A solid vote from the top entertainment company in Thailand for Viu’s freemium OTT video model
PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, April 20, 2018 – Viu, a leading pan-regional OTT video service by PCCW Media Group, has made inroads in bringing local content to the online video audience in Thailand with a content deal with GMM Channel, one of the largest entertainment companies in Thailand. The deal also signifies Viu’s continual expansion of localized content to suit the viewers in different markets.
This milestone deal adds up to 200 hours of selected premium content from GMM25 under GMM Channel for Viu audience in Thailand, beefing up its already massive volume of Asian premium content available on the platform. It also bears testament to the success of freemium OTT video model spearheaded by Viu, which offers all viewers free access to its content with ad-support, while premium subscribers can enjoy a wealth of features on the OTT platform.
Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director, PCCW Media Group, said, “We can expect substantial synergy in this collaboration that will benefit us both. Since Viu coined the pioneering free and premium tiers of services tailored for different viewing habits of Asian netizens, the number of monthly active users has grown to over 16 million by the end of 2017. Our extensive audience base can ensure local broadcasters like GMM Channel may further expand their reach, whereas the premium program lineup from GMM25 will enable us to offer more relevant, highly localized content to attract more viewers. We look forward to working closer with more content providers like GMM Channel to deliver more engaging local content to our users.”
Amassing the highest digital TV viewership on social media platforms in Thailand, GMM25 is renowned for its realistic approach and “taboo-themed” dramas, which are particularly popular among the millennials who form the majority of online video audience. GMM25’s programs always feature famous cast members, remarkable cinematography and a powerful screenplay, all essential elements that strike a chord with local viewers.
Ms. Boosaba DaoRueng, Group Chief Executive Officer of GMM Grammy Public Company Limited, said, “GMM25 offers a variety of content such as huge hit based-on-true stories drama and unique variety shows which speaks well to audiences of the new generation. The ever so growing millennial audiences make our collaboration with Viu an essential move. We aim to cross function our existing audiences and capitalize on these millions of active users. To capture the increasing number of OTT users, both GMM25 and Viu are focused on constantly pioneering and innovating both the content and the platform. With these major factors, we are confident the collaboration will see both of our business goals meet.”
Viu will be the only OTT platform to watch, on demand, certain selected premium GMM25 programs for up to the first 30 days after the initial local telecast and online simulcast by GMM, such as the well-liked Love Song Love Series, as well as The Crime, which stars veteran actors Oil-Thana and Ja-Natthaweeranuch in a crime investigation series that follows a group of skilled police officers who take on challenging cases. The immensely popular variety show Club Friday Show* will also enjoy an exclusive headstart on Viu. All Viu users in Thailand can enjoy the selected latest GMM25 content right after local telecast and GMM online simulcast while premium users can enjoy additional features such as unlimited episode download and HD 1080p video quality.
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* Viu OTT platform will be the only OTT platform to watch, on demand, the Club Friday Show in the first 15 days subsequent to the initial local telecast and GMM online simulcast.
About Viu
Viu is a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service operated by PCCW Media Group. It is available in 15 markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Middle East countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Operating with both an ad-supported tier and a premium subscription tier of service with more features, Viu delivers premium Asian content in different genres from top content providers with local language subtitles as well as original production series under the ‘Viu Original’ initiative.
Viu offers users express delivery of telecast content, streaming and download features, and localized user interfaces. With the patented Dynamic Adaptive Transcoding technology, Viu can provide smooth, unbuffered viewing experience regardless of device or network conditions.
The service can be accessed via Viu app (available for free on App Store and Google Play) on connected devices, e.g. smartphones and tablets, as well as on web by logging into www.viu.com.
About PCCW Media
The media group of PCCW is a leading, fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong.
The media group operates the leading pay-TV service in Hong Kong under the Now TV brand delivering both self-produced and licensed content to its customers using advanced IPTV technology. Now TV offers more than 190 linear channels of local, Asian and international programming. Its premium content can also be accessed on-demand and on the go via Now Player app. It is also a leading producer of Chinese language news, financial news and sports programming in addition to Asian infotainment content which complements its wide portfolio of licensed movie and international television content.
The media group is also engaged in the provision of over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region. In addition, MOOV is a hugely popular lossless music digital streaming service in Hong Kong.
Moreover, the media group operates one of Asia’s leading directories businesses under the Yellow Pages brand.
About PCCW Limited
PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008) is a global company headquartered in Hong Kong which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.
The Company holds a majority interest in the HKT Trust and HKT Limited, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider and leading operator in fixed-line, broadband and mobile communication services. HKT meets the needs of the Hong Kong public and local and international businesses with a wide range of services including local telephony, local data and broadband, international telecommunications, mobile, and other telecommunications businesses such as customer premises equipment sale, outsourcing, consulting, and contact centers.
PCCW also owns a fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong, PCCW Media. PCCW Media operates the largest local pay-TV operation, Now TV, and is engaged in the provision of over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region.
Through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, PCCW also operates a domestic free television service in Hong Kong.
Also wholly-owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong and mainland China.
In addition, PCCW holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and other overseas investments. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.
About GMM Channel
GMM Channel, also known as GMM25, is a Thai digital terrestrial television channel, a subsidiary of GMM Grammy Public Company Limited, which is the largest media conglomerate entertainment company in the country, launched in 2014. GMM Channel offers a variety of content, such as huge hit based-on-true stories drama and unique variety shows speak well to audiences of the new generation, making GMM Channel a prominent choice of entertainment renowned for realistic contents as well as innovative contents. The subsidiary enables GMM Channel to provide a full total media solution with radio, concerts, on ground events, and online media, completing GMM Channel’s entertainment services as a modern entertainment outlet.
For further information, please contact:
Ivan Ho
PCCW
Tel: +852 2883-8747
Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com
Marina Leung
Magnus Muses Limited
Tel: +852 3951 0222 / +852 9203 6203
Email: Marina.leung@magnusmuses.com
Natthakan Achariyapermsin
GMM Channel Company Limited
Tel: +66 2836 7260
Email: natthakan.ach@gmmchannel.com