(Jul 9, 2013) A+E Networks UK has appointed Heather Jones as VP of programming.
She will take up the post later this month and be responsible A+E Networks UK’s programming strategy across the company’s channels in the UK, Central Europe, Benelux, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Greece and Africa.
Read more at Broadband TV News
(Jul 8, 2013) RRSat has entered into a long-term agreement with Fox International Channels (FIC) to support the broadcast of its French channels throughout Africa.
FIC is expanding to the continent with RRsat’s Global Network and Measat’s Africasat-1a satellite.
The FIC channels in question will include National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild and the travel-based Voyage.
Read more at Broadband TV News
(Jul 8, 2013) NBCUniversal has announced that the USA Network will become the first of its non-sports cable networks offering TV Everywhere access.
Read more at Rapid TV News
MALAYSIA, 8 July 2013 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) today announced the launch of Comedy Central Asia, MTV Live and Nick Jr. on ABNxcess, the latest entrant to the Pay-TV industry in Malaysia and the flagship offering of Asian Broadcasting Network (M) Sdn Bhd. All three VIMN channels will officially launch with ABNxcess on July 9th as part of ABNxcess’ commercial debut in July, enabling ABN customers to access Comedy Central Asia on Channel 252 on xcess 50, MTV Live on Channel 269 on xcess Time Out and Nick Jr. on Channel 155 on xcess Kids Learning.
“Expanding the reach of Comedy Central, MTV Live and Nick Jr. with ABNxcess, enables us to meet the growing demand for our channels in Malaysia, and deliver high quality programming services to ABNxcess subscribers,” said VIMN Asia’s executive vice president and managing director, Indra Suharjono. “We are pleased to be part of ABN’s official debut in the Malaysian Pay-TV industry. Today’s announcement not only reinforces the importance of the Malaysian market as we further expand our brand presence here, but marks ABN as the 16th provider in Asia to carry Comedy Central since its launch in Asia eight months ago, which is further testament to the popularity of our channel.”
“We are excited to collaborate with VIMN and welcome their channels onto our platform, especially as we mark our official launch of ABNxcess this month,” said Mr Sreedhar Subramaniam, President and CEO, Asian Broadcasting Network (M) Sdn Bhd (ABN). “The addition of these channels marks a significant step which brings ABN closer to our goal of meeting key content needs of our subscribers.”
Comedy Central, the world’s biggest comedy network, has been making audiences laugh since it first launched in the United States in 1991. Renowned for featuring a stable of exclusive and tailor-made local and international comedy, the brand has become the ultimate destination for all kinds of humour, from traditional to satire to sketches to popular sitcoms. Comedy Central Asia launched on 1 November 2012, and is VIMN Asia’s first adult-skewed network. Targeting viewers aged 18 to 34 years old across Southeast Asia with comedy content round-the-clock, Comedy Central Asia is the only 24-hour all-comedy channel to showcase Asian and international comedy and comedic talent. Globally, Comedy Central is seen in more than 200 million homes in over 70 countries around the world.
MTV Live features the best recorded Live music from the biggest acts from across the world, with music-based programming that is original, acquired and from the vast MTV library, such as music festivals, live music performances featuring Dolby 5.1 surround sound, intimate studio sessions, music documentaries and original productions – all in crystal-clear High-Definition (HD) quality! In addition, the featured shows come with behind-the-scenes on tour, on-set and interview specials via MTV’s exclusive access to the current hottest music talent. The channel library boasts over 3,000 hours of native HD content including key shows such as Isle of MTV, Rock am Ring, Live Vibrations, MTV EMA and MTV World Stage that airs every Saturday.
Nick Jr., is “the Smart Place to Play.”, giving kids and parents what they want – educational and entertaining content with great stories and characters that empower kids to learn while they play. The educational curriculum is in everything Nick Jr. does – the shows, packaging and promos – delivered by all the Nick Jr. characters kids know and love. The award-winning and exclusive international properties including Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Bubble Guppies and Tickety Toc, are designed to engage and encourage early childhood development.
-end-
About Asian Broadcasting Network (M) Sdn Bhd (ABN)
Asian Broadcasting Network (M) Sdn Bhd (ABN) has 4 licenses from the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to provide video, data and voice services in Malaysia. ABN is currently building its last mile network using Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) Network or better known as Digital Cable TV Network. This network, with one cable, provides all of ABN’s services branded under the name “ABNxcess” and with the brand promise of “Access for All”. ABNxcess now has subscribers in a number of areas in the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru. More information on ABNxcess’ content, its TV and internet bundles, and service areas can be retrieved at www.abnxcess.com.
About Viacom International Media Networks
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 600 million households in 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom’s blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.
Media Contacts:
Viacom International Media Networks
Adeline Ong, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Asia
t: (65) 6420 7240 m: (65) 9366 7323
e: adeline.ong@vimn.com
Asian Broadcasting Network (M) Sdn Bhd
e: corpcomm@abnxcess.com
FOX INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS ASIA APPOINTS ALEX LAMBEEK
TO HEAD AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS AND SYNDICATION FOR ASIA-PACIFIC AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Appointment Further Strengthens FIC’s Senior Management Team and Commitment to ‘Local’ Approach to Asia Business
Hong Kong – July 8, 2013 – FOX International Channels (FIC) Asia announced that Mr. Alex Lambeek joins the company today as Head of Affiliate Partnerships and Syndication for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, based in Singapore. The role focuses on helping the network accomplish its mission to collaborate with platform operators to not only grow the pay TV industry overall, but to strategically position FIC as an important part of each partner’s growth story.
With his unique background in both the mobile and pay TV industries, Alex is set to add great value to FIC’s affiliate partnerships in each territory. Areas he will be focusing on include improving FIC’s ability to tailor its products for various platforms, particularly in the areas of mobile, non-linear and multi-screen extensions; devising innovative practices to help drive subscriptions, especially for premium channels, and working with peers and partners to fight piracy, a challenge that has long plagued the TV industry.
FIC Asia is the leading pay TV network in Asia and operates its business with a ‘localized’ approach. With 18 offices on the ground across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, the network has established strong businesses in each territory. “We look at each market as a local business and are firmly committed to building the pay TV industry in each country together with our affiliate partners,” said Zubin Gandevia, President of FOX International Channels Asia Pacific and the Middle East. “The appointment of Alex affirms our commitment to this strategy. Our teams on the ground have unrivalled local knowledge and I am confident that our local expertise supported by Alex’s extensive experience is a winning combination that will help take our business to the next level.”
Alex brings with him to FIC over 19 years of experience in leadership roles in Europe and Asia Pacific. He has served as Vice President of Mobile Phones Marketing and Managing Director of Australia and Indonesia at Nokia, Vice President of Marketing (Asia Pacific) at BlackBerry and most recently, as CEO of Indonesian DTH satellite TV operator Aora.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work with FIC,” said Alex. “The company is leading the industry by far not just in terms of great brands and rate of growth, but also in making a global business locally relevant. I am looking forward to putting my skills and experience to work in contributing to its continued success.”
Alex holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Business Economics from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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This press release was issued on behalf of FOX International Channels Asia by Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic). For further information, please contact:
FOX International Channels
Kelly Jang
Director
Pan Regional Trade Marketing & PR
DID: +852 2621 8875
Email: Kelly.jang@fox.com
Tactic Public Relations Limited (Tactic)
Diana Low
Tactic – Singapore
DID: +65 6325 8264
FAX: +65 6325 8262
Email: diana.low@tacticpr.com.sg
Sherraine Chan
Tactic – Hong Kong
DID: +852 2114 4964
FAX: +852 2114 0880
Email: sherraine.chan@tacticpr.com.hk
About FOX International Channels
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.
(Jul 4, 2013) Trace has entered into an agreement with the Russian cable operator ER Telecom.
Read more at Broadband TV News
(Jul 8, 2013) Broadcasting television to mobile telephones has been tried intensively and the costs have been sky high. However, obviously, it is worth the efforts. Ericsson’s mobile broadcasting technology in bearing more and more fruits, making the company the largest provider of mobile infrastructure by now. At this year’s NAB Show, Ericsson Broadcast Services showcased the value it can bring to broadcasters and content owners around the world, besides address the challenges of the rapidly-changing TV market environment.
Read more at Media Buzz
Introduction: MTV set out to understand the younger end of the Millennial demo, 13-17 year olds, who will soon move into the “sweet spot” of MTV’s core target demographic of 18-24 year olds. This is a landmark generational study that builds on MTV’s long legacy of deeply understanding our audience, as part of an effort to constantly reinvent ourselves and stay at the bleeding edge of youth culture.
Method:
Qualitative: in-home ethnographies/friendship groups (Nashville, Chicago, NY, NJ), online nationwide qualitative (Instagram journals, diaries, etc.), older sibling focus groups, expert interviews
Quantitative: 1,800 Young Millennials (14-17), 700 Older Millennials (18-25), 300 Gen Xers, 300 Boomers
SUMMARY
Millennials are one of the most analyzed, scrutinized, criticized and even glorified generations ever. But what much of Millennial research fails to recognize is that there are two distinct groups within the generation, as illustrated by MTV’s new study.
Within this massive generational cohort – the biggest generation in history – live two very different archetypes:
1. The magical wizard Harry Potter (the “older” end of the generation) These “first wave Millennials” (today’s 20-somethings) came of age in the economic boom of the 90s/early ’00s, a time infused with the spirit of “Yes We Can” and the belief that college, working hard and playing by the rules would guarantee future success. Raised by idealistic Boomer parents, they were told they were special and gifted, with a magic wand capable of changing the world. They were shaped by a context of seemingly limitless possibilities.
2. The Hunger Game’s trailblazing survivalist Katniss Everdeen (the younger end of the generation, peeking into Gen Z). This second wave of Millennials, today’s tweens & teens, have known a very different youth. They came of age in an economic downturn, seeing college grads struggling with huge student loan debt and living through a cascade of social media-amplified tragedies like Hurricane Sandy and Sandy Hook. For them, life has always been a 24/7 social media show.
It’s a challenging world to traverse, and like Katniss from the Hunger Games, they are navigating life by honing specialized, self-taught (often Internet-acquired) survival skills. They are also utilizing the advice of their pragmatic Gen X parents, who don’t say “the world is your oyster,” but rather “you have to create your own oyster.”
Additional stats:
Over three quarters of 14-17 year olds: “I worry about the negative impact that today’s economy will have on me or my future”
60% of 14-17 year old Millennials today say: “I believe that my generation will be worse off than my parents generation;” 60% also feel “very stressed about getting into a good high school or college”
In 2010, 71% of Millennials ages 14-17 agreed with the statement “If I want to do something, no one is going to stop me” versus only 51% in 2013
69% say “I put more pressure on myself than others put on me”
84% of 14-17 year olds say “I know why I shouldn’t do something, because my parents explain the consequences to me”
Younger Millennials’ “adaptive survival strategies” include:
Life-Prepping
These pragmatic youth are natural preppers in the face of an unpredictable world – whether planning for physically safety in light of violence or prepping for their futures in a more uncertain economic climate.
Accustomed to high school intruder drills, they are always in “exit strategy” mode, with over a third agreeing they “plot out escape plans when in public places, because of events like Sandy Hook.” Although half are scared of violence at school, they seem to have adopted a practical “Keep Calm and Carry On” mentality.
With Google at their fingertips, today’s teens are mapping out their lives as early as junior high – 84% agree “it’s really important to always be prepared and have a plan.” They’re researching college scholarships and specific careers that teens might never have heard of 10 years ago; one 17 year old wants to be a “USDA-entomologist who travels worldwide studying insects destroying the ecosystem.” There’s a trend in desiring practical careers: one 13 year old posted on a forum “What careers are good even with the economy down? I’m only in 7th grade but starting to think about it now.”
Specializing
Young Millennials are consummate brand managers, honing their unique personal brand to stand out and specialize in a world that’s increasingly competitive (whether that’s in terms of obtaining a following online or getting into college.)
We see young ukulele players, subway car enthusiasts, MAD magazine aficionados and even vampire stake makers, with 78% of them claiming someone they know would consider them an “expert” in at least one thing.
They are “DIY Learners” and leverage YouTube videos and niche online communities to delve into the intricacies of their passion. Many have established a unique voice in Tumblr or Instagram as the person who posts photos related to “all things neon” or “romantic Victorian” or “90’s grunge.”
Mono-tasking
YMs are consciously taking time to self-soothe (a classic coping mechanism from hyper-stimulation) disconnect, de-stress, de-stimulate and control inputs. They “mono-task” and focus on immersive hands-on activities like baking, sewing or crafting. They claim their dependence on social media is overrated: one girl says “My parents Facebook more than I do.”
8 in 10 young Millennials agree that “Sometimes I just need to unplug and enjoy the simple things”
82% agree “when I’m stressed or overwhelmed, I like to stop and just do one thing at a time”
57% like to take a break from technology to make things with their hands
54% of 14-17 year old girls say baking makes them feel less anxious
Hyper-Filtering
This is the first generation of “digital latchkey kids.” Though increasingly physically protected by parents, teens’ web behavior is not as closely monitored. But like the Gen X Latchkey Kids who created their own rules and regimes while parents worked, youth today are surprisingly filtering out what’s overwhelming to them online: avoiding certain Youtube videos or sites that they think are gross, inappropriate or disturbing.
They’re slimming down their social networks and finding niche/private places to share in a controlled environment, whether it’s Snapchat or a locked Instagram feed.
Unlike older Millennials who were pioneers in the “Wild West of social media,” today’s teens are “tech homesteaders” – they’re more savvy about how to use the internet, build “gated” groups, “hide in plain view”, curate and filter.
Contact
Mariana Agathoklis
mariana.agathoklis@mtvstaff.com
212.846.5755
Jason Rzepka
Jason.Rzepka@mtvstaff.com
212-846-3175
BABYTV LAUNCHES ON CABLE THAI HOLDING (CTH) IN THAILAND
London, UK: BabyTV, part of Fox International Channels (FIC) announced their launch on Thailand’s cable TV operator, Cable Thai Holding (CTH) today. BabyTV’s 24/7 commercial free channel will be available on CTH’s basic package on channel 167 in HD and 177 in SD, reaching over 2.5 million subscribers.
BabyTV is a 24 hour channel offering top quality, exclusive programs created by educational experts in a commercial free environment. Featuring short-form episodes, programs are categorized under nine key themes, including: First Concepts, Nature & Animals, Music & Art, Imagination & Creativity, Building Friendships, Activities, Guessing Games, First Songs & Rhymes, and Nighttime.
Maya Talit, Affiliate Sales and Marketing Director for BabyTV said: “We are thrilled to have launched BabyTV on CTH and we hope families across Thailand will be able to benefit from our unique and engaging programming.”
BabyTV joined in the celebrations of this launch this past weekend by attending CTH’s Festival event, in which the BabyTV butterfly mascot made an appearance.
In addition to CTH, BabyTV is available on MeTV in Thailand.
About BabyTV
Founded in 2003, BabyTV offers 24 hours of top-quality content created by educational experts for babies and toddlers, in a commercial-free environment. A part of FOX International Channels since 2007, BabyTV airs in over 100 countries globally via 600+ affiliate platforms, and in 18 languages, and also provides its content via VOD, Mobile and Broadband offerings.
Visit www.babytv.com
About FOX International Channels
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.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jade Kellman | BabyTV
Tel: +44 207 471 7673 | Email: Jade.Kellman@babytv.com
(Jul 3, 2013) With 5.3% of the pay-TV audience, Fox continues topping the figures in Spain, thanks to its 800,000 loyal viewers.
According to Barlovento Comunicacion audience´s report, Fox increased its number of viewers in June, and is followed closely by TNT, which saw significant growth last month and jumped from fourth to second position in the rankings.
Read more at Rapid TV News
