aloft Hotels” Online Platform Gets Amplified by MTV, Featuring Latest Concert Schedule, Exclusive Artist Interviews and Shared Social Media Experiences on www.mtvasia.com/aloftlive

KUALA LUMPUR/ SINGAPORE/ BANGKOK/ BEIJING/ DELHI, 11 NOVEMBER 2013 – Aloft Hotels, in collaboration with MTV Asia, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), today announced the launch of an online platform, www.mtvasia.com/aloftlive, that will help promote local up-and-coming music talents who will perform at the “Live at Aloft Hotels” showcase at Aloft Hotels’ W XYZ bars across China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Specifically, the collaboration will provide an enhanced Aloft Hotels guest experience for millennial travelers with live music access while on-the-go.

“Live at Aloft Hotels” enables millennial travelers to connect with like-minded individuals in a fun-loving music space created by Aloft Hotels, while staying in touch with local music tastes and hot new talents. Leveraging the MTV Experience, the digital platform allows guests to engage and discover music as it introduces fresh homegrown talents from each city, with write-ups about the “Live at Aloft Hotels” events and select performers’ interviews. The site also features an image and video gallery of past events, bios of artistes, an events calendar and a platform for travelers to share their personal concert experiences via video uploads and social media channels.

“We are thrilled to partner with MTV, an iconic brand that resonates with millennials, who possess a deep connection to music, fashion and pop culture,” said Vincent Ong, Senior Brand Director, Asia Pacific Brand Management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We also share this love of music and are committed to helping our guests discover great new music and talent, whether they are traveling or visiting a W XYZ bar in their city.”

“It took our breath away when we first stepped into an Aloft hotel! We saw and felt the vibe that reflects the spirit of millennials! The collaboration with Aloft Hotels on “Live at Aloft Hotels Amplified by MTV” shows a clear brand synergy between our companies, as we continue to promote and reflect local cultural tastes and music talents,” said Tan Sian Ju, Vice President of MTV & Comedy Central Brands, Viacom International Media Networks Asia. “The next six months will be an exciting partnership as we help amplify the efforts of “Live at Aloft Hotels”, which will give growing local talents a regional spotlight like never before.”

To kick-off the collaboration, a select group of Southeast Asian media and bloggers were invited to a music celebration at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral on 8-10 November. Hosted by MTV VJ Hanli, the event started with a Music Preview Party to sample how guests can mix, mingle and meet at “Live at Aloft Hotels,” and featured The Light Fantastic, a local female duo. This was followed by the media and bloggers’ “uncut” screening of the 2013 MTV EMA, held for the first time in Malaysia.

The MTV EMA – MTV’s global celebration of the hottest stars in music – recognizes artists from around the world and across genres, and brings together music fans everywhere for a one-of-a-kind experience in the weeks leading up to and at the show. The “2013 MTV EMA” will air across MTV’s global network of more than 60 channels reaching nearly 700 million households around the world as well as through syndication.

For MTV EMA news and announcements, check out EMA on Facebook or follow @mtvema. For MTV EMA press materials, please visit press.mtvema.com or follow @VIMNAsia _PR.

-end-

About Aloft Hotels

With more than 75 hotels in 14 countries around the world, Starwood’s Aloft brand delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com. Aloft, like all brands within Starwood’s portfolio is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, the industry’s richest loyalty program. To learn more, please visit www.spg.com.

About MTV

MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. Outside of the United States, MTV is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For information about MTV in Southeast Asia, visit www.mtvasia.com.

Media Contacts:

Viacom International Media Networks
Adeline Ong, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Asia
t: (65) 6420 7154 m: (65) 9002 9607
e: adeline.ong@vimn.com

Loh, Bi Feng, Senior Executive, Corporate Communications, Asia
t: (65) 6420 7240 m: (65) 9366 7323
e: loh.bifeng@vimn.com

Edelman, on behalf of Viacom International Media Networks
Suleka Suppiah, Edelman Kuala Lumpur
t: (603) 2287 8689 ext. 204m: (60) 12 395 5342
e: suleka.suppiah@edelman.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Punnee Bunma, Manager, Corporate Communications Asia Pacific
t: (65) 6334 4824
e: punnee.bunma@starwoodhotels.com