22 June 2012, Singapore – DIVA Universal, the leading English-language general entertainment channel in South East Asia is growing from strength to strength in the region and gaining a bigger share of audiences and top show ratings.

DIVA Universal is now the only major English general entertainment channel in Malaysia that is trending up among Astro viewers (4+, 20-44). While key competition has seen a downturn in ratings in the first five months of 2012, DIVA has gained a 34% growth in average ratings year on year among Astro 4+ viewers, showing that audiences are moving to DIVA Universal for their entertainment needs.

In Singapore, DIVA Universal has gained the largest growth (26%) in average ratings among Pay TV people 4+ in the first five months of 2012 versus the same period in 2011. The growth of DIVA’s audience in Singapore is significant especially since more pay TV viewers 4+ in S.E.A. tuned-in to DIVA Universal than many other general entertainment, factual and lifestyle channels in 2011.

The increase of viewers in Singapore and Malaysia, with increased time spent on DIVA Universal, is testament to its quality programming that engages the female audience. 2012 began with an influx of must-watch female-friendly TV shows such as the Steven Spielberg produced “SMASH” and the #1 Summer series in the USA – “Suits.”

The star-studded series “SMASH”, which premiered on 19 March, achieved the #1 spot during its debut among English entertainment channels on Astro. The series also continued as the highest rated show on English pay TV during its timeslot among the entire StarHub 4+ audience.

Not just a hit on the small screen, “SMASH” earned DIVA Universal major brands advertising on the channel. Subaru was a regional advertiser for “SMASH” beside Nestle and CIMB in Malaysia.

More recently, the Australian cooking reality-competition series “My Kitchen Rules” on DIVA Universal became the top show in Malaysia for the entire month of May among all English general entertainment channels with Astro female viewers (20-44).

To appeal to a younger female audience, DIVA Universal is expanding its offering with more original programming, non-scripted shows and interstitials that align with their interests and lifestyles. On 25 June, DIVA will launch its light-hearted non-scripted original “Hot Guys Who Cook” as well as the new brand of fashion entertainment television – “Fashion Star” helmed by Elle Macpherson and mentors Nicole Ritchie and Jessica Simpson.

Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Universal Networks International says ‘DIVA Universal’s upward trend is the result of the investment we’re making to create a unique, vibrant entertainment experience for youthful female viewers in Asia. Through research, we’ve developed deep insight into what women want and DIVA is clearly the channel of choice for women. We expect DIVA Universal to be even more appealing to the female audience when the made-in-Asia original production “Hot Guys Who Cook” debuts with its plethora of gorgeous personalities serving up delicious food and sizzling hot entertainment. It will be a pleasurable viewing experience for women.’

About Universal Networks International

Universal Networks International, the international channels division of NBCUniversal, is one of the world’s premier entertainment portfolios, delivering quality content and compelling brands to over 176 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The brands in the portfolio include Universal Channel, Syfy, 13th Street Universal, Studio Universal, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network, DIVA Universal and Golf Channel. These unique brands deliver a full range of entertainment experiences to local audiences across the globe. Universal Networks International also operates Movies 24 and has a controllinginterest in the KidsCo joint venture.

Universal Networks International is a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

Press Enquiries please contact:

Universal Networks International, Asia Pacific

Marlene.ee@nbcuni.com

(65) 6326 1872

Strategic Public Relations Group

Regina.yeo@sprg.com.sg (65) 6325 8232

SCM Continues its Reigning Emperor’s Status in Chinese Entertainment with more Blockbusters, Live Events, Concerts, Award-winning Documentaries and Original Productions

SINGAPORE, 21 JUNE 2012 – STAR Chinese Movies (SCM), the emperor of Chinese entertainment content, continues its strong foothold in the category by introducing new offerings that will delight the local viewers. Along with the launch of SCM’s new look in Hong Kong last month, Singapore’s SCM will closely follow suit. Starting from 1st July, in addition to the current slate of popular Chinese blockbuster movies, the channel will excite fans by airing a new line-up of original series, live events, concerts and award-winning documentaries.

SCM, the top rated Chinese Movie Pay TV channel in Singapore for the eighth year running, currently attracts an audience of more than 10 million each week across Asia, entertaining them with award-winning titles that have scored over 1 billion SGD in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan box offices.

In celebration of its proven track record of success, SCM will reaffirm its emperor status by presenting audiences with a new regal look to complement the channel’s roadmap of airing the latest titles. SCM will transform its channel logo from a star into a royal crown. The crown features three points, each signifying a specific offering; best premium programmes, best screening service as well as the largest Chinese movies inventory. Besides the new emblem, the English name of STAR Chinese Movies will officially become SCM.

“We’re proud to unveil the new look for STAR Chinese Movies in Singapore. The introduction of content beyond the traditional Chinese blockbusters such as award-winning documentaries, live concerts and original series is an important part of engaging consumers with quality content, better viewing experiences and further reinforcing SCM’s positing as the leader in the premium Chinese Entertainment space,” said Ms. Yvonne Tay, Vice President and Territory Head of FOX International Channels Singapore.

Bringing More Blockbusters To Viewers

To launch the enhanced channel on 1st July, SCM will premiere the top box office Chinese film You’re the Apple of My Eye, on Saturday on 7th of July at 9.30pm. Other upcoming Chinese blockbusters programmed in the coming weeks include Love in Space, starring Aaron Kwok and Eason Chan, We Not Naughty, directed by Jack Neo as well as Turning Point 2, featuring an ensemble cast of Hong Kong stars Francis Ng, Michael Tse, Bosco Wong and Chapman To.

Providing Access to What’s Hot and Real

Besides bringing viewers the best of Chinese blockbusters, SCM is expanding its regular content beyond movies to provide the latest concerts, performances, Asian film award ceremonies and documentaries.

Music lovers will get front row seats to the hottest concerts in Asia with Richie Ren’s Love Beloved as the first act in the new concert line up. Other upcoming super stars that will make appearances on the channel in the coming months include Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng and Miriam Yeung.

For those viewers interested in non-fiction films, SCM will provide access to award-winning documentaries through the SCM Real slate, which offers a real look at specific subjects and topics. To kick off its expansion into documentary films, SCM will air Burma – A Human Tragedy, which documents Aung San Suu Kyi’s (“The Lady”) harrowing experience of living under the military regime in Burma.

Supporting Asian Talents with Co-Productions

In a show of cohesiveness and support for the Asian film industry, SCM has teamed up with several leading film development and production companies within the region to create a series of high definition features.

Leveraging the success of the 2005 project “Focus First Cuts” where SCM collaborated with Andy Lau’s Focus Film Ltd to finance six high definition features from up-and-coming directors such as Ning Hao, SCM will also be working with renowned Chinese filmmakers to develop local productions by new talents in the region.

Through these collaboration projects, SCM seeks to place stronger emphasis in supporting emerging industry talents as well as provide a platform for the Asian film community to showcase their works beyond the silver screens. SCM will also air these co-produced titles on its channels to over 5 million home subscribers in Asia as first exclusive runs. More details will be revealed closer to date.

Operated by FOX International Channels, SCM (StarHub TV Channel 866) is available in over 5 million homes across Asia, in Cantonese or Mandarin with Chinese and English subtitles. It is available in HD and On-Demand. For more information on SCM, please refer to the attached appendix.

June 22, 2012 – France-based Arianespace, the world’s leading satellite-launching service provider, is eyeing the growth of demand in Asia, particular in telecommunications and earth-observation satellites.

The increasing popularity of telecommunications, satellite TV, high-definition digital broadcasting and mobile internet has led to the need for more satellite capacity in the region.

“Asia is the new frontier for Arianespace. This part of the world sees the most significant growth. The region is very active in launching communication satellites.” said Jean-Yves Le Gall, the chairman and chief executive.

Arianespace has secured seven orders in the region.

Last month, the company finished launches for Japan and Vietnam.

Read more: http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/299159/arianespace-to-tap-asia-boom