March 19, 2009 – New York – AETN International, a division of A&E Television Networks (AETN), continues to expand its digital footprint throughout Asia through video-on-demand and mobile agreements in Japan, Korea and Malaysia.
In Japan, an agreement was reached with USEN to license programs for the set-top box VOD service, GyaO NEXT, which has over 75,000 subscribers. This represents AETN International’s first set-top box VOD deal in Japan. The service will feature episodes from the AETN series Biography, Modern Marvels, Conspiracy, Special Ops and UFO Files, plus several specials including, Beyond the DaVinci Code and Beyond the Big Bang. The programs will be available in Japanese.
In Korea, an agreement was reached with Homechoice to provide a HISTORY-branded SVOD service to cable operators throughout Korea. The service will be refreshed monthly and will feature a selection of Korean-languaged HISTORY series, including Ancient Discoveries, The Universe, Dogfights, Lost Worlds and Human Weapon. In addition to the Homechoice, HISTORY-branded VOD is currently available through Korean IPTV platforms, SK Broadband, LG, and Korea Telecom’s MegaTV, which offers a HISTORY HD VOD service.
In Malaysia, an agreement was reached between AETN International, AETN All Asia Networks and Multimedia Interactie Technologies (MIT), the multimedia arm of ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS, to offer HISTORY on the Maxxis mobile TV service. MIT will provide a simulcast of the live HISTORY television signal from South East Asia to Maxxis mobile customers. AETN All Asia Networks, a joint venture of AETN and Astro All Asia Networks, programs and operates a number of AETN channel brands in South East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, including HISTORY and HISTORY HD™.
“AETN International continues to move aggressively to expand the presence of HISTORY, CI and BIO worldwide via digital platforms,” said Fabienne Fourquet, Director, International Digital Media, AETN. “We are delighted about the launch of these services and look to grow our digital presence further over the upcoming months.”
About AETN International:
A division of A&E Television Networks, AETN International markets the quality programming and proven success of HISTORY™, A&E®, BIO®, Crime & Investigation Network™, Military History™, HISTORY HD™, BIO HD™, and Crime & Investigation Network HD™ overseas. Through innovative local partnerships and affiliates, AETN International has expanded the presence of AETN channels and branded blocks around the world. In addition to licensing AETN channels, AETN International handles program sales, format sales and broadband and mobile licensing of content from the A&E and HISTORY catalogues to international broadcasters. AETN channels and programs are now available in more than 140 countries to over 240 million TV households. AETN International has offices in New York, London and Singapore. The AETN International website is located at www.AETNinternational.com.
CONTACT:
Kerri Tarmey,
+1 212 551 1504
Kerri.tarmey@aetn.com
Celine Xerri-Brook,
+44 1273 719 340
Gibraltar.brook@virgin.net